1-034 | Additional Comments | Previous Article | Next Article | List of Articles | Submit Comments | Index | FSN Home Page
Inhaled Albuterol for Hyperkalemia
Efficacy of Albuterol Inhalation in Treatment of Hyperkalemia in Premature Neonates. Singh BS, Sadiq HF, Noguchi A, et al. J Perinatol 2000: 20:461-2.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of inhaled albuterol for treatment of hyperkalemia in premature neonates by conducting a prospective, randomized and blinded clinical trial. Neonates < 2kg and on assisted ventilation with central serum potassium > 6 mEq/l , were randomly assigned to receive either albuterol (400 mcg in 2 ml
saline) [n=8] or 2 ml of normal saline [n=11] by aerosolization through the endotracheal tube. The dose was repeated q2h until the potassium level fell to < 5 mEq / l or the patient showed signs of toxicity up to a maximum of 12 doses. The serum potassium level declined significantly in the first 4 hours in the albuterol group (from 7.06 +/- 0.42 to 6.34 +/- 0.47 mEq/l) versus no significant change in the saline group (p<0.05). The magnitude of the declinee in serum potassium was twenty times greater in patients receiving albuterol than in the saline group. This effect was less marked at 8 hours, but continues to be statistically significant. No adverse effects related to albuterol were seen.Comment. This degree of hyperkalemia is common in premature infants. It is usually well tolerated and requires no treatment except possibly removing potassium from IV fluids. It would be nice to see a trial of inhaled albuterol for symptomatic hyperkalemia to see how the efficacy and onset of action compares with other more established treatment regimens for hyperkalemia in neonates.
Andrew B. Kairalla MD
Date: 21 Dec 2004
Time: 20:53:57
this is too small sample size , normal potassium level, in infants whom are not showing other hemodynamic instability, i would like to see a comparison between alobuterol and insuline on other wise large sample size.
UserName: husam salama
Institution: hamad medical corporation, NICU, Doha, Qattar
telephone: 5626016
email:
hus3038@yahoo.com