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Novel spacer device does not improve adherence in childhood asthma
S W Burgess1, P D Sly, D M Cooper
1Department of Paediatrics, Redland Hospital, Cleveland, Queensland, Australia. Scott_Burgess@health.qld.gov.au
Pediatric Pulmonology
|June 26, 2007
Summary
The novel Funhaler (FH) did not improve adherence or asthma control in children over 3 months. While popular with parents and children, the FH device showed no significant benefits compared to standard spacers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Asthma affects many young children, requiring consistent medication delivery via metered dose inhalers (MDIs).
- Adherence to MDI therapy is often poor in children, impacting treatment effectiveness.
- Novel devices like the Funhaler (FH) aim to improve MDI adherence and aerosol delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if the Funhaler (FH) improves medication adherence in young asthmatic children over a 3-month period.
- To assess the impact of the FH on objective measures of adherence, symptom scores, and exacerbation rates.
- To compare the FH's performance against a standard small volume spacer using objective adherence monitoring.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 47 children (18 months to 7 years) with asthma.
- Participants were randomized to use either the Funhaler (FH) or a control spacer.
- Adherence was objectively measured using an electronic monitoring device (Smartinhaler) over 3 months.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in median adherence rates were observed between the FH and control groups over the 3-month study period.
- There were no significant differences in asthma symptom scores or exacerbation rates between the two groups.
- Seven Funhaler devices broke during the study, indicating potential durability issues.
Conclusions:
- Despite positive parent and child preference, the Funhaler (FH) did not demonstrate superior adherence or improved asthma control compared to standard spacers in the medium term.
- Durability concerns were noted with the Funhaler device.
- Further research may be needed to explore factors influencing adherence and the long-term efficacy of novel inhaler devices.
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