Circulation Atmegiso tmO Learn and live JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION Part 10.5: Near-Fatal Asthma Circulation 2005: 1 12: 139-142; originally published online Nov 28, 2005 DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA. 105.166567 Circulation is published by the American Heart Association. 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Tx 72514 Copyright o 2005 American Heart Association. All rights reserved. Print ISSN: 0009-7322. Online ISSN:15244539 The online version of this article, along with updated information and services, is located on the world wide web at http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/112/24suppl/iv-139 Subscriptions: Information about subscribing to Circulation is online at http://circ.ahajournals.org/subsriptions/ Permissions: Permissions Rights Desk, Lippincott Williams Wilkins, 351 West Cam Street. Baltimore MD 21202-2436 Phone 410-5280-4050. Fax: 410-528-8550 En journalpermissions@lww.com Reprints: Information about reprints can be found online at http://www.Iww.com/static/html/reprints.html Downloaded from circ. ahajournals. org by on February 21, 2006
ISSN: 1524-4539 Copyright © 2005 American Heart Association. All rights reserved. Print ISSN: 0009-7322. Online 72514 Circulation is published by the American Heart Association. 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.166567 Circulation 2005;112;139-142; originally published online Nov 28, 2005; Part 10.5: Near-Fatal Asthma http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/112/24_suppl/IV-139 located on the World Wide Web at: The online version of this article, along with updated information and services, is http://www.lww.com/static/html/reprints.html Reprints: Information about reprints can be found online at journalpermissions@lww.com Street, Baltimore, MD 21202-2436. Phone 410-5280-4050. Fax: 410-528-8550. Email: Permissions: Permissions & Rights Desk, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 351 West Camden http://circ.ahajournals.org/subsriptions/ Subscriptions: Information about subscribing to Circulation is online at Downloaded from circ.ahajournals.org by on February 21, 2006
Part 10.5: Near-Fatal asthma A sthma accounts for >2 million emergency department Primary Therapy visits and 5000 to 6000 deaths annually in the United Orygen States, many occurring in the prehospital setting. Severe Provide oxygen to all patients with severe asthma, even those asthma accounts for approximately 2%o to 20% of admissions with normal oxygenation. Titrate to maintain Sa0,>92%.As to intensive care units, with up to one third of these patients noted above, successful treatment with B-agonists may ini- equiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. This section tially cause a decrease in oxygen saturation because the focuses on the evaluation and treatment of patients with resultant bronchodilation may initially increase the ventilation-perfusion mismatch. Pathophysiology Inhaled Br-Agor The pathophysiology of asthma consists of 3 key Albuterol (or salbutamol) provides rapid, dose-dependent bronchodilation with minimal side effects because the ad- Bronchoconstriction ministered dose depends on the patient's lung volume and · Airway inflammation inspiratory flow rates, the same dose can be used in most · Mucous impaction patients regardless of age or size. Although 6 adult studies5 and I pediatric study showed no difference in the effects of Complications of severe asthma, such as tension pneumo- continuous versus intermittent administration of nebulized thorax, lobar atelectasis, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema, albuterol, continuous administration was more effective in the can contribute to fatalities. Cardiac causes of death are less subset of patients with severe exacerbations of asthma,7&and common it was more cost-effective in a pediatric trial. A Cochrane meta-analysis showed no overall difference between the Clinical Aspects of Severe Asthma effects of albuterol delivered by metered dose inhaler(MDI)- eezing is a common physical finding, but severity does spacer or nebulizer, but MDI-spacer administration can be ot correlate with the degree of airway obstruction. The difficult in patients in severe distress. The typical dose of albuterol by nebulizer is 2.5 or 5 mg every 15 to 20 minutes whereas increased wheezing may indicate a positive response intermittently or continuous nebulization in a dose of 10 to 15 to bronchodilator therapy Oxygen saturation( Sao2) levels may not reflect progre Levalbuterol is the R-isomer of albuterol. It has recently alveolar hypoventilation, particularly if O2 is being adminis become available in the united States for treatment of acute tered. Note that the Sao2, may initially fall during therapy asthma. Some studies have shown equivalent or slight because B-agonists produce both bronchodilation and vaso provement in bronchodilation when compared with albuterol dilation and may initially increase intrapulmonary shunting in the emergency department. o Further studies are needed Other causes of wheezing are pulmonary edema, chronic before a definitive recommendation can be made obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), pneumonia, anaphy laxis, foreign bodies, pulmonary embolism, bronchiectasis, Corticosteroids and subglottic Systemic corticosteroids are the only proven treatment for the inflammatory component of asthma, but the onset of their Initial Stabilization anti-inflammatory effects is 6 to 12 hours after administra- Patients with severe life-threatening asthma require urgent tion. A comprehensive search of the literature by the Coch and aggressive treatment with simultaneous administration of rane approach (including pediatric and adult patients)deter oxygen, bronchodilators, and steroids. Healthcare providers mined that the early use of systemic steroids reduced rates of must monitor these patients closely for deterioration. Al- admission to the hospital. Thus, providers should administer though the pathophysiology of life-threatening asthma con- steroids as early as possible to all asthma patients but should sists of bronchoconstriction, inflammation, and mucous im- not expect effects for several hours. Although there is no paction, only bronchoconstriction and inflammation are difference in clinical effects between oral and intravenous amenable to drug treatment. If the patient does not respond (V) formulations of corticosteroids, 2 the IV route is prefer- herapy, consultation or transfer to a pulmonologist or inten- able because patients with near-fatal asthma may vomit or be unable to swallow. A typical initial adult dose of methylpl nisolone is 125 mg( dose range: 40 to 250 mg). Incorporation or substitution of inhaled steroids into this ( Circulation.2005;112:Iv-139v-142.) o 2005 American Heart Association scheme remains controversial. A Cochrane meta-analysis of 7 randomized trials (4 adult and 3 pediatric) of inhaled corti- This special supplement to Circulation is freely available http://www.circulationaha.org costeroids concluded that steroids significantly reduced the likelihood of admission to the hospital, particularly in patients DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA. 105.166567 who were not receiving concomitant systemic steroids. But ⅣVl39
Part 10.5: Near-Fatal Asthma Asthma accounts for 2 million emergency department visits and 5000 to 6000 deaths annually in the United States, many occurring in the prehospital setting.1 Severe asthma accounts for approximately 2% to 20% of admissions to intensive care units, with up to one third of these patients requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation.2 This section focuses on the evaluation and treatment of patients with near-fatal asthma. Pathophysiology The pathophysiology of asthma consists of 3 key abnormalities: ● Bronchoconstriction ● Airway inflammation ● Mucous impaction Complications of severe asthma, such as tension pneumothorax, lobar atelectasis, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema, can contribute to fatalities. Cardiac causes of death are less common. Clinical Aspects of Severe Asthma Wheezing is a common physical finding, but severity does not correlate with the degree of airway obstruction. The absence of wheezing may indicate critical airway obstruction, whereas increased wheezing may indicate a positive response to bronchodilator therapy. Oxygen saturation (SaO2) levels may not reflect progressive alveolar hypoventilation, particularly if O2 is being administered. Note that the SaO2 may initially fall during therapy because -agonists produce both bronchodilation and vasodilation and may initially increase intrapulmonary shunting. Other causes of wheezing are pulmonary edema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, anaphylaxis,3 foreign bodies, pulmonary embolism, bronchiectasis, and subglottic mass.4 Initial Stabilization Patients with severe life-threatening asthma require urgent and aggressive treatment with simultaneous administration of oxygen, bronchodilators, and steroids. Healthcare providers must monitor these patients closely for deterioration. Although the pathophysiology of life-threatening asthma consists of bronchoconstriction, inflammation, and mucous impaction, only bronchoconstriction and inflammation are amenable to drug treatment. If the patient does not respond to therapy, consultation or transfer to a pulmonologist or intensivist is appropriate. Primary Therapy Oxygen Provide oxygen to all patients with severe asthma, even those with normal oxygenation. Titrate to maintain SaO2 92%. As noted above, successful treatment with -agonists may initially cause a decrease in oxygen saturation because the resultant bronchodilation may initially increase the ventilation-perfusion mismatch. Inhaled 2-Agonists Albuterol (or salbutamol) provides rapid, dose-dependent bronchodilation with minimal side effects. Because the administered dose depends on the patient’s lung volume and inspiratory flow rates, the same dose can be used in most patients regardless of age or size. Although 6 adult studies5 and 1 pediatric study6 showed no difference in the effects of continuous versus intermittent administration of nebulized albuterol, continuous administration was more effective in the subset of patients with severe exacerbations of asthma,7,8 and it was more cost-effective in a pediatric trial.6 A Cochrane meta-analysis showed no overall difference between the effects of albuterol delivered by metered dose inhaler (MDI)- spacer or nebulizer,9 but MDI-spacer administration can be difficult in patients in severe distress. The typical dose of albuterol by nebulizer is 2.5 or 5 mg every 15 to 20 minutes intermittently or continuous nebulization in a dose of 10 to 15 mg/h. Levalbuterol is the R-isomer of albuterol. It has recently become available in the United States for treatment of acute asthma. Some studies have shown equivalent or slight improvement in bronchodilation when compared with albuterol in the emergency department.10 Further studies are needed before a definitive recommendation can be made. Corticosteroids Systemic corticosteroids are the only proven treatment for the inflammatory component of asthma, but the onset of their anti-inflammatory effects is 6 to 12 hours after administration. A comprehensive search of the literature by the Cochrane approach (including pediatric and adult patients) determined that the early use of systemic steroids reduced rates of admission to the hospital.11 Thus, providers should administer steroids as early as possible to all asthma patients but should not expect effects for several hours. Although there is no difference in clinical effects between oral and intravenous (IV) formulations of corticosteroids,12 the IV route is preferable because patients with near-fatal asthma may vomit or be unable to swallow. A typical initial adult dose of methylprednisolone is 125 mg (dose range: 40 to 250 mg). Incorporation or substitution of inhaled steroids into this scheme remains controversial. A Cochrane meta-analysis of 7 randomized trials (4 adult and 3 pediatric) of inhaled corticosteroids concluded that steroids significantly reduced the likelihood of admission to the hospital, particularly in patients who were not receiving concomitant systemic steroids. But (Circulation. 2005;112:IV-139-IV-142.) © 2005 American Heart Association. This special supplement to Circulation is freely available at http://www.circulationaha.org DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.166567 IV-139
lV-140 Circulation December 13. 2005 the meta-analysis concluded that there is insufficient evi- Heliox dence that inhaled corticosteroids alone are as effective as Heliox is a mixture of helium and oxygen (usually a 70: 30 ystemic steroids. 3 helium to oxygen ratio mix) that is less viscous than ambient air. Heliox has been shown to improve the delivery and Adjunctive Therapies deposition of nebulized albuterol. 26 Although recent meta- Anticholinergics analysis of 4 clinical trials did not support the use of heliox in Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that the initial treatment of patients with acute asthma, 7 it may be is pharmacologically related to atropine. It can produce a useful for asthma that is refractory to conventional therapy. 8 clinically modest improvement in lung function compar The heliox mixture requires at least 70% helium for eff with albuterol alone. 14, 15 The nebulizer dose is 0.5 mg. It has if the patient requires >30% oxygen, the heliox mixture a slow onset of action(approximately 20 minutes), with peak cannot be used effectiveness at 60 to 90 minutes and no systemic side effects Methylxanthine It is typically given only once because of its prolonged onset Although previously a mainstay in the treatment of acute of action, but some studies have shown clinical improvement asthma, methylxanthines are infrequently used because of only with repeated doses. 16 Given the few side effects, erratic pharmacokinetics and known side effects. ipratropium should be considered an adjunct to albuterol Tiotropium is a new, longer-acting anticholinergic that Leukotriene Antagonists currently undergoing clinical testing for use in acut Leukotriene antagonists improve lung function and decrease he need for short-acting B-agonists during long-term asthma therapy, but their effectiveness during acute exacerbations of Magnesium Sulfate asthma is unproven. One study showed improvement in lung IV magnesium sulfate can modestly improve pulmonary function with the addition of iv montelukast to standard function in patients with asthma when combined with nebu- therapy, but further research is needed. lized B-adrenergic agents and corticosteroids. 18 Magnesium Inhaled Anesthetics causes bronchial smooth muscle relaxation independent o the serum magnesium level, with only minor side effects Case reports in adults 0 and children 1 suggest a benefit of inhalation anesthetics for patients with status asthmaticu (flushing, lightheadedness). A Cochrane meta-analysis of 7 unresponsive to maximal conventional therapy. These anes studies concluded that IV magnesium sulfate improves pul- thetic agents may work directly as bronchodilators and may nary function and reduces hospital admissions, particu have indirect effects by enhancing patient-ventilator syn- ly for patients with the most severe exacerbations of chrony and reducing oxygen demand and carbon dioxide asthma. I9 The typical adult dose is 1. 2 to 2 g Iv given over 20 production. This therapy, however, requires an ICU setting minutes. When given with a B-agonist, nebulized magne and there have been no randomized studies to evaluate its sium sulfate also improved pulmonary function during acute effectiveness asthma but did not reduce rate of hospitalization. 20 Parenteral epinephrine or Terbutaline Assisted ventilation Epinephrine and terbutaline are adrenergic agents that can be Noninvasive positive-Pressure ventilation The dose of subcutaneous epinephrine (concentration of Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation(NIPPV) may offer to patients with 1: 1000) is 0.0l mg/kg divided into 3 doses of approximately and may delay or eliminate the need for endotracheal intu- ergic properties of epinephrine may cause an increase in heart bation. 2.33 This therapy requires an alert patient with ade- rate, myocardial irritability, and increased oxygen demand. quate spontaneous respiratory effort. Bi-level positive airway But its use (even in patients >35 years of age)is well- NIPPV, allows for separate control of inspiratory and expi tolerated. 2I Terbutaline is given in a dose of 0.25 mg subcutaneously and can be repeated in 30 to 60 minutes. ratory pressures These drugs are more commonly administered to children with acute asthma. Although most studies have shown them Endotracheal intubation with to be equally efficacious, 2 one study concluded that terbutal Mechanical Ventilation Ine was superior Endotracheal intubation does not solve the problem of small airway constriction in patients with severe asthma. In addi- on, intubation and positive-pressure ventilation can trigger Ketamine is a parenteral dissociative anesthetic that has further bronchoconstriction and complications such as breath bronchodilatory properties. Ketamine may also have indirect stacking(auto-PEEP Positive end-expiratory pressure])and effects in patients with asthma through its sedative properties. barotrauma. Although endotracheal intubation introduces One case series24 suggested substantial effectiveness, but the risks, elective intubation should be performed if the asthmatic ingle randomized trial published to date 25 showed no benefit patient deteriorates despite aggressive management. of ketamine when compared with standard care. Ketamine Rapid sequence intubation is the technique of choice. The will stimulate copious bronchial secretions. provider should use the largest endotracheal tube available
the meta-analysis concluded that there is insufficient evidence that inhaled corticosteroids alone are as effective as systemic steroids.13 Adjunctive Therapies Anticholinergics Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that is pharmacologically related to atropine. It can produce a clinically modest improvement in lung function compared with albuterol alone.14,15 The nebulizer dose is 0.5 mg. It has a slow onset of action (approximately 20 minutes), with peak effectiveness at 60 to 90 minutes and no systemic side effects. It is typically given only once because of its prolonged onset of action, but some studies have shown clinical improvement only with repeated doses.16 Given the few side effects, ipratropium should be considered an adjunct to albuterol. Tiotropium is a new, longer-acting anticholinergic that is currently undergoing clinical testing for use in acute asthma.17 Magnesium Sulfate IV magnesium sulfate can modestly improve pulmonary function in patients with asthma when combined with nebulized -adrenergic agents and corticosteroids.18 Magnesium causes bronchial smooth muscle relaxation independent of the serum magnesium level, with only minor side effects (flushing, lightheadedness). A Cochrane meta-analysis of 7 studies concluded that IV magnesium sulfate improves pulmonary function and reduces hospital admissions, particularly for patients with the most severe exacerbations of asthma.19 The typical adult dose is 1.2 to 2 g IV given over 20 minutes. When given with a 2-agonist, nebulized magnesium sulfate also improved pulmonary function during acute asthma but did not reduce rate of hospitalization.20 Parenteral Epinephrine or Terbutaline Epinephrine and terbutaline are adrenergic agents that can be given subcutaneously to patients with acute severe asthma. The dose of subcutaneous epinephrine (concentration of 1:1000) is 0.01 mg/kg divided into 3 doses of approximately 0.3 mg given at 20-minute intervals. The nonselective adrenergic properties of epinephrine may cause an increase in heart rate, myocardial irritability, and increased oxygen demand. But its use (even in patients 35 years of age) is welltolerated.21 Terbutaline is given in a dose of 0.25 mg subcutaneously and can be repeated in 30 to 60 minutes. These drugs are more commonly administered to children with acute asthma. Although most studies have shown them to be equally efficacious,22 one study concluded that terbutaline was superior.23 Ketamine Ketamine is a parenteral dissociative anesthetic that has bronchodilatory properties. Ketamine may also have indirect effects in patients with asthma through its sedative properties. One case series24 suggested substantial effectiveness, but the single randomized trial published to date25 showed no benefit of ketamine when compared with standard care. Ketamine will stimulate copious bronchial secretions. Heliox Heliox is a mixture of helium and oxygen (usually a 70:30 helium to oxygen ratio mix) that is less viscous than ambient air. Heliox has been shown to improve the delivery and deposition of nebulized albuterol.26 Although recent metaanalysis of 4 clinical trials did not support the use of heliox in the initial treatment of patients with acute asthma,27 it may be useful for asthma that is refractory to conventional therapy.28 The heliox mixture requires at least 70% helium for effect, so if the patient requires 30% oxygen, the heliox mixture cannot be used. Methylxanthines Although previously a mainstay in the treatment of acute asthma, methylxanthines are infrequently used because of erratic pharmacokinetics and known side effects. Leukotriene Antagonists Leukotriene antagonists improve lung function and decrease the need for short-acting -agonists during long-term asthma therapy, but their effectiveness during acute exacerbations of asthma is unproven. One study showed improvement in lung function with the addition of IV montelukast to standard therapy,29 but further research is needed. Inhaled Anesthetics Case reports in adults30 and children31 suggest a benefit of inhalation anesthetics for patients with status asthmaticus unresponsive to maximal conventional therapy. These anesthetic agents may work directly as bronchodilators and may have indirect effects by enhancing patient-ventilator synchrony and reducing oxygen demand and carbon dioxide production. This therapy, however, requires an ICU setting, and there have been no randomized studies to evaluate its effectiveness. Assisted Ventilation Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) may offer short-term support to patients with acute respiratory failure and may delay or eliminate the need for endotracheal intubation.32,33 This therapy requires an alert patient with adequate spontaneous respiratory effort. Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP), the most common way of delivering NIPPV, allows for separate control of inspiratory and expiratory pressures. Endotracheal Intubation With Mechanical Ventilation Endotracheal intubation does not solve the problem of small airway constriction in patients with severe asthma. In addition, intubation and positive-pressure ventilation can trigger further bronchoconstriction and complications such as breath stacking (auto-PEEP [positive end-expiratory pressure]) and barotrauma. Although endotracheal intubation introduces risks, elective intubation should be performed if the asthmatic patient deteriorates despite aggressive management. Rapid sequence intubation is the technique of choice. The provider should use the largest endotracheal tube available IV-140 Circulation December 13, 2005
Part 10.5: Near-Fatal Asthma /V-14I (usually 8 or 9 mm) to decrease airway resistance Immedi- of experienced providers in an intensive care settin ately after intubation, confirm endotracheal tube placement tertiary centers can offer experimental therapies as a by clinical examination and a device (eg, exhaled CO2 and transfer should be considered for patients with I detector) and obtain a chest radiograph. asthma that is refractory to aggressive medical management. Troubleshooting After Intubation Refere When severe bronchoconstriction is present, breath stacking I. Division of Data Services. New Asthma Estimates: Tracking Prevalence, (so-called auto-PEEP) can develop during positive-pressure Health Care, and Mortality. Hyattsville, Md: National Center for Health ventilation, leading to complications such as hyperinflation Statistics: 2001 tension pneumothorax, and hypotension. During manual or 2. McFadden ER Jr. Acute severe asthma. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2003:168:740-759 mechanical ventilation use a slower respiratory rate(eg, 6 to 3. Rainbow 1. Browne Gl. Fatal asthma or anaphylaxis? Emerg Med J. 10 breaths per minute)with smaller tidal volumes(eg, 6 to 2002:19415-417 L/kg), 4 shorter inspiratory time (eg, adult inspiratory 4. Kokturk N, Demir N, Kervan F, Dinc E, Koybasioglu A, Turktas H.A flow rate 80 to 100 mL/min), and longer expiratory time(eg licking near-fatal asthma: a challenge of diagnosis. inspiratory to expiratory ratio 1: 4 or 1: 5)than would typically J Emerg Med. 2004: 26: 57 5. Rodrigo G, Rodrigo C. Continuous vs intermittent beta-agonists in the be provided to nonasthmatic patients treatment of acute adult asthma: a systematic review with meta-analysis Mild hypoventilation(permissive hypercapnia) reduces the Chest.2002;122:160-16 risk of barotrauma. Hypercapnia is typically well tolerated. 35 6. Khine H. Fuchs SM. Saville AL. Continuous vs intermittent nebulized albuterol for emergency management of asthma. Acad Emerg Med. 1996: Sedation is often required to optimize ventilation and mini mize barotrauma after intubation. Delivery of inhaled medi 7. Lin RY, Sauter D, Newman T. Sirleaf J, Walters J, Tavakol M. Con- cations may be inadequate before intubation, so continue luous versus intermittent albuterol nebulization in the treatment of acute minister inhaled albuterol treatments through the endotra- asthma. Ann Emerg Med. 1993: 22: 1847-1853 8. Rudnitsky GS, Eberlein RS, Schoffstall JM, Mazur JE, Spivey WH cheal tube and continuously nebulized Four common causes of acute deterioration in any intu- treatment of asthma in an urban emergency department. Ann Emerg Med. bated patient are recalled by the mnemonic DoPE(tube 1993:22:1842-1846 9. Newman KB, Milne S, Hamilton C, Hall K. A comparison of albuterol Displacement, tube Obstruction, Pneumothorax, and Equip- administered by metered-dose inhaler and spacer with albuterol by neb- ment failure). This mnemonic still holds in the patient with ulizer in adults presenting to an urban emergency department with acut severe asthma asthma. Chest.2002:121:1036-1041 If the patient with asthma deteriorates or is difficult to ventilate, verify endotracheal tube position, eliminate tube lergy Asthma Rep. 2003; 3: 172-178 Il. Gibbs MA, Camargo CA Jr, Rowe BH. Silverman RA. State of the art: obstruction(eliminate any mucous plugs and kinks), and rule controversies in severe acute asthma. Acad Emerg Med out (or decompress)a pneumothorax. Only experienced 2000:7:800-815 providers should perform needle decompression or insertion 12. Ratto D, Alfaro C, Sipsey J, Glovsky MM, Sharma OP. Are intravenous corticosteroids required in status asthmaticus? JAMA. 1988: 260: 527-529 of a chest tube for pneumothorax 13. Rowe BH, Spooner CH, Ducharme FM, Bretzlaff JA, Bota Gw. Early Check the ventilator circuit for leaks or malfunction. High emergency department treatment of acute asthma with systemic cortico- nd-expiratory pressure can be quickly reduced by separating steroids. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000: CD002178 the patient from the ventilator circuit; this will allow PEEP to 4. Aaron SD. The use of ipratropium bromide for the management of acute sthma exacerbation in adults and children: a systematic review dissipate during passive exhalation. Te auto-PEEP asthma.2001:38:521-530 decrease inhalation time (this increases exhalation time) 15. Rodrigo G. Rodrigo C, of the effects of decrease the respiratory rate by 2 breaths per minute, and bromide in adults with acute asthma. Am J Med. 1999: 107 reduce the tidal volume to 3 to 5 mL/kg. Continue treatment 363-370 16. Plotnick LH. Ducharme FM. Acute asthma in children and adolescents. 17. Keam sJ ng GM. Tiotropium bromide. A review of its use as Cardiac arrest in the asthmatic Patient maintenance therapy in patients with COPD. Treat Respir Med. 2004: 3: When the asthmatic patient experiences a cardiac arrest, the 247-268 provider may be concerned about modifications to the ACL 8. Silverman RA. Osborn H. Runge J. Gallagher EJ. Chiang W, Feldman J, Gaeta T, Freeman K, Levin B, Mancherje N, Scharf sIV magnesium guidelines. There is inadequate evidence to recommend for or ulfate in the treatment of acute severe asthma a multicenter randomized against the use of heliox during cardiac arrest( Class Indeter controlled trial. Chest. 2002: 122: 489-497. minate). 36 There is insufficient evidence to recommend com- Rowe BH, Bretzlaff JA, Bourdon C, Bota Gw, Camargo CA Jr. Mag pression of the chest wall to relieve gas trapping if dynamic m sulfate for treating exacerbations of acute asthma in the department. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000: CDO01490. 20. Blitz M, Blitz S, Beasely R, Diner B, Hughes R, Knopp J, Rowe B Inhaled magnesium sulfate in the treatment of acute asthma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005: CD003898. Summary 21. Cydulka R, Davison R, Grammer L, Parker M, Mathews JIV. The use of When treating patients with severe asthma, providers should closely monitor patients to detect further deterioration or ee epinephrine in the treatment of older adult asthmatics. A/nn Emerg Med development of complications. When there is no improve- ictoria MS, Battista C, Nangia BS. Comparison of subcutaneous ter butaline with epinephrine in the treatment of asthma in children. J Allergy ment and intubation is required, these patients require the care Clin immunol.1977:59:128-135
(usually 8 or 9 mm) to decrease airway resistance. Immediately after intubation, confirm endotracheal tube placement by clinical examination and a device (eg, exhaled CO2 detector) and obtain a chest radiograph. Troubleshooting After Intubation When severe bronchoconstriction is present, breath stacking (so-called auto-PEEP) can develop during positive-pressure ventilation, leading to complications such as hyperinflation, tension pneumothorax, and hypotension. During manual or mechanical ventilation use a slower respiratory rate (eg, 6 to 10 breaths per minute) with smaller tidal volumes (eg, 6 to 8 mL/kg),34 shorter inspiratory time (eg, adult inspiratory flow rate 80 to 100 mL/min), and longer expiratory time (eg, inspiratory to expiratory ratio 1:4 or 1:5) than would typically be provided to nonasthmatic patients. Mild hypoventilation (permissive hypercapnia) reduces the risk of barotrauma. Hypercapnia is typically well tolerated.35 Sedation is often required to optimize ventilation and minimize barotrauma after intubation. Delivery of inhaled medications may be inadequate before intubation, so continue to administer inhaled albuterol treatments through the endotracheal tube. Four common causes of acute deterioration in any intubated patient are recalled by the mnemonic DOPE (tube Displacement, tube Obstruction, Pneumothorax, and Equipment failure). This mnemonic still holds in the patient with severe asthma. If the patient with asthma deteriorates or is difficult to ventilate, verify endotracheal tube position, eliminate tube obstruction (eliminate any mucous plugs and kinks), and rule out (or decompress) a pneumothorax. Only experienced providers should perform needle decompression or insertion of a chest tube for pneumothorax. Check the ventilator circuit for leaks or malfunction. High end-expiratory pressure can be quickly reduced by separating the patient from the ventilator circuit; this will allow PEEP to dissipate during passive exhalation. To minimize auto-PEEP, decrease inhalation time (this increases exhalation time), decrease the respiratory rate by 2 breaths per minute, and reduce the tidal volume to 3 to 5 mL/kg. Continue treatment with inhaled albuterol. Cardiac Arrest in the Asthmatic Patient When the asthmatic patient experiences a cardiac arrest, the provider may be concerned about modifications to the ACLS guidelines. There is inadequate evidence to recommend for or against the use of heliox during cardiac arrest (Class Indeterminate).36 There is insufficient evidence to recommend compression of the chest wall to relieve gas trapping if dynamic hyperinflation occurs.37 Summary When treating patients with severe asthma, providers should closely monitor patients to detect further deterioration or development of complications. When there is no improvement and intubation is required, these patients require the care of experienced providers in an intensive care setting. Some tertiary centers can offer experimental therapies as a last resort, and transfer should be considered for patients with near-fatal asthma that is refractory to aggressive medical management. References 1. Division of Data Services. New Asthma Estimates: Tracking Prevalence, Health Care, and Mortality. Hyattsville, Md: National Center for Health Statistics; 2001. 2. McFadden ER Jr. Acute severe asthma. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2003;168:740 –759. 3. Rainbow J, Browne GJ. Fatal asthma or anaphylaxis? Emerg Med J. 2002;19:415– 417. 4. Kokturk N, Demir N, Kervan F, Dinc E, Koybasioglu A, Turktas H. A subglottic mass mimicking near-fatal asthma: a challenge of diagnosis. J Emerg Med. 2004;26:57– 60. 5. Rodrigo GJ, Rodrigo C. 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