Influence of spacer device on drug delivery to young children with asthma.
The budesonide dose delivered to the patient from three different spacer devices (Nebuhaler = 750 ml, Aerochamber = 140 ml, and Babyspacer = 260 ml) was assessed by measuring the budesonide dose deposited on a filter inserted between the spacer outlet and the mouth of the patient. Twenty children aged 10-25 months were given a single dose of 200 micrograms budesonide from each spacer device in a randomised crossover study. All spacers had a facemask attached and a one way valve system. The children breathed through the inhalation system for 30 seconds. Furthermore, the minute ventilation of the children through a tightly fitting facemask was measured. The filter dose of budesonide was significantly lower after Aerochamber treatment (39.4 micrograms, range 19-67 micrograms) than after Nebuhaler (53.5 micrograms, range 34-88 micrograms) and Babyspacer (55.5 micrograms, range 39-76 micrograms) treatment. The minute ventilation of the children varied from 1.4 l/min to 7.0 l/min (mean 5.0 l/min). This was sufficient to empty all spacers within the 30 seconds of inhalation. It is concluded that spacer volume does not seem to be so important for children aged 10-25 months as long as spacers with a volume lower than 750 ml are used.
Department of Paediatrics, Kolding Hospital, Denmark.
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Agertoft
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Pedersen
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019819:Budesonide; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D011282:Pregnenediones / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011282:Pregnenediones; D019819:Budesonide