Comparison of Albuterol for Status Asthmaticus

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.