Comparative efficacy of jet nebulizer and metered dose inhaler with spacer device in the treatment of acute asthma.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the relative efficacy of jet nebulizer and metered dose inhaler (MDI) with spacer for the administration of aerosolized salbutamol in an acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma.


METHODS
Randomized prospective study.


METHODS
Emergency Room.


METHODS
In 60 subjects with acute asthma aged between 1 to 12 years, clinical and laboratory assessment of severity at recruitment included heart rate, respiratory rate, pulsus paradoxus, arterial blood gas analysis (all cases) and peak expiratory flow rate (wherever possible). The subjects were randomized into two equal groups to receive aerosolized salbutamol either via nebulizer (Group I) or MDI-spacer (Group II) as per the Consensus Guidelines. The response to therapy was sequentially assessed after 20, 40 and 60 minutes of institution of therapy.


RESULTS
A significantly (p < 0.02) greater number of subjects in Group II presented with severe dyspnea and intercostal muscle retraction (subjective assessment). However, the objectively evaluable outcome parameters were comparable (p > 0.05) in both groups at presentation. All the outcome measures showed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement with time in both the groups. The recovery parameters were comparable (p > 0.05) at different time periods in the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
MDI-spacer is as effective as a nebulizer for the aerosolized administration of salbutamol in an acute exacerbation of asthma in children. However, for developing countries, distinct advantages (economic and power requirement) argue strongly for utilization of MDI-spacer in preference to nebulizer.
Batra
V
V
Department of Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi.
Sethi
G R
GR
Sachdev
H P
HP
D000208:Acute Disease; D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D000420:Albuterol