Safety and efficacy of intratracheal DNase with physiotherapy in severe status asthmaticus

Diffuse airway plugging with thick viscous secretions is recognised in acute severe asthma, and contributes to airflow limitation in ventilated asthmaticus. Since 2004, we have used intratracheal DNase with physiotherapy as second-line therapy in mechanically ventilated children with severe status asthmatics who are refractory to conventional medical management. Our aim is to report the safety profile and efficacy of intratracheal DNase mucolytic therapy in this cohort.