Publication: Levosalbutamol via Metered-Dose Inhaler with Spacer Versus Nebulizer for Acute Exacerbation of Bronchial Asthma in Children – A Randomized Controlled Trial
Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal Paediatric Society (JNPS)
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction: Acute paediatric asthma can pose an emergency challenge requiring medical preparedness. Hence, it is prudent to identify the best drug delivery option for managing acute asthma exacerbations. The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of metered dose inhaler with spacer (MDI-S) versus nebulizer (NEB) in delivering levosalbutamol for acute exacerbation of asthma in children.
Methods: This randomized clinical trial enrolled 58 children aged five to 15 years with mild-moderate asthma and randomly divided them into two treatment groups – Group MDI-S (N = 29) and Group NEB (N = 29). Pulmonary Index Score (PIS) along with signs and symptoms of asthma were compared between the groups before and one hour after levosalbutamol treatment. Chi square test was used to compare continuous variables and the level of significancewas set at P < 0.05.
Results: The two groups showed no significant differences in median age, age of wheezing onset, prior hospitalizations, and PIS before treatment (p > 0.05). Even one hour after treatment, they did not differ significantly in PIS and hospital admissions (P > 0.05). All children showed improvement in their asthmatic status after the therapy and none showed any worsening of their condition.
Conclusions: Metered dose inhaler with spacer is an effective and efficient alternate to the routinely used nebulizer for managing acute asthmatic episodes in children.
Description
Arunprasath Perumal
Assistant Surgeon, Department of Paediatrics, Karur Medical College and Hospitals, 6th Cross Rd, Gandhi Gramam, North Gandhi Gramam, Karur, Tamil Nadu 639004,India
Muruganantham Balagurunathan
Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Off, Avinashi Rd, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641004, India
Jayavardhana Arumugam
Professor, Department of Paediatrics, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Off, Avinashi Rd, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641004, India
Keywords
Asthma, bronchodilator agents, child, emergencies, metered dose inhalers, nebulizers and vaporizers