A comparison of bronchodilator responses to albuterol delivered by ultrasonic versus jet nebulization in moderate to severe asthma.
BACKGROUND
Nebulization of beta-agonists is preferred as a mode of treatment in moderate to severe asthma. Few studies, however, have compared its use in this population using an ultrasonic versus a jet nebulizer.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to compare bronchodilator responses to albuterol between an ultrasonic and a jet nebulizer in moderate to severe asthma.


METHODS
Fifteen stable, moderately to severely asthmatic patients were randomized to receive the ultrasonic or jet nebulizer for 2 weeks. They were then crossed over for an additional 2 weeks. Albuterol was the agent used. The bronchodilator response was measured at baseline, and up to four hours after treatment with each nebulizer. Daily peak flows were then done for 2 weeks.


RESULTS
The maximal percentage of increase in FEV1 at 30 minutes using the ultrasonic nebulizer was 39.9 +/- 8% (P < 0.001) versus 25.1 +/- 7.6% (P = .005) using the jet nebulizer. There were no other differences between the ultrasonic and the jet nebulizer in FEV1 or FVC during the 4-hour spirometry. During the home trial, the difference in evening PEFR between the jet nebulizer (69.05 +/- 14.9 L/min) and the ultrasonic nebulizer (90.11 +/- 18.7 L/min) was significant (P = .04).


CONCLUSIONS
In summary, the ultrasonic and the jet nebulizer produced comparable bronchodilator responses to albuterol in stable moderately to severely asthmatic patients.
Pallares
D E
DE
Henry Ford Health System, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Pilarski
B R
BR
Rodriguez
J L
JL
Leickly
F E
FE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers / Q000145:classification; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D011674:Pulse; D013147:Spirometry; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D000420:Albuterol