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Clinical evaluation of the peak inspiratory flow generated by asthmatic children through the Novolizer
C Vogelberg1, H J Kremer, B Ellers-Lenz
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Dresden, Fetscherstr 74, Dresden 01307, Germany. christian.vogelberg@uniklinikum-dresden.de
Insights
Asthmatic children can generate adequate peak inspiratory flow (PIF) using the Novolizer dry powder inhaler. This novel device, with its feedback features, is suitable for delivering asthma medications effectively.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Device Technology
Background:
- Asthma management in children requires effective medication delivery.
- Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) necessitate sufficient inspiratory flow for optimal function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if children with asthma can achieve adequate peak inspiratory flow (PIF) through the Novolizer DPI.
- To assess the Novolizer's suitability for pediatric inhalation therapy.
Main Methods:
- A multi-center study involving 137 children (median age 7 years) with mild to moderate persistent asthma.
- Peak inspiratory flow (PIF) was measured without the device and then through the Novolizer (PIF-N).
- Assessments were performed in triplicate, with the mean analyzed.
Main Results:
- Mean PIF was 128 ± 61 L/min, and mean PIF-N was 69 ± 18 L/min.
- These flow rates exceed the Novolizer's required trigger threshold.
- PIF through the Novolizer showed a linear increase from ages 4-8 years.
Conclusions:
- The Novolizer's low intrinsic resistance allows for high PIF in children.
- Acoustic and optical feedback mechanisms enhance correct inhalation technique.
- The Novolizer is a valuable tool for delivering inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators to asthmatic children.
Study Objective:
To assess whether asthmatic children may generate sufficient peak inspiratory flow through the Novolizer, a novel multiple dose dry powder inhaler with acoustic and optical feedback mechanisms for correct inhalation.
Patients And Methods:
137 children (median age 7 years, range 4-2) with mild to moderate persistent asthma (FEV1 < 90% predicted or pre-treated with low-dose steroids) participated in this open, multi-centre study. After assessment of FEV1 and peak inspiratory flow (without inhalator device, PIF), the children were instructed to inhale with the Novolizer (PIF through inhaler, PIF-N). All assessments were done in triplicate and the mean out of three attempts analysed.
Results:
Mean PIF was 128 +/- 61 l/min and mean PIF-N was 69 +/- 18 l/min. This is distinctly above the rate necessary to overcome the Novolizer's trigger threshold. PIF performance through the Novolizer was linear in the age interval of 4-8 years, no further increase was observed beyond 8 years.
Conclusions:
The medium to low intrinsic resistance of the Novolizer permits a relatively high PIF through this device. Together with the feedback mechanisms, this makes the Novolizer particularly valuable for inhalation therapy in asthmatic children with drugs such as salbutamol, formoterol, or budesonide.
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