The Evidence for Intravenous Theophylline Levels between 10-20mg/L in Children Suffering an Acute Exacerbation of Asthma: A Systematic Review

Cooney, , sinha, and Hawcutt, DB ORCID: 0000-0002-8120-6507 (2016) The Evidence for Intravenous Theophylline Levels between 10-20mg/L in Children Suffering an Acute Exacerbation of Asthma: A Systematic Review. PLoS ONE, 11 (4). e0153877-.

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Abstract

Background Intravenous theophyllines are a second line treatment for children suffering an acute exacerbation of asthma. Various guidelines and formularies recommend aiming for serum theophylline levels between 10-20mg/l. This review aims to assess the evidence underpinning this recommendation. Methods A systematic review comparing outcomes of children who achieved serum theophylline concentrations between 10-20mg/l with those who did not. Primary outcomes were time until resolution of symptoms, mortality and need for mechanical ventilation. Secondary outcomes were date until discharge criteria are met, actual discharge, adverse effects and FEV1. Data sources MEDLINE, CINAHL, CENTRAL and Web of Science. Search performed in October 2015. Eligibility criteria Interventional or observational studies utilizing intravenous theophyllines for an acute exacerbation of asthma in children where serum theophylline levels and clinical outcomes were measured. Findings 10 RCTs and 2 observational studies were included. Children with serum levels between 10-20mg/l did not have a reduction in duration of symptoms, length of hospital stay or need for mechanical ventilation or better spirometric results compared with levels <10mg/l. Levels above 20mg/l are not associated with higher rates of adverse effects. This study is limited due to heterogeneity in the way theophylline levels were reported and poor surveillance of adverse effects across studies. Conclusion Dosing strategies aiming for levels between 10-20mg/l are not associated with better outcomes. Clinicians should rely on clinical outcomes and not serum levels when using intravenous theophyllines in children suffering an acute exacerbation of asthma.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Humans, Asthma, Acute Disease, Theophylline, Bronchodilator Agents, Treatment Outcome, Child, Practice Guidelines as Topic, Administration, Intravenous
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	04 Jan 2019 15:04
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2023 01:08
DOI:	10.1371/journal.pone.0153877
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3030801

Available Versions of this Item

• The Evidence for Intravenous Theophylline Levels between 10-20mg/L in Children Suffering an Acute Exacerbation of Asthma: A Systematic Review. (deposited 21 Apr 2016 10:09)
  • The Evidence for Intravenous Theophylline Levels between 10-20mg/L in Children Suffering an Acute Exacerbation of Asthma: A Systematic Review. (deposited 04 Jan 2019 15:04) [Currently Displayed]