Title: Computerised measurements of inhalation ability with two different devices in patients with severe COPD
Abstract: <b>Background:</b> The pharmacological treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is dominated by drug inhalation through handheld devices. Sometimes you see the recommendation to change from dry powder inhalers to spray-inhalers when lung function deteriorate and flow rates decline. However, lung function is primarily assessed by forced exhalations, where the dynamic compression of the airway causes a dramatic decrease in achieved flow rates in compared to forced inhalations. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate whether patients with COPD, with FEV1 < 50 % pred. (stage 3 and 4), have the inhalation ability required for proper inhalations with Ellipta and Respimat. <b>Methods:</b> The study included 18 patients who performed inhalation maneuvers through two empty inhalers. The pressure drop over the inhaler (i.e. the negative pressure at the mouth) was measured at 100 Hz using a pressure transducer connected to a measurement software via an A/D converter. In this way inhalation flow rates and volumes could be calculated. <b>Results:</b> All participants, could perform correct inhalations with the two inhalers. There was no statistically significant difference in inhalation ability between COPD stages 3 and 4, nor between the first and last inhalation trial. In conclusion, patients with severe COPD have the inhalation ability required for proper inhalations with Ellipta and Respimat. There was no clear difference in inhalation ability between COPD stage 3 and 4, and repeated attempts do not significantly improve or impair inhalation. <b>Conclusion:</b> A general recommendation to switch from powder inhalers to spray in severe COPD was not supported by the findings in this preliminary study.
Publication Year: 2019
Publication Date: 2019-09-28
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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