Salbutamol and Acute Lung Injury
Author Information
Author(s): Sanjay Manocha, Anthony C Gordon, Ebrahim Salehifar, Horacio Groshaus, Keith R Walley, James A Russell
Primary Institution: University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
A higher dose of inhaled β2 agonist use, compared to a lower dose, is associated with more days alive and free of acute lung injury in critically ill patients.
Conclusion
Salbutamol, an inhaled β2 agonist, is associated with a shorter duration and lower severity of acute lung injury.
Supporting Evidence
- High dose salbutamol group had significantly more days alive and free of ALI than the low dose group.
- The mean salbutamol doses in the high and low dose groups were 3.72 mg/day and 0.64 mg/day respectively.
- High dose salbutamol was independently associated with more days alive and free of ALI after adjusting for other factors.
Takeaway
Giving more salbutamol can help patients with lung injuries feel better and recover faster.
Methodology
Retrospective chart review of 86 mechanically ventilated patients with acute lung injury, comparing high and low doses of inhaled salbutamol.
Potential Biases
Differences in age and history of COPD/asthma/smoking between groups could confound results.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and the dose of salbutamol was not controlled.
Participant Demographics
Patients were mechanically ventilated with varying exposure to inhaled salbutamol, with a mean age of 65.7 years in the high dose group.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Statistical Significance
p = 0.02
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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