Randomized cross-over comparison of aerochamber and jet nebulizer for bronchodilator therapy

Abstract

The bronchodilator response to fenoterol hydrobromide delivered by metered dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer device (Aerochamber) and by jet nebulizer was compared in 12 asthmatic patients admitted to the hospital. In this cross-over study, the patients were randomized to received 200 ug of fenoterol hydrobromide delivered by an MDI plus Aerochamber and 2.5 mg of fenoterol by jet nebulizer on two consecutive days. The mean percent increase in absolute forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEVI) with an MDI plus Aerochamber was 13.2% and 22.6% with jet nebulization. There were no significant difference in the mean percent increase in FEVI, forced vital capacity (FVC), maximum mid flow rate (MMFR) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) with the two delivery methods. Subjective sensation of improvement after treatment with both delivery methods was reported by all 12 patients but nine patients preferred Aerochamber, two preferred nebulizer and one had no preference. It is concluded that there is no difference in the bronchodilator responses to fenoterol hydrobromide delivered by MDI plus Aerochamber or by jet nebulizer but more patients preferred Aerochamber.