Trial of Terbutaline for the Treatment of Status Asthmaticus in Children
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2006-10-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Although widely used for the treatment of pediatric status asthmaticus, intravenous
terbutaline has potentially significant side effects; may not improve outcomes; and may
increase Intensive Care Unit (ICU) length of stay. This study is designed to test the
efficacy of intravenous terbutaline for the treatment of status asthmaticus by adding
intravenous terbutaline or placebo to standard asthma treatment. The dose of terbutaline or
placebo will be titrated according to severity of illness as quantified by a validated
clinical asthma score. Differences in outcomes between the study groups, such as length of
stay, hospital costs, and lung function will be compared.