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Acute wheeze: escalation to intravenous therapy for Acute Wheeze Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) for patients over 2 years old

What's New

17/11/2021 Small amendment to section: Escalation to IV therapy drug algorithm > 2. IV AMINOPHYLLINE - If ongoing need for INFUSION, inform PICU to ensure patient is added to the 'Watcher list' - PICU Fellow: 84725

Objectives

Standardisation of the management of children over 2 years of age requiring intravenous (IV) therapy for management of acute wheeze.

Scope

Children aged 2-16 years presenting with severe or life threatening wheeze as per BTS/SIGN criteria and have failed to respond to initial therapy. Children under the age of 2 years should follow the separate guideline for children under the age of 2 years with wheeze.

Audience

Medical and nursing staff who encounter this patient group

November 2023: This guidance is currently under review as it has gone beyond the standard review date. It reflects best practice at the time of authorship / last review and remains safe for use. If there are any concerns regarding the content then please consult with senior clinical staff to confirm.

Acute wheeze management in children > 2 years

Wheeze severity assessment

MILD
SpO2>92% 

AND

  • Normal mental state
  • Able to talk normally
  • Subtle or No ⇧ WOB
    (work of breathing)
    • No accessory muscle use or chest wall recession
  • No ⇧ Heart Rate (HR) or ⇧ Respiratory Rate (RR)

 

MODERATE
SpO2>92%

AND

  • Normal mental state
  • Dyspnoea resulting in limitation of full sentences
  • Moderate ⇧ WOB
    • Moderate accessory muscle use & chest wall recession
  • HR - PEWS <2
  • RR - PEWS <2
  • PEF >50% of best or predicted

SEVERE
SpO2<92%

AND

  • Agitated/distressed state
  • Marked dyspnea resulting in <3 word sentences
  • Severe ⇧ WOB
  • Marked accessory muscle use and chest wall recession
  • HR - PEWS >2
  • RR - PEWS >2
  • PEF 33-50% of best or predicted

LIFE THREATENING
SpO2<92%

AND

  • Confused / drowsy
  • Unable to talk due to dyspnoea
  • CYANOSED
  • MAXIMAL WOB
  • Beware exhaustion may = poor respiratory effort
  • SILENT CHEST (exclude upper airway obstruction)
  • PEF <33% of best or predicted

 

'Red Flag features

  • Has the patient previously received IV therapy for wheeze management?

  • Has the patient been admitted to the PICU previously for respiratory illness?

If YES to any of the above then patient should be discussed with on call Paediatric Registrar prior to discharge.

 

Drugs

Salbutamol MDI + Spacer – Initial therapy = 10 puffs.  (100mcg per puff)

Oxygen – minimum 6 l/min via non-rebreather mask

Prednisolone

2 -4yrs       20mg OD

>5yrs      40mg OD

 

Nebulised medication for Severe Wheeze

2 -4yrs  
            

Salbutamol 2.5mg
Ipratropium bromide 250mcg
Magnesium sulphate 154mg (2.5mls)

>5yrs    

Salbutamol 5mg
Ipratropium bromide 250mcg (>12yrs 500 mcg)
Magnesium sulphate 154mg (2.5mls)


IV MEDICATION
(To be prescribed as per the Escalation to IV therapy care pathway)

1. Magnesium sulphate injection 

40mg/kg over 20 minutes (max 2gram)

2. Aminophylline 

Loading dose    

 

5mg/kg* for all ages
(*unless on long-acting theophylline)

Continuous dose

<12 years 1mg/kg/hr 

≥12 years 500 mcg/kg/hr

3. Salbutamol

Bolus dose

Infusion dose

15µg/kg over 10mins

1-5µg/kg/min

- Hydrocortisone              

- Ondansetron      

4mg/kg QDS (max 100mg)

100micrograms/kg (max 4mg)

 

Discharge criteria & checklist

  • Patient maintaining saturations > 94% in air
  • Tolerating 3hrly multidosing        

Patients with MILD asthma at 1st assessment can be discharged after Salbutamol without being monitored for 4 hours

  • Discharge Checklist Completed
  • No red flag features
  • If presenting with interval symptoms medication reviewed and consideration given to starting Clenil Modulite 100mcg BD
  • Follow-Up arranged as below

DISCHARGE PLANNING – POINTS TO CONSIDER

Criteria for Acute Medical Paediatric Follow Up

Discharge Checklist Completed?
All the following must be completed prior to discharge
  • Inhaler technique checked
  • Asthma booklet given
  • Watched asthma education video
  • Completed 3 days prednisolone or remaining doses prescribed for home
  • Salbutamol inhaler (x2) and spacer dispensed
  • Wheeze plan given and explained
  • Parents advised what to do in event of clinical deterioration
  • Advised to attend GP within 48 hours discharge
  • Chronic features and criteria for follow-up reviewed
  • (Please document any follow-up requested)
  • Maintaining oxygen Saturations >/= 94% air
  • Tolerating 3hrly multi-dosing
  • Discharge Medication prescribed

GP’s should be able to manage the majority of children with wheeze

Patients who have been started on a clenil inhaler should be advised to attend their G.P. in 6 weeks to assess response.

Children where there is diagnostic uncertainty or very young children (between the ages of 2 and 3) with concern about recurrent presentations then discuss Follow up planning with either the general paediatrician or senior paediatric registrar on tel: 84678.

CHRONIC FEATURES / INTERVAL SYMPTOMS

Criteria for Respiratory Team Follow Up

If any of the following features:

  • 3 or more ED presentations with wheeze in 1 year
  • 3 or more courses of steroids for wheeze in 1 year
  • Answered yes to interval symptoms on wheeze proforma

AND not on a Preventer inhaler then prescribe Clenil modulite 100mcg BD

If already on a preventive inhaler review compliance and
criteria for follow-up to assess need for hospital outpatient based follow up.

Any child requiring intravenous therapy for wheeze.

Patients who have required intravenous therapy for wheeze should be monitored in hospital for at least 24 hours post the discontinuation of all intravenous therapy.

Any child where there is a concern that they have failed to respond to significant asthma treatment.

ALL RESPIRATORY REFERRALS SHOULD BE DISCUSSED WITH RESPIRATORY TEAM PRIOR TO PATIENT DISCHARGE FROM HOSPITAL.

Overview
  • Failure to respond to initial therapy as per GGC ‘Acute wheeze’ guideline
  • Assessing Response
  • Consider Escalation to Intravenous Therapy
  • Escalation to IV therapy – drug algorithms
    • Magnesium Sulphate
    • Aminophylline
    • Salbutamol
  • Monitoring – including drug levels – timing and actions to levels 
  • When to de-escalate care & referral to Respiratory Services criteria.
  • Other care considerations – CXR and Virology sampling.
  • Safe transfer criteria
  • Estimated Weight Chart

Features of Life Threatening Asthma

Oxygen saturations <92% in air

AND

Drowsy or confused
Unable to speak due to dyspnoea
Maximal work of breathing (WOB)
PEF < 33% Best or predicted value*
(*in children over 5 who can use peak flow meters)

Silent Chest and CO2 retention are features of life threatening asthma. *************** SEEK SENIOR HELP IMMEDIATELY ***************

 

Initial management (as per acute wheeze GGC guideline)
  • Give high flow oxygen via tight fitting face mask to achieve saturations 94% or above
  • Continuous monitoring of heart rate and oxygen saturation
  • Continue nebulised Salbutamol therapy
  • Ensure the child has received oral steroids
    (if oral steroids not tolerated, see IV hydrocortisone below)
  • If a child is already on daily steroids increase the dose to 2mg/kg (maximum 60mg)
  • Assess response to initial treatment

Please document history and examination in ‘Acute Wheeze pro-forma’

Does the child meet criteria for Severe or Life-threatening Asthma?

*Peak Expiratory Flow readings should be used in children who have previously used a Peak Flow meter. Falsely low readings can be obtained in patients not used to the technique

IF YES THEN CONTINUE WITH FOLLOWING GUIDANCE

Do they have features of LIFE THREATENING wheeze at presentation?

If YES then commence nebulisers and proceed to IV therapies.
Inform ED & General Paediatric Medical Consultants immediately.


DOES THIS PATIENT REQUIRE IV THERAPY FOR WHEEZE?

  • Have they failed to show any improvement or deteriorated since their presentation (taking into account severity at presentation)?
  • Do they have a significant or increasing oxygen requirement?
                 A small decrease in oxygen saturation is common after initial bronchodilator therapy and should                   be taken in the context of clinical condition and response to treatment.
    Significant hypoxia is indicative of severe asthma
    (SpO2 <92% in air, or >6l/min oxygen to maintain normal saturation)
  • Do they have increased work of breathing (severe or life threatening)?
  • Do they have significantly reduced air entry or silent chest?
  • Are there clinical signs of exhaustion?

If YES to ANY of the above obtain senior clinical review.
ED / Gen Paeds Consultants or Senior Medical Paeds Reg on call should be contacted to assess need for escalation to IV therapies.
In interim continue with ongoing management as below

 

Ongoing management

RECORD CLINICAL PARAMETERS AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:

  • Heart rate / Respiratory rate / Conscious level / Blood Pressure
  • Oxygen saturation (And note oxygen requirement in L/min)
  • Continue with oxygen delivered nebulised therapies.
  • Site IV cannula and take a blood gas and U&Es.
    CO2 > 6kPa on venous gas is likely to indicate CO2 retention.
    (if IV access challenging – CBG can be utilised as 1st line assessment).
  • Patients requiring intravenous infusions for management asthma should have continuous cardiac monitoring (3 lead)
  • If oral steroids were not tolerated give IV hydrocortisone as per weight (weight unknown use table below) and prescribe - 6 hourly dosing.

Age

Hydrocortisone Dose

2-5 years

50mg  QDS

5-16 years

100mg QDS

 

Raised lactate (>4) can be indicative of impaired oxygen delivery (due to poor gas exchange) or excess beta-adrenergic stimulation causing metabolic acidosis. It should be taken in the context of other clinical observations

 

Escalation to IV therapy drug algorithm

1. Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4)

Drug dose

The dose is 40mg/kg or 0.16mmols/kg (max. 2 grams)

Drug Preparation

Draw up 0.08mls/kg 50% Magnesium Sulphate (40mg/kg) and dilute to 50mls with 0.9% saline
Run over 20-30 minutes.

  • This cannot be run concurrently in the same IV cannula as IV AMINOPHYLLINE or SALBUTAMOL
  • These can be given through the same IV cannula AFTER completion of MgSO4 following a suitable flush.
  • A separate IV cannula will need to be sited to run multiple IV therapies concurrently.


ASSESS RESPONSE

If response to intravenous magnesium sulphate is felt to be poor, document the clinical parameters and relevant examination findings.  
Then proceed to 2nd IV therapy – Aminophylline

Patients requiring AMINOPHYLLINE have severe/life threatening asthma

ENSURE THE MOST SENIOR CLINICIAN IN YOUR DEPARTMENT IS AWARE WHEN COMMENCING.

 

2. IV AMINOPHYLLINE

Drug dose

The LOADING dose of aminophylline is 5mg/kg 
(5mls/kg of 1mg/ml solution) over 20 minutes (Maximum dose 500mg).

Aminophylline LOADING should be prescribed using actual body weight unless  patient is obese then use ideal body weight (see end of document)

Patients who are on theophylline should have a level taken and should not receive a loading dose.

All patients being given IV Aminophylline must be on continuous cardiac monitoring.

Drug preparation

Add 20mls of aminophylline 25mg/ml to 480mls of 0.9% sodium chloride to give a concentration of 1mg/ml.

Aminophylline is compatible with I.V. fluids which contain potassium; maintenance I.V. fluids can be connected via a y-connector.

ASSESS RESPONSE

Clinical review essential post LOADING to assess need for ongoing INFUSION.
Document clinical parameters and relevant examination findings.  

If ongoing need for INFUSION, inform PICU to ensure patient is added to the 'Watcher list' - PICU Fellow: 84725


INFUSION Dose:
 
ideal body weight for height (See BNFc for guidance chart).  

Drug preparation

As per loading dose drug preparation above.

IF PATIENT HAS LIFE THREATENING ASTHMA / NOT RESPONDING TO AMINOPHYLLINE INFUSION THEN PROCEED WITH IV SALBUTAMOL.

IV SALBUTAMOL CANNOT BE RUN CONCURRENTLY  WITH IV AMINOPHYLLINE. SEPARATE CANNULAS MUST BE SITED TO RUN MULTIPLE IV THERAPIES CONCURRENTLY

(See section below for details on guidance on monitoring requirements and clinical management of patients on Aminophylline infusion)


IV SALBUTAMOL

Salbutamol for injection comes in 2 concentrations: 
500 micrograms in 1ml or 5mg in 5ml (1mg/ml). 
Use the correct concentration for LOADING  and INFUSION dosing.

LOADING DOSE

Drug dose 

The LOADING dose of salbutamol is 15 micrograms/kg  (maximum 250 micrograms) slow injection over 5-10 minutes.

Drug Preparation

Use 500 micrograms in 1ml concentration for LOADING preparation

For intravenous injection dilute to a concentration of 50microgram/ml with

0.9% NaCl by adding 9mls to 1ml of 500microgram/ml salbutamol injection

Example

For any child over 16kgs then loading dose is maximum 250 micrograms

15kg child – LOADING dose = 15 x15mg = 225micrograms 
Solution diluted to 50microgram/ml. Give the 4. 5mls final solution over 5-10 minutes

 

INFUSION DOSE

Drug dose 

INFUSION dose for salbutamol is 1-5micrograms/kg/min.  Rates should be adjusted according to response.

In the Royal Hospital for Children, IV salbutamol is a PICU LEVEL  DRUG, infusions can be started pending transfer but doses of >2micrograms/kg/minute should not be given outside PICU.

Drug Preparation 

Use 5mg in 5ml (1mg/ml) concentration for INFUSION preparation
Dilute to a concentration of 200micrograms per ml with 0.9% saline (add 40mls of 0.9% saline to 10mls of salbutamol 5mg/5ml to give 10mg (10,000micrograms) in 50mls)

Example

20kg child – infusion dose is 2microgram/kg/min  =40microgram/kg/min
Solution is 200microgram/ml – 40/200 =0.2. Run at 0.2 mls/min (12mls/hr)

If IV SALBUTAMOL required then Treating Consultant should be present and PICU contacted asking for URGENT REVIEW (84725). 

Monitoring requirements

Children with severe asthma requiring intravenous therapy are high dependency (HDU) patients requiring close monitoring.  Under our current pathway these patients would initially be admitted to CDU or PICU.

Continuous ECG and saturation monitoring is necessary for patients on aminophylline and/or salbutamol infusions.  

  • Standard clinical observations should be recorded on PEWS chart every 5 minutes for the first 15 mins and if improving then at 15 minutely intervals for the first hour.
  • Observations, including BP should be recorded hourly until the patient is felt to be improving.
  • CBG /VBG should be repeated as clinically indicated.
  • U&Es should be conducted minimum of every 12 hours for patients on IV infusions.

CLINICAL REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

After starting an intravenous infusion the child should be reviewed (by physician or ANP) a minimum of every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours and as clinically indicated thereafter.

The following should be recorded in medical notes with each review:

  • Conscious Level.
  • Oxygen saturations and oxygen requirement in litres/minute.
    Significant hypoxia (SpO2 <92%, or significant oxygen requirement >6l/min to maintain normal oxygen saturation) is indicative of severe asthma.
  • Heart rate – Compare to normal range for age.
    Increasing tachycardia generally denotes worsening asthma but remember that B2agonists increase heart rate. 
    In life-threatening asthma a drop in heart rate can be a pre-terminal sign
  • Blood Pressure
  • Respiratory Rate – Compare to normal range for age.
  • Posture / position of patient.
  • Ability to talk in words, phrases or sentences
  • Degree of Respiratory Distress / Use of accessory muscle and recession
  • Air entry - including any clinical suspicion of pneumothorax or significant collapse and amount of wheezing including biphasic or silent chest

Example of expected format of documentation of clinical review: 

“Alert and orientated with saturations of 95% in 5L O2.
HR: 125 beats per minutes. RR: 32 breaths per minute.
Sitting forwards and speaking in short sentences.
Moderate subcostal and intercostal recession with tracheal tug.
Air entry is reduced bilaterally at the bases with biphasic wheeze  throughout.”

Possible Side Effects of Intravenous Aminophylline

  • Muscle tremors
  • Tachycardia and palpitations
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Agitation
  • High doses can cause peripheral vasodilatation which can result in hypotension. Please see guidance for aminophylline in obese patients.

If a child develops a significant metabolic or lactic acidosis, without an increase in respiratory effort or oxygen requirement check an aminophylline level and adjust the infusion.  

 

Indication for taking Aminophylline Levels

The BNFc recommends aiming for theophylline levels of 10-20mg/L. There is very little evidence for this range in children3

For children in the RHC, Glasgow; we do not recommend routine theophylline levels for patients on aminophylline infusions.

Theophylline levels should be taken in patients who are on oral theophylline prior to starting aminophylline infusion or after 4 hours in patients who:

  • Have failed to improve on an aminophylline infusion
  • Have a clinical concern about significant toxicity

In these circumstances a level should be taken and sent to biochemistry urgently.   These patients require a senior review.

DOSE ADJUSTMENT GUIDANCE:

POOR RESPONSE but no concern about toxicity:

< 5mg/L
Check the prescription and cannula site. 
Repeat loading dose and leave the infusion running at the same rate.  After this adjustment, if the patient is improving there is no need to check a further level.

5-<10mg/L
Repeat half-loading dose and leave the infusion running at the same rate. After this adjustment, if the patient is improving there is no need to check a further level 

10-<12.5mg/L
Increase the infusion rate by 20%. After this adjustment, if the patient is improving and there are no signs of toxicity there is no need to check a further level

12.5mg/L -17.5mg/L
Increase the infusion rate by 10%. After this adjustment, if the patient is improving there is no need to check a further level.

> 17.5mg/L
Continue aminophylline infusion at the same rate. Urgent PICU review for consideration of intravenous salbutamol

Concern patient demonstrating signs of TOXICITY:

>20mg/L and clinical signs of toxicity (see above)
Withhold infusion for 4 hours and recheck level before restarting infusion; if intravenous therapy still required urgent PICU review for consideration of intravenous salbutamol

In all instances, failure of an adequate response to aminophylline requires urgent PICU review and consideration of intravenous salbutamol (irrespective of the aminophylline level)

De-escalation of care

Remember that if a child is improving care can be de-escalated at any time
(Note: The half-life of aminophylline is 3-5 hours)

Criteria for reducing aminophylline: 

  • Normal ability to speak
  • No increase in respiratory effort
  • Reduction in oxygen requirement
  • Significant improvement in peak flow
  • Aminophylline rate should be halved and reviewed again for discontinuation after 6 hours
    Some patients may require a slower reduction and aminophylline rate should then be halved every 6 hours.
  • The decision to reduce and discontinue aminophylline should be clearly documented in the notes. The change in rate and discontinuation of aminophylline needs to be documented (with timing) on the infusion chart.

Rebound bronchospasm can occur as aminophylline is reduced and stopped.
Nebulised salbutamol and ipatropium bromide should be continued during this process - consider 2 hourly nebulised salbutamol.

Patients who have required intravenous therapy for wheeze should be monitored in hospital for at least 24 hours post the discontinuation of all intravenous therapy.

Referral to Respiratory Services

All patients requiring intravenous therapy for wheeze should be referred as an in-patient to the respiratory team and the asthma specialist nurse (via TrakCare) in order for appropriate follow-up to be arranged.

Other care considerations

Chest X-Ray

Chest x-rays are not routinely recommended in asthma.

If there is clinical concern about a pneumothorax or doubt about the diagnosis; a chest x-ray should be performed.

Virology

Episodes of wheeze are often triggered by respiratory viruses. Although a viral throat swab is not necessary during the acute resuscitation, it is helpful for children requiring intravenous therapy to have a viral throat swab taken as soon as clinically able.

Safe transfer criteria

Patient should not be transferred between clinical areas until clinically stable or deemed appropriate by ED/Gen Paeds/PICU consultant.

If transferring between hospital on IV therapies:

  • Ensure all IV therapies and nebulised therapies can be continued during transfer.
  • Discuss with Duty Scotstar consultant (03333 990222) regarding logistics and safe transfer options.

 

Estimated weights

Age

Weight (kg)

3 years

14

5 years

18

7 years

23

10 years

32

12 years

39

14 year old boy

14 year old girl

49

50

Adult male

Adult female

68

58

References
  1. BTS/SIGN British guideline on the management of Asthma; September 2016:
  2. Mechanism of lactic acidosis in children with acute severe asthma; Meert KL, McCaulley L, Sarnaik AP. Paediatric Critical Care Medicine. 2012 Jan;13(1):28-31
  3. A Clinical Guideline for the use of Aminophylline in Acute Severe Asthma in Children; Norfolk and Norwich University Trust. Dr Caroline Kavanagh; 5th April 2017
  4. Aminophylline Dosage in Children Asthma Exacerbations in Children: A Systematic Review; Cooney L, Sinha I, Hawcutt D. PLoS One. 2016.
  5. Standards for Level of Asthma Intervention; Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board
  6. Aminophylline Hydrate; December 2015.
  7. BNF for Children. Aminophylline.
  8. BNF for Children. Hydrocortisone
  9. BNF for Children. Prescribing for children: weight, height and gender.
  10. Clinical Practice Guidelines: Asthma Acute. The Royal Hospital for Children, Melbourne. May 2015
Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 01 October 2019

Next review: 31 October 2024

Author(s): Dr Steve Foster (Consultant in Paediatric Emergency – Paediatric Emergency Department), Dr Morag Wilson (Consultant in General Paediatrics – Acute Paediatrics)

Version: 2

Approved By: Paediatric Emergency Department Guidelines Group

Document Id: 1128