Predominance and quantitation of pulsus paradoxus in acute bronchial asthma

ABSTRACT

Pulsus Paradoxus was measured in 134 asthmatic patients presented to the medical emergency suffering from acute asthma. Pulsus Paradoxus was clinically detected in 103 [76.9%] patients. The magnitude of Pulsus Paradoxus showed significant negative correlation with Peak Expiratory Rate% [PEFR%, r = -0.66]. The correlation was better when PEFR% < 40% of predicted value [i.e. severe bronchospasm]. Data suggest the consideration of Pulsus Paradoxus as a sensitive and reliable indicator to assess severity of asthma