Role of magnesium sulphate in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Magnesium sulphate (MS) is a molecule with bronchodilatory properties that has been used successfully for the treatment of asthma exacerbations.  The use of MS has also been evaluated for the treatment of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There are conflicting results of studies evaluating the efficiency of MS in COPD. The aim of this review is to summarize the findings of those studies and to answer the question if there is any rationale for use of MS in acute exacerbations of COPD.