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Sodium cromoglycate via inhaler and Autohaler
1Clinical Allergy Research Unit, St. Mary's Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight, U.K.
Insights
The Autohaler and metered dose inhaler (MDI) showed similar asthma control in children. However, patients and clinicians preferred the Autohaler for ease of use and coordination, potentially improving compliance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Asthma management in children requires effective medication delivery.
- Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) are common but can be challenging to use correctly.
- Breath-actuated inhalers (Autohalers) offer an alternative delivery method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and usability of sodium cromoglycate delivered via MDI versus Autohaler in children with asthma.
- To assess patient and clinician perceptions of the two inhaler devices.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, controlled, crossover study involving 181 children with asthma.
- Comparison of pulmonary function tests (FEV1, FVC, PFER), symptom scores, and bronchodilator use.
- Evaluation of patient and clinician opinions on device effectiveness, ease of use, and coordination.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in pulmonary function or symptom scores between MDI and Autohaler.
- Significantly higher patient and clinician ratings for Autohaler effectiveness (P < 0.01).
- Autohaler rated significantly easier to use and better for actuation-inhalation coordination (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- The Autohaler demonstrates comparable efficacy to the MDI for delivering sodium cromoglycate in pediatric asthma.
- The Autohaler offers significant advantages in ease of use and coordination, potentially enhancing patient compliance.
Abstract:
One hundred and eighty-one children with asthma were entered into a randomized, controlled, crossover study comparing sodium cromoglycate via a metered dose inhaler (MDI) and a breath-actuated inhaler (Autohaler). There were no significant differences in pulmonary function tests (FEV1, FVC, PFER), symptom scores and bronchodilator use between the two devices. However both patients' and clinicians' opinions of sodium cromoglycate effectiveness were significantly better (P < 0.01) for the Autohaler. Autohaler was also thought to be easier to use (P < 0.001) and better for co-ordination of actuation with inhalation (P < 0.001). The Autohaler is as efficacious as the metered dose inhaler used by good co-ordinators. It seems to be the significantly better device with respect to ease of use, actuation and co-ordination which may aid compliance.