Randomized comparison of a dry powder inhaler and metered dose inhaler with spacer in management of children with asthma.
OBJECTIVE
Comparison of the clinical efficacy of a transparent, DPI (transparent Rotahaler) with MDI and spacers in childhood asthma.


METHODS
Open, randomized, crossover trial.


METHODS
Out patient clinic of a referral pediatric center.


METHODS
Thirty (mean 6.1 +/-2.7 years) children with moderate persistent asthma were randomized to receive long-term medications by a DPI or a metered dose inhaler with spacer for six weeks and then crossed over to receive the same drugs for another period of six weeks after an initial run in period of one week for training in inhalation techniques. The preventative therapy consisted of inhaled Beclomethasone dipropionate (600 mcg/day) and Salbutamol as per requirement. The patients were monitored by a symptom diary, weekly PEFR, and PEFR variability by the parental record of PEFR measurements at home with Mini Wright s Peakflow meter in accordance with the Consensus guidelines.


RESULTS
Comparisons made on weekly symptom scores, PEFR at interval visits, PEFR variability, additional beta sympathomimetic use and acute exacerbations of asthma did not reveal any statistically significant differences during the two treatment periods (>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Metered dose inhaler and dry powder inhaler have equal efficacy in anti-inflammatory therapy of bronchial asthma in children.
Singh
M
M
Advanced Pediatric Center, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160 012, India.
Kumar
L
L
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents