title: Holding chambers (spacers) versus nebulisers for beta-agonist treatment of acute asthma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In acute asthma inhaled beta(2)-agonists are often administered by nebuliser to relieve bronchospasm, but some have argued that metered-dose inhalers with a holding chamber (spacer) can be equally effective. Nebulisers require a power source and need regular maintenance, and are more expensive in the community setting.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the effects of holding chambers (spacers) compared to nebulisers for the delivery of beta(2)-agonists for acute asthma.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Trial Register and reference lists of articles. We contacted the authors of studies to identify additional trials. Date of last search: February 2013.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomised trials in adults and children (from two years of age) with asthma, where spacer beta(2)-agonist delivery was compared with wet nebulisation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two review authors independently applied study inclusion criteria (one review author for the first version of the review), extracted the data and assessed risks of bias. Missing data were obtained from the authors or estimated. Results are reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
  
  
  RESULTS
  This review includes a total of 1897 children and 729 adults in 39 trials. Thirty-three trials were conducted in the emergency room and equivalent community settings, and six trials were on inpatients with acute asthma (207 children and 28 adults). The method of delivery of beta(2)-agonist did not show a significant difference in hospital admission rates. In adults, the risk ratio (RR) of admission for spacer versus nebuliser was 0.94 (95% CI 0.61 to 1.43). The risk ratio for children was 0.71 (95% CI 0.47 to 1.08, moderate quality evidence). In children, length of stay in the emergency department was significantly shorter when the spacer was used. The mean duration in the emergency department for children given nebulised treatment was 103 minutes, and for children given treatment via spacers 33 minutes less (95% CI -43 to -24 minutes, moderate quality evidence). Length of stay in the emergency department for adults was similar for the two delivery methods. Peak flow and forced expiratory volume were also similar for the two delivery methods. Pulse rate was lower for spacer in children, mean difference -5% baseline (95% CI -8% to -2%, moderate quality evidence), as was the risk of developing tremor (RR 0.64; 95% CI 0.44 to 0.95, moderate quality evidence).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nebuliser delivery produced outcomes that were not significantly better than metered-dose inhalers delivered by spacer in adults or children, in trials where treatments were repeated and titrated to the response of the participant. Spacers may have some advantages compared to nebulisers for children with acute asthma.
authors.affiliation: Population Health Sciences and Education, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK, SW17 0RE.
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Cates
authors.forename: Emma J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Welsh
authors.forename: Brian H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Rowe
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000328:Adult; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D036503:Inhalation Spacers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents
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