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Effect of salbutamol on lung function parameters of healthy children
K Delanghe1, K N Desager, H P Van Bever
1Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem-Antwerp, Belgium.
Insights
Inhaled salbutamol (a bronchodilator) significantly improved lung function in healthy children. This study demonstrates a small but significant bronchodilation effect in non-asthmatic children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Salbutamol is a common bronchodilator.
- Its effect on lung function in healthy children is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of salbutamol on lung function in healthy children.
- To compare salbutamol's effects against a placebo.
Main Methods:
- A single-blind study involving 37 healthy children (aged 7-14).
- Administration of 200 mcg salbutamol or placebo.
- Spirometry performed pre- and post-inhalation.
Main Results:
- Salbutamol significantly increased forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) by 111%-115%.
- Maximal expiratory flow rates at 50% and 25% of FVC also significantly increased.
- Placebo showed no significant changes in lung function parameters.
Conclusions:
- 200 mcg salbutamol causes a small but significant bronchodilation in healthy, non-asthmatic children.
- Salbutamol demonstrates a measurable impact on respiratory mechanics even in individuals without airway obstruction.
Unlabelled:
In the present study, the effect of 200 microg salbutamol compared to placebo was evaluated on lung function parameters of 37 healthy children aged 7-14 years. Salbutamol or placebo were administered, using a single blind study design, and spirometry was performed before and after 10 min of inhalation. At the time of the study, all children were symptom-free and had not suffered from any respiratory infection during the previous 4 weeks. The administration of salbutamol resulted in a significant increase of mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (111%-115%, P<0.05), maximal expiratory flow at 50% of forced vital capacity (101%-110%, P<0.05) and maximal expiratory flow at 25 % of forced vital capacity (96%-115%, P<0.05). The administration of placebo resulted in no significant change in lung function parameters.
Conclusion:
The administration of 200 microg salbutamol results in the occurrence of a small but significant bronchodilation in healthy, non-asthmatic children.