ASSESSMENT OF A NEW DEVICE (AEROCHAMBER) FOR USE WITH AEROSOL DRUGS IN ASTHMATIC-CHILDREN

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 50  (3) , 166-170
Abstract
The pulmonary response to fenoterol [an autonomic drug] delivered by a conventional MDI [metered dose inhaler] was compared with the response after MDI plus the aerochamber (AC). Children [12] with moderate to severe asthma (mean age 10.8 yr) participated in this double-blind crossover study. On 2 consecutive days, in random order, subjects received 1 puff of fenoterol hydrobromide (200 .mu.g) either by MDI or MDI plus AC. Pulmonary function, cardiovascular response and tremor were assessed over a period of 4 h. In a similar fashion, the children received 1 puff of fenoterol 3 times/day for 6 wk by either method in a randomized open study. Daily symptoms and peak flows before and after drug were recorded in daily diaries. The patients returned to the pulmonary function laboratory at 6 and 12 wk for 4 h pulmonary function tests. In the short-term study, the magnitude and time course of pulmonary response was similar for both treatment regimens (P > 0.4). No significant effects on blood pressure or pulse or differences in tremor assessment were seen. In the long term study the baseline pulmonary function and pulmonary response were markedly consistent between the 2 treatment regimens (P > 0.05). Peak flows were significantly higher in the evening than in the morning (P < 0.001) and the magnitude of the response to drug was higher in the morning than the evening (P < 0.001). There were no differences between MDI and MDI plus AC in daily symptom scores or use of concomitant medication. Evidently, acute or chronic administration of fenoterol aerosol to asthmatic children by MDI with or without the AC produces similar benefits in pulmonary function, symptomatology and concomitant medication. The AC device would be a useful adjunct for a child who has difficulty in coordinating the MDI.