Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to determine whether or not inhaled furosemide has any therapeutic benefit in acute asthma in children. Aerosolized furosemide (20 mg) was administered four times per day together with conventional asthma therapy for 2 days in five children with severe asthma exacerbation. The oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter (SpO2), and the peak expiratory flow (PEF) were measured before and 10 min after furosemide inhalation. Although a little improvement in SpO2 and PEF was observed after the furosemide inhalation, the results were inferior to those with an inhaled β2-agonist (procaterol hydrochloride). Long-term furosemide therapy was performed in two cases; however, amelioration of the SpO2 levels (> 90%) and PEF (> 80% of personal best) was not observed within 8 days of medication with furosemide. It is concluded that inhaled furosemide is not of additional benefit in children with severe exacerbation of asthma.
