Salbutamol with metered dose inhalers with spacers - an established emergency treatment for preschool wheeze

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Minna Mecklin1, Marita Paassilta, Matti Korppi

  • 1Paediatric Research Centre, Tampere University, Finland.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|August 18, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) with spacers are now standard for treating preschool wheeze in emergency rooms and hospitals. This approach has successfully reduced hospitalization rates and length of stay for young children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) with spacers were introduced in 2006 for preschool wheeze treatment in our hospital.
  • Initial implementation faced challenges, particularly with nighttime treatments.
  • A follow-up study was conducted 4 years later to assess the long-term impact.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the sustained use of MDIs with spacers for preschool wheeze.
  • To determine changes in hospitalization rates and length of hospital stay (LOS).
  • To assess the established treatment protocols 4 years post-implementation.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective hospital chart review was conducted, mirroring an earlier study.
  • Data included treatment modes in the emergency room (ER) and hospital, hospitalization need, and LOS.
  • The review focused on 1- to 5-year-old children during late autumn and early winter.

Main Results:

  • 96% of children with preschool wheeze in the ER received salbutamol via MDIs with spacers.
  • The hospitalization rate was 51%, with most inpatients treated using MDIs with spacers.
  • Mean LOS decreased compared to the period 4 years prior.

Conclusions:

  • Salbutamol administration via MDI with spacer is an established emergency treatment for preschool wheeze.
  • The transition from nebulizers to MDIs with spacers proved successful within 4 years.
  • The study confirms the efficacy and integration of MDI with spacer therapy in pediatric respiratory care.
Abstract

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