Abstract
Introduction / Purpose: The role of dry powder inhalation devices (DPIs) in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is important. Several types of DPIs (Diskus®, Elpenhaler®, Turbuhaler®) are available for the administration of inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators. In patients with low peak inspiratory flow rates (PIF) optimal deposition of medication by DPIs may not achieved, especially in acute phases. Under such conditions use of DPI with medium to high internal resistance is suggested in order to ensure the optimum deposition despite the lower flow rate. Main purpose of this study was to assess PIF in COPD patients with stages II-III-IV (GOLD).
Materials & Methods: This is an observational study (ClinicalTrials.gov.Identifier NCT018556559), without investigational medicinal product. 210 consented in participation patients (156 men), aged> 50 years categorized by COPD stage. PIF was measured with In-Check® Oral Inspiratory Flow Meter calibrated in middle/high resistance. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 21.0 software.
Results: 127(60.5%) COPD Stage II patients aged 66 ± 8 years, 66(31.5%) stage III aged 71 ± 8 years, and 17(8%) stage IV aged 69 ± 7 years participated in the study. PIF measurements were 63 ±11 (stage II) 60 ±10 (stage III) and 49 ± 9L/min (stage IV). Mean PIF was 60 ± 11L /min (range 34-95). The lowest measured value is superior of minimum PIF (30L / min) which is required for effective drug administration using DPI (American Association for Respiratory Care-AARC).
Conclusions: Patients with advanced-stage COPD using DPIs can produce effective inspiratory flow rates thereby ensuring effective administration of drug to the lungs.
- Copyright ©the authors 2016
