Best evidence topic reports. Is intravenous aminophylline better than intravenous salbutamol in the treatment of moderate to severe asthma?

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether intravenous salbutamol or intravenous aminophylline offers the quickest and least complicated treatment for patients with moderate to severe asthma not responding to inhaled therapy. Altogether 71 papers were found using the reported search, of which nine presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.