[Maximum inspiratory flows in healthy children and asthmatics 4 to 8 years old. The implications for the inhalation of drugs in powder form].
Twenty-two asymptomatic asthmatic children and twenty-one healthy controls aged between 4 and 8 years old were studied in order to determine peak inspiratory flow (PIF) in baseline conditions through a Turbuhaler powder aerosol device. PIF was measured randomly on one of three days using computerized spirometry. In healthy children, baseline PIF ranged from 129 to 244 L/min; PIF through the Turbuhaler ranged from 72 to 99 l/min. In asthmatics, the ranges were 122 to 236 l/min and 79 to 102 l/min for baseline and Turbuhaler PIF, respectively. PIF was significantly related to age (p < 0.05). The difference between PIF through the Turbuhaler for asthmatic and healthy children was not significant. PIF of healthy and asthmatic Chilean children between 4 and 8 years of age exceeded the level required to obtain an optimum dose from this type of device. This study suggests that the aerosol powder doses produced by devices such as that used in this study can be used by children from age 4 and older.
Aguilar Miranda
P
P
Departamento de Medicina Respiratoria Infantil, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Hospital El Pino, Santiago de Chile. mri@lauca.usach.cl
Mallol Villablanca
J
J
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007320:Inspiratory Capacity / Q000502:physiology*; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D011208:Powders; D012016:Reference Values; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D011208:Powders