Comparison of Albuterol for Status Asthmaticus

Comparison of Benzalkonium Chloride Containing Albuterol Versus Preservative Free Albuterol for the Treatment of Status Asthmaticus

This study is designed to compare the length of continuous albuterol administration between two different albuterol formulations, BAC containing albuterol versus preservative free albuterol.

The primary objective of this study is to compare the length of continuous albuterol administration between patients receiving BAC containing albuterol versus preservative free albuterol. Secondary objectives include comparison of therapy escalation, asthma scores, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) at discharge, length of hospital stay, and cost.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients will be included in the study if they are admitted to the 5th floor of Norton Children's Hospital for the treatment of an acute asthma exacerbation, initiated on continuous albuterol inhalation therapy, and are between 5 and 17 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients will be excluded from the study if they are transferred from the 5th floor to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), admitted for any indication other than acute asthma exacerbation, or removed from the inpatient asthma protocol for any given reason.