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Protective effect of inhaled salbutamol powder in children assessed by histamine challenge

C R Pullan, A J Martin

    British Medical Journal
    |February 9, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    Inhaled salbutamol powder offers dose-dependent protection against asthma triggers in children. Higher doses, like 800 micrograms, provide longer-lasting protection, suggesting current regimens may be insufficient.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Pulmonology
    • Pharmacology
    • Clinical Trials

    Background:

    • Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children.
    • Inhaled bronchodilators like salbutamol are mainstays of asthma management.
    • Optimal dosing strategies for inhaled salbutamol powder in pediatric populations require further investigation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the dose-response and duration of protective effect of inhaled salbutamol powder in children with asthma.
    • To compare the efficacy of different inhaled salbutamol powder doses against histamine challenge.
    • To assess the adequacy of current salbutamol powder dosing regimens in pediatric asthma.

    Main Methods:

    • A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 12 children with asthma.
    • Administration of inhaled salbutamol powder at doses of 100, 400, and 800 micrograms.
    • Assessment of airway protection using histamine challenge at 10 minutes, 2 hours, and 4 hours post-inhalation.

    Main Results:

    • All tested doses of inhaled salbutamol powder provided protection at 10 minutes.
    • Significant protection persisted up to 4 hours only with the 800-microgram dose (p < 0.01).
    • A clear dose-related effect was observed, with higher doses increasing both the magnitude and duration of action.

    Conclusions:

    • Inhaled salbutamol powder exhibits a dose-dependent effect on airway protection in children with asthma.
    • To ensure continuous protection, inhaled salbutamol powder may need to be administered every four hours.
    • Current recommended dosing regimens for pediatric salbutamol powder appear submaximal and may require upward adjustment.

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