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The efficacy of metered-dose inhalers with a spacer device in the pediatric setting
Lance J Buxton1, Joan H Baldwin, Judith A Berry
1Rural Health Clinic, Monahans, Texas, USA. lbuxton@earthlink.net
Insights
A metered-dose inhaler with a spacer (MDI-S) is as effective as a nebulizer for treating pediatric asthma exacerbations. This method is faster and more cost-effective, offering a viable alternative for asthma medication delivery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute asthma exacerbations in children require effective medication delivery.
- Traditional nebulizer treatments are common but can be time-consuming.
- Alternative delivery methods are being explored for efficiency and patient adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review research on the efficacy of metered-dose inhaler with a spacer (MDI-S) devices.
- To compare MDI-S efficacy against nebulizers for acute pediatric asthma exacerbations.
- To report on the effectiveness of MDI-S in a pediatric setting.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of CINAHL, Medline, and Cochrane databases.
- Manual searches of reference lists from retrieved studies and review articles.
- Systematic review and critical appraisal of published research.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in medication delivery efficacy between MDI-S and nebulizers for acute asthma exacerbations.
- MDI-S demonstrated faster medication delivery compared to nebulizers.
- MDI-S was found to be a cost-effective treatment option.
Conclusions:
- MDI-S is an effective alternative to nebulizers for treating pediatric asthma exacerbations.
- Treatment choice should consider family preference, clinical setting, and economic factors.
- MDI-S offers comparable efficacy with improved speed and cost-effectiveness.
Purpose:
To systematically review the published research and report on the efficacy of using a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer (MDI-S) device in a pediatric setting to treat acute exacerbations of asthma.
Data Sources:
A literature search was conducted on the CINAHL, Medline, and Cochrane databases; additional searches were made by hand from the reference lists in each study retrieved from databases and from review articles written on the same topic.
Conclusion:
This critical appraisal of the research demonstrates the MDI-S is as effective as the nebulizer, faster in the delivery of medication, and cost-effective.
Implications For Practice:
No significant difference between the MDI-S and nebulizer in delivering medication in an acute exacerbation of asthma was found in this analysis. The practitioner's choice of delivery methods should reflect the family's preference, the practice situation, and economic considerations.