Bronchodilator therapy with metered-dose inhaler and spacer versus nebulizer in mechanically ventilated patients: Comparison of magnitude and duration of response

Alexander G. Duarte, Keith Momii, Akhil Bidani

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

Four-hour comparison of the bronchodilator response of albuterol administered via metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with spacer versus small-volume nebulizer (SVN) to mechanically ventilated patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Medical intensive care unit in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Thirteen mechanically ventilated COPD patients. INTERVENTION: Albuterol administration of 4 puffs (0.4 mg) or 10 puffs (1.0 mg) via MDI with spacer or 2.5 mg via SVN to mechanically ventilated patients in order to assess the bronchodilator response over 4 hours. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Mechanically ventilated patients were enrolled in a randomized crossover study wherein one group received 4 puffs (0.4 mg) or 2.5 mg of albuterol and another group received 10 puffs (1.0 mg) or 2.5 mg of albuterol on separate days. Respiratory mechanics measurements were obtained over 4 hours. Total airway resistance declined by 14.4 ± 3.8% after 4 MDI puffs, 18.3 ± 1.8% after 10 MDI puffs, or 13.7 ± 2.6% after 2.5 mg via SVN, compared to baseline (p < 0.01). After albuterol delivery, airway resistance remained improved for 90-120 minutes (p < 0.05) and returned to baseline by 4 hours with all treatments. CONCLUSION: The airway response to albuterol administration via MDI and SVN to mechanically ventilated patients was similar in magnitude and duration, returning to baseline by 240 minutes. In stable, mechanically ventilated COPD patients, albuterol may be administered via MDI with spacer or via SVN every 4 hours.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)817-823
Number of pages7
JournalRespiratory care
Volume45
Issue number7
StatePublished - Jul 2000

Keywords

  • Aerosols
  • Albuterol
  • Bronchodilator
  • Inhalation therapy
  • Mechanical ventilation
  • Obstructive lung disease

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

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