The use of dry powder inhaler devices by elderly patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Twenty-five COPD patients, aged 65years or above, were recruited to test their ability to use dry powder inhaler Handihaler (Boeringher-Ingelheim) and Aerolizer (Novartis). The results of a score created to evaluate the inhalation technique were compared with age, MMSE, Barthel Index, FEV(1), maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures, and peak inspiratory flow (PIF).


RESULTS
Dry powder inhalers were correctly used by 60% of the patients (15 out of 25). Among the capable ones, 13 out of 15 were aged less than 80 years (p< or =0.02), 13 out of 15 had a maximum inspiratory pressure greater or equal to 53cm H(2)O (p< or =0.001) and a PIF greater or equal to 120l/min (p< or =0.05). All skilled patients had a minimum MMSE of 25 (p< or =0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
In a geriatric population, age, the decrease of maximum inspiratory pressure and PIF as well as cognitive functions, limit the use of dry powder inhalers.
Quinet
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P
Hôpital Riviera, CTR Riviera, Blonay, Switzerland. pascal.quinet@hopital-riviera.ch
Young
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Héritier
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D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011208:Powders; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests
D011208:Powders