Continuous versus intermittent nebulization of salbutamol in acute severe asthma: a randomized, controlled trial.

Study Objective: This study was conducted to compare the clinical and spirometric effects of continuous and intermittent nebulization of salbutamol in acute severe asthma.

Methods: Forty-two consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department for acute severe asthma (peak expiratory flow [PEF] mean+/-SD, 24%+/-12% predicted) were prospectively randomly assigned to receive 27.5 mg of salbutamol by either continuous or intermittent nebulization over a 6-hour period.

Dobutamine in severe scorpion envenomation: effects on standard hemodynamics, right ventricular performance, and tissue oxygenation.

Objectives: To document the effects of dobutamine on standard hemodynamics and right ventricular (RV) performance in patients exhibiting pulmonary edema following severe scorpion envenomation, and to characterize the tissue oxygenation profile in patients sustaining scorpion envenomation-related shock.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: An ICU in a university hospital.