Intravenous magnesium sulphate provides no additive benefit to standard management in acute asthma.

Background: Treatment of acute asthma is based on rapid reversal of bronchospasm and airway inflammation. Magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4)) is known to have a bronchodilator effect on smooth muscle but studies have shown conflicting results on its efficacy in acute asthma, although its use is recommended in national and international guidelines.

Aims: To determine if intravenous MgSO(4), when used as an adjunct to standard therapy, improves the outcome in acute asthma.