Inspiratory flow rates and volumes with the Aerolizer dry powder inhaler in asthmatic children and adults.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) and forced inspiratory vital capacity (FIVC) through the formoterol (Foradil*) Aerolizer* in patients with mild, moderate and severe asthma.


METHODS
PIFR and FIVC were assessed in 33 adults and 32 children using a spirometer alone (baseline), a spirometer with an adaptor, and a spirometer with an adaptor and the Aerolizer inhaler (placebo loaded).


RESULTS
Of adult patients using the Aerolizer inhaler, 73% had PIFR values of >100 l/min and 91% had values of >60 l/min. PIFR in adults was reduced from a mean baseline of 283 l/min to 118 l/min through the loaded Aerolizer inhaler. Similarly, 75% of children using the Aerolizer inhaler had PIFR values >80 l/min and 91% had values of > 60 l/min. The mean PIFR in children was reduced from a baseline of 154 l/min to 100 l/min through the loaded Aerolizer inhaler. Only small mean decreases from baseline were observed in FIVC through the loaded Aerolizer inhaler: 8.4% in adults and 3.8% in children. FIVC values of > 2.0 litre were achieved in 82% of adults, and 81% of children achieved FIVC values of >1.5 litre.


CONCLUSIONS
This study, albeit in a relatively small patient population, suggests that most children and adults with asthma can generate PIFRs of > 60 l/min and FIVCs of > 1.5 litre through the Aerolizer inhaler regardless of their disease severity. Such findings compare extremely favourably with other dry powder inhalers.
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
Edwin A
EA
Bronsky
Jay
J
Grossman
Marc J
MJ
Henis
Paul P
PP
Gallo
Umit
U
Yegen
Giovanni
G
Della Cioppa
John
J
Kottakis
Sunil
S
Mehra
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D011208:Powders; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013147:Spirometry
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004983:Ethanolamines; D011208:Powders; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate