Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Inhalation Spacers”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Management of asthma in children in low-income countries.

Asthma is a common disease in children living in low-income countries. Asthma is diagnosed in children, especially those aged over 2 years, who have wheezing episodes that improve after a bronchodilator is given (bronchodilator response test). Children are classified as having either intermittent or persistent asthma and treated according to the severity of the disease with either an inhaled bronchodilator (reliever) or a combination of an inhaled bronchodilator and inhaled corticosteroid (controller). Treatment is best given by inhalation, and as children under 5 years cannot coordinate their breathing with the multidose inhaler, spacers are required. These can be made locally from plastic bottles. Care givers need to be educated about how to manage asthma and should receive a written management plan on the management of the child's asthma. Children should be examined to see if they are allergic to especially airborne allergens, and if these are present they should be removed from the environment. Adult smoking worsens childhood asthma, and care givers need to be given support with smoking cessation. Regular planned follow-up is needed to ensure that the asthma is well controlled and the lowest dose of inhaled corticosteroid is used. Inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids must become freely available and should be inexpensive in low-income countries in order to treat childhood asthma correctly.

Asthma↗

Effects of inhaled corticosteroids on systemic blood pressure in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of inhaled fluticasone propionate on (i) systemic blood pressure, and (ii) the need for volume expanders (crystalloids and colloids) and inotropes for blood pressure support in preterm, very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. METHODS: Ventilated VLBW infants, less than 32 weeks of gestation, with respiratory distress syndrome were randomised to receive a 14-day course of either fluticasone propionate (500 microg/puff, 2 puffs every 12 h; n=27) or placebo (n=26) with a metered dose inhaler-spacer device. The response of treatment was assessed by comparing the use of volume expanders, inotropes, and the average and the lowest systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressures in 6 hourly epochs between the 2 groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the average or the lowest systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressures in 6 hourly epochs between the 2 groups. However, the total volume of crystalloids and colloids requirement was significantly greater in control than in treated infants (p=0.03). There was also a trend towards greater consumption of the total cumulative dose of dopamine in the control infants (p=0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Fluticasone-treated infants required significantly less volume of crystalloids and colloids for blood pressure support compared with control infants. Further larger scale studies are required to determine whether inhaled corticosteroids could minimise the use of volume replacement therapy and inotropes in the treatment of hypotension in preterm infants in the early postnatal period.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Randomised controlled study of early use of inhaled corticosteroid in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of inhaled fluticasone propionate, started on day 1 of age, on ventilated preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. METHODS: Starting within 24 hours of age, ventilated preterm infants (gestation < 32 weeks, birthweight < 1.5 kg) with respiratory distress syndrome were given a 14 day course (two puffs, 12 hourly) of either fluticasone propionate (250 microg/puff) (group 1, n=27) or placebo (group 2, n=26) with a metered dose inhaler-spacer device. Response to treatment was assessed by the rate of successful extubation by days 7 and 14 of age, changes in respiratory system mechanics, death, occurrence of chronic lung disease, and other neonatal complications. RESULTS: More infants in the treatment group were successfully extubated by 14 days of age than those in the placebo group (17/27 vs 8/26; p = 0.038). The treated infants also showed a more significant improvement in respiratory system compliance during the first 14 days of life. The two groups, however, did not differ significantly in their need for systemic steroids after day 14 of age, death, or the occurrence of chronic lung disease. The treatment was not associated with any increase in neonatal complications, including those attributable to steroid induced side effects. CONCLUSION: These results provide preliminary evidence that early treatment with inhaled corticosteroids may be beneficial to ventilated preterm infants with respiratory distress. Further study of its use in a large scale randomised trial is warranted.

Administration, Inhalation↗

The acute asthmatic patient in the ED: to admit or discharge.

Treating asthma in the emergency department (ED) always involves the potentially difficult decision as to whether to discharge the patient, to continue treatment, or to admit to the hospital. The following are useful guidelines. (1) The duration of the bronchospasm, frequency of visits, history of previous endotracheal intubation, pulse rate, and accessory muscle use are findings affecting successful discharge from the ED. (2) Patients with peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of < 20% and who do not respond to inhalant therapy, with PEFR values persisting at < 40% of predicted, will require 4 or more days to resolve and should be admitted to the hospital. (3) Patients with a PEFR between 40% and 70% of predicted after initial inhalant therapy may well be responsive to steroids in the ED, but an ED will adequately need to care for the patient for 5 to 12 hours while waiting for the onset of action of glucocorticoids. Discharged with glucocorticoids, this group has a 6% relapse rate within 10 days of the ED visit. (4) Patients with a PEFR of > or = 70% have a 14% relapse rate after discharge without glucocorticoids. Other reasons to consider admission are pneumonia, barotrauma, lability, prominent psychiatric difficulties, poor access to medications, poor educability, fear of steroids, patients on glucocorticoids or those who have recently stopped glucocorticoids, and evening discharges of patients from the ED, which all predispose to relapses of acute asthma. To decrease the relapse rate, provocative factors should be reviewed with the patient, as well as access to medication and use of spacers, inhaler techniques, PEFR meters, self-management plans, and referral to a defined appointment at 24 to 48 hours of the ED visit.

Acute Disease↗

Beta-agonists in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: To critically evaluate the following issues regarding the use of beta-agonists in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): (1) optimal dose, (2) use of nebulizer (NEB) versus metered-dose inhaler-spacer devices (MDISs), (3) comparison with anticholinergic agents, and (4) use in mechanically ventilated patients. The patient populations addressed are limited primarily to emergency department (ED) and intensive care/acute care settings. DATA SOURCES: English-language journal articles published between 1977 and 1993. STUDY SELECTION: Nine studies were evaluated that included beta-agonists alone or in combination with other bronchodilators in the treatment of acute exacerbation of COPD. Many of the studies contained design flaws or were limited in size, making interpretation difficult. In studies containing both asthma and COPD patients, focus was restricted to analysis of COPD patients when possible. DATA EXTRACTION: Performed subjectively by the authors. Studies were evaluated for methodologic strengths and weaknesses. DATA SYNTHESIS: Dosing studies in patients with stable disease show a relationship between dose and the various pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Dose also correlates with duration of action and incidence of adverse effects. Four studies compared NEBs versus MDISs. Studies revealed significant improvement in PFTs for both treatments, with no significant difference between groups noted. Five studies compared various combinations of beta-agonists and ipratropium. Both ipratropium and beta-agonists caused statistically significant increases in PFTs from baseline. Combination therapy provided no further increase in spirometry compared with that of single-agent therapy. One study did report an early discharge from the ED with the addition of ipratropium. Most studies did not use large doses of beta-agonists or evaluate the effect of repeated doses. Many studies allowed concomitant therapy. Most did not include outcome measurements, such as ED length of stay, admission rates, hospital stay, or incidence of relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Dose-response studies in patients with stable disease suggest that doses of albuterol powder up to 1 mg may be tolerated safely, although use of repeated larger doses has not been well studied. Beta-agonists given by MDIS or NEB are equally effective in this setting. There is no apparent advantage to combined use of beta-agonist and ipratropium in the acute setting. Future research in this area should evaluate the use of larger or repeated doses of beta-agonists in the acute setting. Optimizing concurrent therapy and evaluating various patient outcomes should receive special attention in further investigations.

Acute Disease↗

Use of spacers to facilitate inhaled corticosteroid treatment of asthma.

Budesonide, a topically active corticosteroid, was administered in doses of 400 and 1,600 micrograms/day to 35 asthmatic adults, using a standard inhalation device or a tube or cone spacer. The spacers reduced oropharyngeal candidiasis by an amount equivalent to a 90% reduction in drug dose (p = less than 0.005) and doubled the drug's overall antiasthmatic potency (delta FEV1, p = 0.05) without significantly increasing its overall effect on blood eosinophils (p = 0.14) or the A.M. serum cortisol (p = 0.12). Steroid-induced neutrophilia increased by an amount approximating that produced by an extra half tablet of prednisone per day (p = 0.002). Both the airways and systemic effects of the spacers were greater in patients who had small airways dysfunction present prior to the study. The data suggest an increase in intrapulmonary drug deposition during spacer treatment without a material shift in regional delivery within the lung. Spacers should be particularly useful for patients whose response to inhaled steroid is compromised by by dose-limiting oropharyngeal complications. They can also reduce drug costs. They should be used selectively in children until their effect on regional intrapulmonary drug deposition has been more clearly defined.

Administration, Topical↗

In Vitro Comparison of Output and Particle Size Distribution of Budesonide from Metered-Dose Inhaler with Three Spacer Devices during Pediatric Tidal Breathing.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the delivered dose of budesonide 200mug via a chlorofluorocarbon-free pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) when administered through different spacers in tidal breathing patterns of young children. METHODS: Tidal breathing was simulated for toddlers and children. Spacers tested were Babyhaler((R)), AeroChamber((R)) Plus small and medium; the pMDI was Budiair((R)) 200microg. Output was measured after one actuation and five inhalations in primed and unprimed spacers. Cumulated output was evaluated after each of five simulated inhalations. Aerosol characteristics - i.e. particle size distribution of the output - were determined in primed spacers with a cascade impactor using high-performance liquid chromatography and UV detection. RESULTS: Total output from primed spacers after five inhalations was determined between 37.9microg and 40.9microg with little differences between spacers and breathing patterns. About 58-79% of this total output was inhaled with the first breath from the AeroChamber((R)) Plus and about 26% from the Babyhaler((R)). The fine particles <5mum ranged between 87% and 92% of the delivered dose for all three spacers. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The nominal dose (200microg) of the Budiair((R)) 200microg inhaler is reduced to 40microg delivered dose or less by using Babyhaler((R)) and AeroChamber((R)) Plus spacers taking five breaths. With a single breath the delivered dose can be reduced further to a minimum of 10microg using the Babyhaler((R)). Clinical studies are warranted in the future for decisions on 'clinical efficacy', safety, and exact dose adjustment.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Budesonide: safety and efficacy aspects of its long-term use in children.

Fifty-two asthmatic children aged 4 to 13 years (mean 9.6) were enrolled in this open 12-month study of budesonide, 200 mcg bid, administered by tube-spacer inhaler (INHALET, ASTRA DRACO). The aim of the study was to assess long-term safety, as well as efficacy, of budesonide in children whose asthma was not adequately controlled by their current therapy. Children attended the clinic every three months for assessment of lung function and height. In addition, an adrenal function test and routine clinical chemistry and haematology were performed. Parents completed diary cards once each week, recording the child's PEF, asthma symptoms, beta 2-agonist consumption and other medication (no prophylactic drugs or other inhaled steroids were allowed and oral steroids were used for emergency treatment only). There were significant increases in all clinic lung function tests (baseline to last visit) and in diary card PEF (first 3 months vs last 3 months). These were accompanied by decreases in asthma symptoms and use of beta 2-agonists or other medication. There was no indication that growth was affected by study treatment and basal adrenal function (basal cortisol) did not change significantly throughout the study. The adrenal response to Synacthen had actually increased significantly by the end of the study. No serious adverse events were associated with budesonide treatment. In conclusion, regular budesonide therapy was associated with a significant improvement in lung function and symptoms over one year. Budesonide was well-tolerated by the children and appeared to have no adverse influence on either growth or adrenal function.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Randomised crossover trial of salbutamol aerosol delivered by metered dose inhaler, jet nebuliser, and ultrasonic nebuliser in chronic lung disease.

AIMS: To compare the efficacy of salbutamol delivered by metered dose inhaler (MDI), jet nebuliser, and ultrasonic nebuliser in ventilated infants with chronic lung disease. METHODS: Twenty preterm ventilated infants with chronic lung disease were enrolled in two studies. In study 1 (n = 10), each infant was given 200 micrograms of salbutamol at 4 hour intervals and in random sequence from a metered dose inhaler-spacer device, a jet nebuliser, and an ultrasonic nebuliser with a small medication cup. The infants were monitored for heart rate, transcutaneous pO2, pCO2, and oxygen saturation, respiratory system resistance and compliance before and after each treatment. Infants in study 2 (n = 10) were similarly studied except for the use of a different jet nebuliser. RESULTS: The mean (SEM) maximum percentage decreases in respiratory system resistance, observed at 30 minutes after aerosol delivery were study 1: MDI: 44.3 (4.3)%; jet: 32.3 (3.4)%; ultrasonic: 56.1 (3.2)%; study 2: MDI: 28.6 (1.0)%; jet: 16.9 (1.4)%; ultrasonic: 42.1 (1.6)%. During the first hour after treatment, a significantly faster heart rate and higher transcutaneous pO2 were associated with the use of the ultrasonic nebuliser or MDI than with the jet nebulisers in both studies. The use of the ultrasonic nebuliser but not the other devices also resulted in a lower transcutaneous pCO2 and improved respiratory system compliance in study 2. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that among the devices tested, the delivery of salbutamol aerosol to the lower respiratory tract was greatest using the ultrasonic nebuliser, and least with the jet nebulisers.

Administration, Intranasal↗

[Medical treatment of respiratory emergencies].

Of the four treatments that can be used to treat respiratory insufficiency due to laryngitis, two, nebulized adrenaline and O2 therapy, are undoubtedly effective. The inhalation of water vapour appears to be increasingly useless and may be also harmful. The use of steroids is still under debate. In recent literature, however, the utility of steroids seems to be confirmed, especially if administered per Os, and even at a relatively low single oral dose (1-2 mg/kg of prednisone). According to the official organs (see Red Book) and according to the Evidence Based Medicine (see Cochrane Library) the treatment of bronchiolitis should be limited to an eventual support therapy, i.e. O2 therapy and rehydration. However, the approach adopted by North American Hospitals and European specialists in infectious diseases is in contrast and consists in the use of beta 2 agonists and steroids in 90-100% and 40-80% of patients, respectively. This contrast could be due to a deficiency in the researches of the Evidenced Based Medicine which is obliged to retrieve studies done over 10-15 years in order to obtain a sufficient number of data for a statistically valid investigation. These studies unfortunately are not updated with regard to the dose of individual drugs and the immediate association of drugs. In particular, with regard to nebulized beta 2 agonists, the absence of a positive effect could be due to an excessively low dose in relation to the age of the patient. According to the most recent knowledge, in fact, reduced doses are no longer required for babies in consideration of age and weight. In reality an equal and even higher dose than that used in adults would be best. The other reason for a lack of response could be the absence of the association of a steroid with a beta 2 agonists at the right moment. The lack of timing in associating these two drugs could also account for the absent response to the steroid. On the basis of these considerations it would be a mistake to give up the use of beta 2 agonists and steroids. Considering also the severity and frequency of a disease as bronchiolitis. To follow the "fashion" of the Evidence Based Medicine. Recently, magnesium sulphate, ketamine and the association elium-O2 have been suggested as marginal and not revolutionary medical interventions for the treatment of asthma. Among bronchodilators, the subordinate role of anticholinergics (for ex. ipratropium bromide), and of adrenaline has been defined with respect to beta 2 agonists, in particular salbutamol. The optimisation of the administration by nebulizers of the latter has been fundamental as it has a key role in the treatment of acute severe asthma. In detail, traditional nebulizers tend to be substituted by Metered Dose Inhaler + spacer with a ratio in the dose of 5/1. The venous route is used only in very severe cases and is used late and in intensive care although a single initial intravenous administration could determine a more rapid reduction of bronchoconstriction and reduce the number of nebulized bronchodilatators that can become extremely frequent in most severe cases. For steroids, instead, the only safe therapeutic route is by PO, i.v., i.m.: nebulized steroids although used with a definitely higher dose than that used for chronic asthma, can be used only in the milder forms.

Acute Disease↗

Providing asthma education in primary care practice.

An educational dialog founded on open communication between clinician and patient is necessary for a successful partnership in asthma care. Educating patients in self-management of asthma has become a major challenge in primary care practice. The process should begin at the time of diagnosis and should be integrated into every step of medical care during office visits and any other clinician-patient interaction. Identifying patients' expectations and concerns about their disease at each office visit helps the clinician focus care. The educational effort should include a discussion of basic asthma facts, and the types and uses of medications, and a demonstration of the skills involved in the proper use of metered-dose inhalers, spacers and peak flow meters. A written asthma self-management plan developed jointly by the clinician and the patient includes recommended daily medications and the specific steps the patient should take to control asthma and achieve the goals of asthma care.

Asthma↗

The efficacy of metered-dose inhalers with a spacer device in the pediatric setting.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the published research and report on the efficacy of using a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer (MDI-S) device in a pediatric setting to treat acute exacerbations of asthma. DATA SOURCES: A literature search was conducted on the CINAHL, Medline, and Cochrane databases; additional searches were made by hand from the reference lists in each study retrieved from databases and from review articles written on the same topic. CONCLUSION: This critical appraisal of the research demonstrates the MDI-S is as effective as the nebulizer, faster in the delivery of medication, and cost-effective. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: No significant difference between the MDI-S and nebulizer in delivering medication in an acute exacerbation of asthma was found in this analysis. The practitioner's choice of delivery methods should reflect the family's preference, the practice situation, and economic considerations.

Acute Disease↗

A modified spacer device for inhalational drug therapy for chronic bronchitis/asthma in laryngectomised patients.

Following total laryngectomy, patients who need to continue their inhalational drug therapy for chronic pulmonary conditions experience a great deal of difficulty in administering the drugs. We describe a new spacer device to deliver inhalational drug therapy to laryngectomized patients which is simple to use and does not interfere with the patient's life style. The device involves a standard metered dose inhaler, a paediatric face mask and a small volume spacer. This device was used successfully in six laryngectomised patients for 12-18 months, who needed to continue their inhalational drug therapy for their pulmonary condition.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Efficacy of adding multiple doses of oxitropium bromide to salbutamol delivered by means of a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer device in adults with acute severe asthma.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of combination therapy adding multiple doses of anticholinergics to beta(2)-agonists to improve outcome has not been established in adults with acute severe asthma. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to compare the outcome of adults with acute severe asthma treated with 4 puffs of salbutamol (100 microg/actuation) every 20 minutes for 3 doses plus 4 puffs of oxitropium bromide (100 microg/actuation) with each of the 3 salbutamol doses versus salbutamol alone administered by means of a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer device. METHODS: A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed in 74 patients between 18 and 55 years old presenting to the emergency department (ED) for treatment of acute asthma with a peak expiratory flow (PEF) of 50% or less than the normal predicted value. The primary endpoint was improvement in PEF over the course. The secondary endpoint was the need for additional ED treatment at 120 minutes. RESULTS: The increase in PEF over the course was significantly greater in the oxitropium plus salbutamol treatment group (P <.0001). The mean absolute difference in PEF at 120 minutes for combination therapy compared with salbutamol alone was 37.8 L/min (P =.001). In addition, the proportion of need for additional ED treatment was less in the combination group than the group receiving salbutamol alone (odds ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.90). CONCLUSION: Adding multiple doses of oxitropium bromide to salbutamol delivered by means of a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer device for acute severe asthma produces a significant improvement in lung function and reduces the need for additional ED treatment.

Acute Disease↗

In vitro performance of three combinations of spacers and pressurized metered dose inhalers for treatment in children.

The performance of pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) and spacers in correct dose recommendations is important, but limited information on dose delivery and fine-particle dose from different combinations of spacers and pMDIs is available. In this study, three combinations of spacers and pMDIs were investigated: NebuChamber and AeroChamber with budesonide pMDI and Babyhaler with fluticasone propionate pMDI. Doses were withdrawn onto a filter either with a breathing simulator (dose to ventilator) or with constant flow (maximal dose). The fine-particle dose was assessed with a cascade impactor (Andersen Sampler). The effect of repeated use and cleaning of the spacers on the passive fallout of aerosol within the spacers was determined by evacuating the dose on a filter 2, 5, 10 and 30 s after actuating the spray. The drugs were quantified by liquid chromatography. The NebuChamber delivered the highest doses, both maximal dose and dose to ventilator. The recovered doses (means+/-SD) were 55+/-6% and 51+/-2%, respectively, of the delivered dose from the pMDI. The corresponding results for the Babyhaler were 41+/-7% and 24+/-4% and for the Aerochamber 27+/-3% and 17+/-3%. The passive fallout of aerosol, determined as half-life (t1/2) was around approximately 30 s for the NebuChamber, 9-15 s for the Babyhaler and approximately 10 s for the AeroChamber. The present study confirms that there are significant differences in dose output from different combinations of pressurized metered dose inhalers and spacers, with the NebuChamber giving the highest dose, both as delivered dose and in droplets <4.7 microm. Interactions with the spacer material, dead space in the inspiratory line and entrainment of air during inhalation due to inefficient valve control could account for these differences.

Aerosols↗

A trial of metaproterenol by metered-dose inhaler and two spacers in preschool asthmatics.

Because most young children have difficulty in coordination for correct use of metered-dose inhalers (MDI), a trial of two spacer devices attached to MDIs was performed. In 13 children with asthma, aged 2-5 years old, a collapsible bag (Inspir-Ease) and a tube spacer (Aerochamber) were tested in a double-blind crossover trial with metaproterenol (1,300 micrograms). Respiratory resistance was measured by the forced oscillation method. Thirty minutes after metaproterenol administration there was a significant decrease in resistance with both spacers, while no significant change occurred after placebo administration. There was no difference in degree of bronchodilation between the two spacers. It is concluded that metaproterenol can be safely and effectively administered to preschool asthmatics by an MDI with spacer devices.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Comparison of beclomethasone dipropionate delivery by easyhaler dry powder inhaler and pMDI plus large volume spacer.

Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) provide a means of delivering inhaled asthma drugs without the use of propellants. Easyhaler is a multidose DPI, delivering 200 doses of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP), 200 microg/dose. A gamma scintigraphic study has been carried out in 10 healthy volunteers to compare the deposition of BDP from Easyhaler with that from a pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) coupled to a Volumatic spacer device delivering 250 microg BDP per dose. The spacer was used without any pretreatment to reduce static charge on the spacer walls. The study was conducted according to an open, randomized, crossover design. The volunteers inhaled the study drug using optimal inhalation technique for both devices. Lung deposition of 99mTc-labeled BDP averaged 18.9% (SD 9.5%) of the metered dose for Easyhaler, and 11.2% (SD 5.3%) for pMDI plus spacer (p < 0.05); when the data were expressed as mass of BDP deposited in the lungs, the difference in lung deposition just failed to reach statistical significance (Easyhaler 37.8 microg; pMDI plus spacer 28.0 microg). Oropharyngeal deposition was significantly reduced by use of the spacer. The results of this study show that Easyhaler delivers drug more efficiently to the lungs than pMDI plus Volumatic spacer when no measures are taken to eliminate static charge on the spacer walls.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Factors affecting the efficiency of aerosol therapy with pressurised metered-dose inhalers through plastic spacers.

AIM: The main objective of this study was to compare the in vitro delivery of salbutamol from a chlorofluorocarbon(CFC)-propelled pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) versus a newly developed hydrofluoroalkane(HFA)-propelled pMDI through various spacers. In addition, we aimed to study the effect on bronchodilator response when using an optimal pMDI/spacer combination for aerosol delivery compared to a suboptimal combination. METHODS: Particle size distribution and output from salbutamol pMDIs containing either CFC propellants (Ventolin) or HFA propellants (Airomir) were measured using a multistage liquid impinger (MSLI) and compared to that through both detergent-coated (non-static) or untreated (static) large volume (Nebuhaler, Volumatic) and small volume (Aerochamber) plastic spacers. Flow-volume curves (FEV1) were obtained from twelve asthmatic children with known significant bronchodilator response (8 males), aged 13-17 years, randomly inhaling salbutamol from a CFC-pMDI through a static spacer (Nebuhaler) and from an HFA-pMDI through a non-static spacer (Nebuhaler). RESULTS: In vitro output of particles in the respirable range (< 6.8 microns) from HFA-pMDIs was significantly higher than that from CFC-pMDIs using various spacers. Removal of electrostatic charge increased output from CFC- and HFA-pMDIs through all spacers by 17-82%. The mean (SD) bronchodilator response after inhalation of salbutamol from a CFC-pMDI through a static spacer was 7.1% (6.3%) compared to 17.5% (7.9%) after inhalation from an HFA-pMDI through a non-static spacer (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Use of a newly developed HFA-propelled pMDI greatly improves drug delivery through spacers compared to a CFC-propelled pMDI. However, electrostatic charge in plastic spacers remains the key determinant limiting delivery of salbutamol from a pMDI through spacers, and can be reduced by soaking the spacer in a household detergent. Using an optimal pMDI/spacer combination leads to a significantly improved bronchodilator response.

Administration, Inhalation↗