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Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer (A-VMN) Performance During Low-Flow Nasal Oxygen Therapy in Neonates
Rachel Burke1, Mary Joyce2, Elena Fernández Fernández1
1Medical Affairs, Aerogen Ltd., Galway Business Park, Dangan, H91 HE94 Galway, Ireland.
Pharmaceutics
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Oxygen concentrators deliver more aerosolized medication to neonates than low-flow oxygen therapy. This finding is crucial for optimizing respiratory care in infants receiving supplemental oxygen and aerosol treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal respiratory care
- Pharmacokinetics and drug delivery
Background:
- Neonates with respiratory diseases often require supplemental oxygen and aerosol therapy.
- Oxygen cylinders are costly and unavailable in some regions, leading to the use of oxygen concentrators as alternatives.
- The impact of oxygen delivery systems on aerosol drug delivery in neonates requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare aerosol drug delivery to neonates using an oxygen concentrator versus low-flow oxygen therapy.
- To evaluate the effect of different gas flow rates on emitted and tracheal doses.
- To assess the influence of nebulizer operation on circuit pressure.
Main Methods:
- A vibrating mesh nebulizer (Aerogen Solo) delivered salbutamol to a neonatal head model.
- Aerosol delivery was combined with oxygen concentrator (0.2-5.0 LPM) and low-flow oxygen therapy (1.0-5.0 LPM).
- Emitted and tracheal doses were measured; circuit pressure changes due to nebulizer use were recorded.
Main Results:
- Oxygen concentrators yielded higher emitted doses compared to low-flow oxygen therapy at 1.0 LPM (20.58% vs. 14.69%, p=0.018).
- At 5.0 LPM, tracheal doses were comparable (11.01% for oxygen concentrator vs. 9.66% for low-flow oxygen therapy, p=0.073).
- Nebulizer operation and refilling did not affect circuit pressure in either system.
Conclusions:
- The choice of system for concurrent aerosol and oxygen therapy significantly influences nebulized drug delivery to neonates.
- Oxygen concentrators may offer advantages in aerosol delivery efficiency compared to low-flow oxygen therapy in neonatal care.
- Further research is warranted to optimize aerosol delivery protocols in neonates using different oxygen sources.
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