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Comparison of handling and acceptability of two spacer devices in young children with asthma
P L Brand1, O H van der Baan-Slootweg, J W Heynens
1Department of Paediatrics, Isala Klinieken, Zwolle, The Netherlands. P.L.P.Brand@isala.nl
Insights
Parents overwhelmingly prefer the NebuChamber spacer device over the Babyhaler for treating childhood asthma. This preference extends across multiple features, indicating better usability for young children with asthma.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Device Technology
Background:
- Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children.
- Spacer devices are crucial for effective delivery of inhaled corticosteroids in young children.
- Parental preference for medical devices can impact treatment adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare parental preference between two commonly used asthma spacer devices: NebuChamber and Babyhaler.
- To evaluate specific features influencing parental choice in pediatric asthma management.
Main Methods:
- An open, cross-over study involving 141 pediatric patients (5-57 months) with asthma.
- Randomized administration of inhaled steroids via NebuChamber or Babyhaler for 2-week periods.
- Parental questionnaires and diary entries assessed device preference, acceptability, and handling.
Main Results:
- A significant majority of parents (68%) preferred the NebuChamber over the Babyhaler (25%).
- Preference for NebuChamber was consistent across various features including mask fit, ease of use, and durability.
- Child acceptability and device handling scores were comparable between the two devices.
Conclusions:
- Two-thirds of parents favor the NebuChamber for managing asthma in young children.
- The NebuChamber demonstrates superior parental preference due to its design and functional attributes.
- Findings suggest NebuChamber may enhance treatment adherence in pediatric asthma care.
Unlabelled:
This study compared parents' preference for two spacer devices, NebuChamber and Babyhaler for the treatment of young children with asthma. In this open, cross-over study 141 patients (aged 5-57 mo) who used inhaled steroids via a spacer device were randomized to budesonide via NebuChamber or beclomethasone dipropionate via Babyhaler. Both treatments were given by the parents twice daily for 2 wk. At the final visit parents completed a questionnaire on preference in general and for a given set of features. Acceptability and handling were scored in a diary. Diary scores on acceptability by the child and handling of both spacer devices were comparable. In the preference questionnaire, 68% of parents preferred NebuChamber [95% confidence interval (CI) 60-76] and 25% Babyhaler (95% CI 18-33). The preference was independent of the type of spacer used before the study and was also apparent in the different features: acceptability by child, carrying around, cleaning, close fitting of face mask, assembling and disassembling, damage resistance and size. These differences were statistically significant for all features, except for acceptability by the child.
Conclusion:
Two-thirds of parents prefer NebuChamber over Babyhaler for the treatment of their young asthmatic children.
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