Dose-response to bronchodilator delivered by metered-dose inhaler in ventilator-supported patients

Rajiv Dhand, Alexander G. Duarte, Amal Jubran, John W. Jenne, James B. Fink, Patrick J. Fahey, Martin J. Tobin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

91 Scopus citations

Abstract

In nonintubated patients, metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) are accepted as the most convenient, efficient, and cost effective method of administering inhaled bronchodilators. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of MDIs in ventilator-supported patients; however, the optimal dose of a bronchodilator from a MDI is unknown. We determined the response to increasing doses of albuterol administered by a MDI and cylindrical spacer to 12 mechanically ventilated patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Four, eight, and 16 puffs of albuterol were given at 15-min intervals. Rapid airway occlusions were performed before and at 5-min intervals after albuterol for 80 min. Respiratory mechanics were also measured for 60 min in another group of seven patients with COPD who received four puffs of albuterol. Significant decrease in airway resistance occurred after administration of albuterol (p < 0.001). The decrease in airway resistance with four puffs of albuterol was comparable to that observed with cumulative doses of 17 puffs (p = 0.12) and 28 puffs (p = 0.25). Heart rate increased significantly (p < 0.01) after a cumulative dose of 28 puffs. The decrease in airway resistance was sustained for 60 min in the group that received only four puffs of albuterol (p < 0.003). In conclusion, four puffs of albuterol given by a MDI and spacer provided the best combination of bronchodilator effect and safety in stable mechanically ventilated patients with COPD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)388-393
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Volume154
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1996
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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

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