Bronchodilating efficacy of an open-spacer device compared to three other spacers.
BACKGROUND
Spacers devices are commonly used in aerosol therapy; however, they are bulky and require regular cleaning. A compact open spacer (OS, Synchroner, Fisons, UK) has been developed to overcome this problem. We compared bronchodilator efficacy associated with its use to efficacy of same dose via three other spacers: Volumatic (Glaxo Laboratories), Nebuhaler (Astra Laboratories), Inspirease (Key Pharmaceuticals).


METHODS
Sixteen asthmatics (greater than 20% reversibility of FEV1) took part in the study. In random order, they used a different device on each of the 4 study days to inhale 2 puffs of a combination aerosol (1 mg reproterol and 2 mg sodium cromoglycate, Aarane). We recorded results of spirometry before and 5, 30, and 60 minutes after bronchodilator inhalation.


RESULTS
At each time, we found no significant difference in bronchodilation.


CONCLUSIONS
OS is as efficient as other commonly used spacers to produce bronchodilation resulting from a conventional dose of reproterol.
Centre Valaisan de Pneumologie, Montana, Switzerland.
J M
JM
Tschopp
S
S
Robinson
J M
JM
Caloz
J G
JG
Frey
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D000336:Aerosols / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000592:standards; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers / Q000592:standards*; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D013557:Switzerland