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Childhood asthma--office management.

Childhood asthma is a major problem in office practice. For an acute life threatening attack (which is indicated by presence of severe distress, pulsus paradoxus, oxygen saturation less than 93%, cyanosis, peak expiratory flow rate of less than 50% of predicted) child should be directly admitted in intensive care unit. If it is a non life threatening attack the child can be managed in the office. Initially, the child should be given b2 agonists by inhalation route with either metered dose inhaler (MDI), MDI with spacer or nebuliser. It there is severe bronchospasm or inhalation therapy is not possible then epinephrine of b2 agonists may be given subcutaneously. The medications can be repeated 2-3 times. If response is adequate the child may be sent home on b2 agonist by oral or inhalation route at an interval of 406 hours. In case of inadequate response the child is started on oral or parenteral corticosteroids. Even after steroids if inadequate response the child is started on intravenous theophylline. Once the acute exacerbation is controlled the child is assessed for starting maintenance therapy. For this purpose his illness is graded from stage I to V depending on the severity. For stage I and II b2 agonists are prescribed as and when required. For stage III sodium cromoglycate by inhalation should be prescribed. For stage IV inhalation steroids in usual doses and for stage V inhalation steroids in higher doses are prescribed along with a minimum dose of oral steroids is added. For symptomatic control slow release theophylline or long acting b2 agonists may be added along with maintenance therapy as and when required. Apart from medications a proper education of parents and patients is necessary to improve the outcome of asthma by increasing the compliance and better control of environment.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Growth, systemic safety, and efficacy during 1 year of asthma treatment with different beclomethasone dipropionate formulations: an open-label, randomized comparison of extrafine and conventional aerosols in children.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term safety of hydrofluoroalkane 134a (HFA)-beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) extrafine aerosol administered by the Autohaler compared with chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-BDP administered by a press-and-breathe metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) and spacer (+S) in the treatment of children with asthma. METHODS: This 12-month, open-label, randomized, multicenter study enrolled 300 children who were aged 5 to 11 years and had well-controlled asthma on inhaled CFC-BDP or budesonide; 256 patients were using doses within the recommended range (200-400 microg) and were analyzed separately. Patients were randomized in a 1:3 ratio to continue on CFC-BDP+S at approximately the same dose as they were using before study entry or switch to HFA-BDP at half the daily dose. RESULTS: Asthma control was well maintained in the HFA-BDP group as evidenced by lung function tests and asthma symptoms compared with CFC-BDP+S at approximately twice the dose. There were no significant differences between the HFA-BDP 100 to 200 microg and CFC-BDP+S 200 to 400 microg treatment groups in mean change from baseline in height (5.23 cm vs 5.66 cm at month 12, respectively) or mean growth velocity from day 1 to month 12 (5.27 cm/y vs 5.71 cm/y, respectively). There were no significant differences between groups in adrenal function tests or markers of bone metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: In this long-term study in children with asthma, extrafine HFA-BDP provided long-term maintenance of asthma control at approximately half the dose compared with CFC-BDP+S. There were no clinically meaningful differences between HFA-BDP extrafine aerosol and conventional CFC-BDP+S with regard to growth or other systemic effects.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Acute care of mild to moderately severe asthma in 1990.

When considering the acute treatment of mild to moderately severe asthma in the outpatient or emergency room setting, the author indicates how older, effective modalities of care can be replaced with modalities which are at least as effective but also teach the patient how to care for himself. Older approaches including epinephrine injections, intravenous aminophylline, intravenous superhydration, nebulizer-generated aerosols, and oxygen have the disadvantage of binding the patient to the emergency room for future attacks. By stressing proper use of sympathomimetic metered-dose inhalers (often with a spacer), oral theophyllines, oral B-2 agonists, oral and inhaled corticosteroids, the 90% of patients well enough to go home after treatment will have had a lasting educational experience designed to increase their self-reliance and make further ER visits unnecessary.

Acute Disease↗

Formoterol (OXIS) Turbuhaler as a rescue therapy compared with salbutamol pMDI plus spacer in patients with acute severe asthma.

Formoterol has a similar onset of effect to salbutamol but a prolonged duration of action. However, the relative efficacy of the two drugs in acute severe asthma is not known. This double-blind, double-dummy study compared the safety and efficacy of the maximum recommended daily dose of formoterol and a predicted equivalent dose of salbutamol in 88 patients presenting to the emergency department with acute severe asthma. Patients were randomized to formoterol 54 microg via Turbuhaler or salbutamol 2400 microg via pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) plus spacer in three equal doses over 1 h. Following the full dose, mean FEV1 at 75 min increased by 37% for formoterol and 28% for salbutamol (P = 0.18). The maximum increase in FEV1 over 4 h was significantly greater with formoterol compared with salbutamol (51% vs. 36%, respectively P < 0.05) and formoterol was as effective as salbutamol at improving symptoms and wellbeing. Both treatments were well tolerated. Formoterol caused a greater decrease in serum potassium (difference -0.2 mmol/l). In severe acute asthma, bronchodilator therapy with high-dose (54 microg) formoterol Turbuhaler provided equally rapid improvements in lung function of greater magnitude over 4 h than high-dose (2400 microg) salbutamol pMDI plus spacer.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Salbutamol pMDI gives less protection to methacholine induced airway obstruction than salbutamol via spacer or DPI.

BACKGROUND: Inhalation device and inhalation technique influence the deposition of drug in the lung. This study evaluated the efficacy of salbutamol as a bronchoprotective agent administered via Diskus, Turbuhaler, pMDI or pMDI + Volumatic against methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction. METHODS: Twenty stable asthmatics participated in this open randomised comparison of the protective effects of 200 microg salbutamol, administered via the various inhalation devices on methacholine-induced airway obstruction, with respect to pulmonary function and dyspnoea sensation. The inhalation technique was controlled by measuring the peak inspiratory flow (and actuation time, in the case of pMDI and Volumatic) through the device, during inhalation. RESULTS: Inhalation of salbutamol increased the provocative dose of methacholine by 1.2 doubling doses (dd) for pMDI, 1.9 dd for Diskus, 2.3 dd for Turbuhaler and 2.5 dd for Volumatic. Salbutamol via pMDI provided less protection from methacholine-induced airway obstruction than did salbutamol administered via Diskus, Turbuhaler or Volumatic (P<0.05). The inadequate pMDI use of 70% of our patients might contribute to a lower deposition of drug in the central airways, resulting in the lower protective effect. However, the PC20_FEV1 of the adequate- and inadequate pMDI users showed no significant difference. CONCLUSION: Salbutamol administered via pMDI gave less protection from methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction than did salbutamol via Diskus, Turbuhaler or Volumatic. This study suggests that the pMDI may be less suitable for protecting a patient against bronchoconstriction due to airway hyperresponsiveness.

Administration, Inhalation↗

A comparative study of the effects of an inhaled corticosteroid, budesonide, and a beta 2-agonist, terbutaline, on airway inflammation in newly diagnosed asthma: a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group controlled trial.

We compared the effect of an inhaled corticosteroid, budesonide, and an inhaled beta 2-agonist, terbutaline, on clinical symptoms, lung function, and airway inflammation in 14 adult patients with newly diagnosed asthma. The study was conducted as a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial. Seven patients inhaled 600 micrograms, twice daily, of budesonide, the other seven patients inhaled 375 micrograms, twice daily, of terbutaline via identical metered-dose inhalers with a spacer. Bronchial biopsy specimens, obtained before randomization and after 3 months of treatment, were analyzed by electron microscopy. Both groups improved clinically budesonide was more effective than terbutaline in improving morning and evening peak expiratory flow rates, as well as bronchial responsiveness to inhaled histamine. Treatment with budesonide was accompanied by increased numbers of ciliated airway cells and intraepithelial nerves and fewer inflammatory cells, including eosinophils, especially in the epithelium, these changes were not observed in specimens from terbutaline-treated patients. We conclude that, in contrast to inhaled terbutaline, inhaled budesonide improved lung function and bronchial hyperreactivity in adult subjects with asthma treated for 3 months and that this corticosteroid was more effective in ameliorating abnormalities of the bronchial epithelium and decreasing inflammation in the airways.

Administration, Inhalation↗

National guidelines for the management of asthma in adults.

Asthma is now considered primarily an inflammatory disease in which bronchospasm occurs secondary to airway inflammation. Management strategies include the use of inhaled anti-inflammatory agents, notably inhaled corticosteroids and cromolyn. Mild intermittent asthma may be treated with inhaled bronchodilators. Moderate asthma should be treated with an inhaled anti-inflammatory agent in addition to an inhaled beta agonist. If symptoms persist, an oral bronchodilator (either a beta-adrenergic agonist or theophylline) should be added. Therapy for severe asthma includes combinations of the foregoing medications, with the possible addition of oral corticosteroids. Other aspects of management include the use of a spacer device with inhaler therapy, control of concomitant allergies and triggering factors such as chronic sinusitis, tobacco smoke and gastroesophageal reflux, and home use of a portable peak flow meter to monitor the disease.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Salbutamol inhalation has no effect on myocardial ischaemia, arrhythmias and heart-rate variability in patients with coronary artery disease plus asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVES: Inhaled beta-2 agonists raise heart rate, systolic blood pressure and contractility, all of which cause an increase in oxygen consumption of the heart. We performed a study on the influence of inhaled salbutamol on myocardial ischaemia, rhythm, and heart rate variability as assessed by Holter monitoring of 24 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and clinically stable asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN: In hospital the patients received 0.2 mg (hour 1), 0.4 mg (hour 6), 0.8 mg (hour 13) of salbutamol with a metered-dose inhaler and a spacer, and 5 mg (hour 25) with a nebulizer; symptoms, peak expiratory flow (PEF), 30-h Holter monitoring, and blood pressure (BP) were recorded. The study parameters were compared for the hour preceding and following each dose of salbutamol. RESULTS: No cardiac symptoms were associated with salbutamol inhalation. PEF increased after all doses (P < 0.005). A dose of 0.2 mg salbutamol induced no changes in heart rate, whereas dose of 0.4 mg increased heart rate from a mean of 75 +/- 13 to 79 +/- 14 beats min-1 (P < 0.005), and a dose of 0.8 mg from 76 +/- 14 to 78 +/- 15 beats min-1 (P < 0.05). No changes in systolic BP appeared after any dose of salbutamol. The diastolic BP was lowered after 0.8 mg of salbutamol from 86 +/- 12 to 82 +/- 10 mmHg (P < 0.05). The 5 mg of nebulized drug provoked no significant changes in heart rate or BP. Myocardial ischaemia, heart rate variability and ventricular arrhythmias remained unaltered with all doses. CONCLUSIONS: The commonly used doses of inhaled or nebulized salbutamol induced no acute myocardial ischaemia, arrhythmias or changes in heart rate variability in patients with CAD and clinically stable asthma or COPD.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of high doses of beclometasone dipropionate suspension for nebulization and beclometasone dipropionate via a metered-dose inhaler in steroid-dependent adults with moderate to severe asthma.

Nebulization for the administration of high doses of inhaled corticosteroids can benefit steroid-dependent asthmatics. The objective of this double-blind, double-dummy, multicentre, randomized, parallel-group study was to compare the efficacy and safety of high-dose corticosteroids given by nebulization or metered-dose inhalation in adult patients with asthma. Following a 2-week run-in period, 124 patients, aged 18-70 years, with moderate to severe asthma treated with high-dose inhaled steroids were randomized to one of two treatment groups for 12 weeks: beclometasone dipropionate (BDP) suspension for nebulization 3,000-4,000 microgday(-1) b.i.d. given via a nebulizer (n = 63), or BDP spray 1,500-2000 microgday(-1) b.i.d. given via a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) plus spacer (BDP MDI) (n = 61). Comparable improvements over baseline, which were statistically significant in most cases, were reported at study end for the two treatment groups in the various efficacy parameters evaluated (pulmonary function tests, clinical symptoms scores, and the use of rescue salbutamol). The primary efficacy endpoint was morning pulmonary expiratory flow rate (PEFR). For the intent-to-treat population, in the BDP nebulization group mean morning PEFR increased statistically significantly from 308.7 +/- 107.81 min(-1) to 3 19.2 +/- 104.01 min(-1) while in the BDP MDI group the increase was from 301.5 +/- 94.71 min(-1) to 309.3 +/- 86.71 min(-1). The two treatments were equally well tolerated.A total of 19 patients in each group reported adverse events during the treatment period, and these were generally mild-moderate in severity. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that BDP suspension for nebulization 3,000-4,000 microg day(-1) given via a nebulizer and BDP spray 1,500-2,000 microg day(-1) given via an MDI plus spacer are equally effective, with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile, when used in steroid-dependent adult patients with moderate to severe asthma.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of beclometasone dipropionate suspension for nebulization and beclometasone dipropionate via a metered-dose inhaler in paediatric patients with moderate to severe exacerbation of asthma.

Nebulization simplifies the administration of effective inhaled medications to young asthmatics who experience hand-to-lung co-ordination problems and inspiratory difficulties associated with metered-dose and dry-powder inhalers, respectively. The objective of this double-blind, double-dummy multicentre, randomized, parallel-group study was to compare the efficacy and safety of corticosteroids given by nebulization or metered-dose inhalation in paediatric patients with exacerbation of asthma. Following a 24-h run-in period, 151 patients, aged 6-16years, with moderate to severe exacerbation of asthma were randomized to one of two treatment groups for 4 weeks: beclometasone dipropionate (BDP) suspension for nebulization 1,600 microg day(-1) b.i.d. given via a nebulizer (n = 75), or BDP spray 800 microg day(-1) b.i.d. given via a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) plus spacer (BDP MDI) (n = 76). Superimposable and statistically significant improvements over baseline were noted at study end for the two treatment groups in the various efficacy parameters evaluated (pulmonary function tests, asthma symptoms scores, and the use of rescue salbutamol). The primary efficacy endpoint was the morning pulmonary expiratory flow rate (PEFR). In the BDP nebulization group, mean morning PEFR increased statistically significantly from 233.2 +/- 86.31 min(-1) to 322.0 +/- 101.81 min(-1), while in the BDP MDI group the increase was from 222.9 +/- 87.31 min(-1) to 314.9 +/- 96.61 min(-1). Moreover, an additional 4-week treatment period at half doses, completed by 26 patients, demonstrated that improvements were maintained or further enhanced. The two treatments were equally well tolerated. A total of 25 and 26 patients in the BDP nebulization and BDP MDI groups, respectively reported adverse events during the treatment period, and these were generally mild. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that BDP suspension for nebulization 1,600 microg day(-1) given via a nebulizer and BDP spray 800 microg day(-1) given via an MDI plus spacer are equally effective, with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile, when used in paediatric patients with moderate to severe asthma exacerbation.

Administration, Inhalation↗

A comparison of triamcinolone acetonide MDI with a built-in tube extender and beclomethasone dipropionate MDI in adult asthmatics.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: In this study, the efficacy and safety of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) metered-dose inhaler with a built-in tube extender and beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) metered-dose inhaler without a spacer device were compared. Both treatments were dosed at their most commonly used daily doses (within labeling). DESIGN: A 56-day, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Seventeen asthma/allergy centers. PATIENTS: We enrolled 339 patients 18 to 65 years of age, with a documented history of bronchial asthma (FEV1, 50 to 90% of predicted value) for > or = 2 years who required inhaled corticosteroid therapy. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to receive BDP 336 microg/d (4 puffs bid) plus TA placebo (4 puffs bid), TA 800 microg/d (4 puffs bid) plus BDP placebo (4 puffs bid), or TA and BDP placebos (4 puffs of each bid). The only other asthma medication permitted was inhaled albuterol that was used as a rescue medication. All medications were administered via the closed-mouth inhalation technique. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: At 8 weeks and at study end point, both active treatment groups had statistically significant and comparable improvements in FEV1 relative to baseline, and statistically significant increases relative to placebo. At study end point, improvements in forced expiratory flow (FEF25.75%), clinic peak expiratory flow (PEFR), and FVC were statistically significant for the active treatment groups compared with placebo. At end point, the mean difference between BDP and TA for mean change in FEV1 from baseline in the efficacy population was 0.02 and the 95% confidence interval was -0.11, 0.15. Asthma symptoms recorded at clinic visits showed statistically significant improvements for the BDP and TA groups compared with the placebo group. Treatment-related adverse events occurred with similar frequency in all patient groups-25.5% of placebo-treated patients, 22.3% of BDP patients, and 20.4% of TA patients. The incidence of oropharyngeal adverse events, including cough, thrush, and dysphonia, was not statistically different between the two active treatment groups. CONCLUSION: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of adult asthmatics treated with either BDP without a spacer or TA with its built-in tube extender, BDP and TA were comparable in efficacy as measured by FEV1 and other pulmonary function tests, and by improvement in asthma symptoms. Both active treatments were significantly more effective than placebo. All treatment groups were comparable in safety as measured by the incidence of adverse events.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Bronchodilator response to inhaled beta-2 agonist and anticholinergic drugs in patients with bronchiectasis.

OBJECTIVE: An increase in incidence of reversible airflow obstruction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness occurs in patients with bronchiectasis. We conducted a study to assess the efficacy of bronchodilators in the treatment of bronchiectasis. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four patients with confirmed bronchiectasis were studied. Each patient inhaled fenoterol 400 microg administered by metered dose inhaler via a spacer after a baseline lung function and a lung function test was repeated 30 min later. This was followed by a second dose of fenoterol 5 mg via nebulizer and another lung function test 30 min later. A repeat study was done at least 24 h later with ipratropium bromide 40 microg by metered dose inhaler and 500 microg by a nebulizer. RESULTS: The results showed a significant improvement from baselines (mean percentage change +/- SD) of peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) by 8.5 +/- 8.72% and 15.3 +/- 11.63%, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) by 8.77 +/- 9.69% and 10.2 +/- 12.2% and forced vital capacity (FVC) by 10.25 +/- 11.61% and 10.09 +/- 10.88% after low- and high-dose fenoterol, respectively. The improvements after low- and high-dose ipratropium bromide for PEE FEV1 and FVC were 9.89 +/- 9.35% and 14.39 +/- 12.82%, 9.38 +/- 10.41% and 13.52 +/- 17.09%, and 8.03 +/- 10.85% and 9.63 +/- 13.85%, respectively. Eleven patients (45.8%) responded to one or both bronchodilators significantly (> 15% improvement in FEV1). Five patients (20%) responded to both, three (12%) to fenoterol alone and another three (12%) to ipratropium bromide alone. CONCLUSION: There is significant bronchodilator response in a subset of patients with bronchiectasis and patients with bronchiectasis should therefore undergo bronchodilator testing. Skin prick testing against a panel of nine allergens done on each individual yielded a positive result in 13 patients (54.2%).

Administration, Inhalation↗

Efficacy and safety of budesonide/formoterol compared with salbutamol in the treatment of acute asthma.

This study compared the efficacy and safety of budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort) Turbuhaler)) with salbutamol pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) with spacer for relief of acute bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma. In this randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study, patients (n = 104 allocated to treatment; n = 103 received treatment; mean age 45 years) seeking medical attention for acute asthma (mean FEV(1) 43% of predicted) received two doses repeated at t = -5 and 0 min of either budesonide/formoterol (320/9 microg, two inhalations) or salbutamol (100 microg x eight inhalations); total doses 1280/36 microg and 1600 microg, respectively. All patients received prednisolone 60 mg at 90 min and FEV(1) was assessed over 3h. FEV(1) 90 min after dosing (primary variable) increased compared with pre-dose FEV(1) by an average of 30% and 32% for budesonide/formoterol and salbutamol, respectively (P = 0.66), with similar increases at all timepoints from 3 to 180 min for both groups. Mean pulse rate over 3h was significantly higher in the salbutamol group versus the budesonide/formoterol group (92 vs. 88 bpm; P < 0.01). No treatment differences were seen for other vital signs, including ECG. High-dose budesonide/formoterol was effective and well tolerated for the treatment of acute asthma, with rapid onset of efficacy and a safety profile over 3h similar to high-dose salbutamol.

Acute Disease↗

Comparative trial of continuous nebulization versus metered-dose inhaler in the treatment of acute bronchospasm.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare continuous nebulization with the use of a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with spacer device for delivery of albuterol in acute bronchospastic episodes in the emergency department. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Urban ED with a 28,000 annual census. PARTICIPANTS: Patients older than 18 years of age presenting to the ED with an acute bronchospastic episode. INTERVENTION: After conducting evaluation and collecting baseline data, we treated each patient with a continuous-flow nebulizer set to deliver 15 mg/hour of albuterol or a placebo by face mask. Subsequently, each patient received four puffs (albuterol or placebo) from an MDI with a spacer device. The four MDI puffs were followed by 5 minutes on nebulization, and this sequence was continued until predetermined therapeutic end points were reached or side effects developed. The optimal MDI dose was then determined and repeated each hour for the 3-hour time period of the study. RESULTS: Repeated-measures ANOVA testing revealed statistically and clinically significant improvements over time within each treatment group in peak flow (F = 3.864, P = .0057), Borg score (F = 14.77, P = .0001), pulse (F = 9.642, P = .0001), and respiratory rate (F = 3.081, P = .0093). However, no significant differences could be detected between treatment groups over time except for systolic blood pressure (F = 8.231, P = .0141), and this change was not considered clinically significant. CONCLUSION: On the basis of the findings of this study, we conclude that continuous nebulization is equally effective as MDI with spacer device for delivery of albuterol to treat acute bronchospastic episodes in the ED. Each method of delivery offers advantages. Each ED should decide which modality to use on the basis of its own resources.

Acute Disease↗

Randomised trial of inhaled steroids in preterm infants with respiratory symptoms at follow up.

BACKGROUND: Preterm infants often suffer from recurrent respiratory symptoms at follow up. Although these infants are responsive to treatment with bronchodilators some continue to wheeze or cough despite treatment. In a randomised double blind placebo controlled trial, the ability of inhaled steroids to reduce recurrent respiratory symptoms and the requirement for bronchodilator treatment in preterm infants less than two years of age has been assessed. METHODS: Eighteen premature infants with mean gestational age 28 weeks and postnatal age 10.5 months were recruited. The study consisted of two six week treatment periods separated by a two week washout period. The infants received either 200 micrograms of beclomethasone dipropionate or placebo as one puff twice daily from an inhaler, through a spacer and a face mask. Parents kept a daily record of their infants' respiratory tract symptoms (wheeze and cough) and use of bronchodilators. Functional residual capacity (FRC) was measured at the beginning and end of each six week period. RESULTS: The symptom score was reduced by 37% in the active compared with the placebo period. During the active period the infants had a mean of 28 bronchodilator free days, compared with 22 days in the placebo period. The FRC improved significantly in the active but not the placebo period. CONCLUSION: Regular dosage with beclomethasone by inhalation is a useful treatment for preterm infants with respiratory symptoms.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Lung deposition patterns of directly labelled salbutamol in normal subjects and in patients with reversible airflow obstruction.

BACKGROUND--Earlier studies of aerosol deposition in the lungs have relied on indirect labelling of Teflon spheres of a similar size distribution to the drug in question and have assumed similar aerodynamic properties. Using a modification of a new technique for directly labelling salbutamol, the deposition of salbutamol within the lungs of normal subjects and patients with asthma has been studied with the use of a metered dose inhaler (MDI) alone, an MDI with a spacer device, and a dry powder inhaler (DPI). METHOD--Salbutamol was directly labelled with technetium-99m and placed in an MDI or DPI. Ten normal subjects and 19 patients with asthma inhaled 200 micrograms of salbutamol by means of the MDI alone, the MDI with a spacer device attached, and by DPI on separate days. Deposition was assessed by a dual headed gamma camera after inhalation of the drug. RESULTS--The total mean (SD) percentage deposition of the drug in the normal subjects was 21.6% (8.9%) with the MDI alone, 20.9% (7.8%) with the MDI with spacer, and 12.4% (3.5%) with the DPI. For the patients, the mean percentage deposition was 18.2% (7.8%) with the MDI alone, 19.0% (8.9%) with the MDI and spacer, and 11.4% (5.0%) with the DPI. Bronchodilatation achieved by the patients was similar with all three techniques. Mean peripheral lung deposition was significantly greater with a spacer device than when the MDI was used alone in both normal subjects (49.4% (6.1%) v 44.1% (9.9%)) and patients (38.6% (11.1%) v 30.4% (9.4%)). CONCLUSIONS--The deposition of directly labelled salbutamol from an MDI is greater than previously estimated by indirect labelling techniques. The deposition of labelled salbutamol from a DPI, however, is little different from that measured by indirect techniques.

Adult↗

Systematic review of clinical effectiveness of pressurised metered dose inhalers versus other hand held inhaler devices for delivering beta (2 )agonists bronchodilators in asthma.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical effectiveness of pressurised metered dose inhalers compared with other hand held inhaler devices for delivering short acting beta(2) agonists in stable asthma. DESIGN: Systematic review of randomised controlled trials. DATA SOURCES: Cochrane Airways Group specialised trials database (which includes hand searching of 20 relevant journals), Medline, Embase, Cochrane controlled clinical trials register, pharmaceutical companies, and bibliographies of included trials. TRIALS: All trials in children or adults with stable asthma that compared the pressurised metered dose inhaler (with or without a spacer device) against any other hand held inhaler device containing the same beta(2) agonist. RESULTS: 84 randomised controlled trials were included. No differences were found between the pressurised metered dose inhaler and any other hand held inhaler device for lung function, blood pressure, symptoms, bronchial hyperreactivity, systemic bioavailability, inhaled steroid requirement, serum potassium concentration, and use of additional relief bronchodilators. In adults, pulse rate was lower in those using the pressurised metered dose inhaler compared with those using Turbohaler (standardised mean difference 0.44, 95% confidence interval 0.05 to 0.84); patients preferred the pressurised metered dose inhaler to the Rotahaler (relative risk 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.36 to 0.78); hydrofluoroalkane pressurised metered dose inhalers reduced the requirement for rescue short course oral steroids (relative risk 0.67, 0.49 to 0.91). CONCLUSIONS: No evidence was found to show that alternative inhaler devices are more effective than standard pressurised metered dose inhalers for delivering acting beta(2 )agonist bronchodilators in asthma. Pressurised metered dose inhalers remain the most cost effective delivery devices.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Inhalation of single vs multiple metered-dose bronchodilator actuations from reservoir devices. An in vitro study.

UNLABELLED: Differences in inhalation technique with reservoir or spacer devices may affect metered-dose inhaler (MDI) dose availability to a patient. PURPOSE: This study examined the effect of single vs multiple actuations of an MDI into reservoir devices on dose delivery of albuterol, with three clinically available reservoir brands. METHODS: An in vitro lung model simulated inspiration from the MDI reservoir system. Albuterol (Proventil; Schering) was delivered by MDI, with the Monaghan Aerochamber, the Diemolding Healthcare Division (DHD) aerosol cloud enhancer (ACE), and the Schering InspirEase, using standardized volumes and inspiratory flows of 30 L min(-1). The MDI was actuated into each brand of reservoir 1, 2, or 3 times in rapid succession, followed by a single inhalation. Aerosol dose at the reservoir mouthpiece was captured on a cotton filter, dissolved in ethanol, and measured with a spectrophotometer at 278 nm. RESULTS: For all three brands of reservoir, less accumulated dose of drug is delivered with multiple actuations than with multiple single actuations each followed by inhalation. The total dose in milligrams increased significantly with two multiple actuations compared with one actuation in the Aerochamber and ACE (p<0.01), but not in the InspirEase (p>0.05). The Aerochamber, ACE, and InspirEase delivered a mean total dose (SD) of 0.0264 mg (0.012), 0.0271 mg (0.007), and 0.0136 mg (0.006), respectively, with one actuation compared to 0.0485 mg (0.011), 0.0453 mg (0.013), and 0.0218 mg (0.009) with two multiple actuations. The increase in total dose with three multiple actuations was not significant compared to two actuations for any of the brands tested (p>0.05). Although total dose increased with multiple actuations, a decline in efficiency was seen with two and three multiple actuations, compared to single actuation. The dose delivered per actuation decreased for the Aerochamber, ACE, and InspirEase from 0.0264 mg (0.012), 0.0271 mg (0.007), and 0.0136 mg (0.006) with one actuation, to 0.0243 mg (0.006), 0.0226 mg (0.006), and 0.0109 mg (0.005), respectively, with two multiple actuations, for losses of 8.0%, 16.6%, and 19.9% in dose per actuation for each brand. A further decline in delivery per actuation to 0.0164 mg (0.001), 0.0184 mg (0.004), and 0.0097 mg (0.005) for the 3 brands, respectively, was found with 3 multiple actuations before inhalation. This was a loss of 37.9%, 32.1%, and 28.7% of the dose per single actuation in each brand. There was no significant difference between the Aerochamber and the ACE in dose availability with 1, 2, or 3 actuations, but both of these brands provided significantly more drug than the InspirEase. CONCLUSION: Maximal aerosol bronchodilator from an MDI reservoir was given by single actuations each followed by a breath. Two rapid actuations followed by a breath will give a significant accumulation of dose with some loss when compared to two single actuations each followed by inhalation. Three multiple actuations led to a loss of approximately one third of the drug dose obtainable with three single actuations each followed by inhalation, for all three brands.

Administration, Inhalation↗