PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - KG Nielsen
AU  - IL Auk
AU  - K Bojsen
AU  - M Ifversen
AU  - B Klug
AU  - H Bisgaard
TI  - Clinical effect of Diskus dry-powder inhaler at low and high inspiratory flow-rates in asthmatic children
AID  - 10.1183/09031936.98.11020350
DP  - 1998 Feb 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - 350--354
VI  - 11
IP  - 2
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/11/2/350.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/11/2/350.full
SO  - Eur Respir J1998 Feb 01; 11
AB  - In vitro studies with the Diskus inhaler at low and high flow rates show consistent doses of drug as fine particles <4.7 microm. The present study was designed to ascertain whether this in vitro flow independency translates into flow-independent clinical effect when the device is used by patients at low (30 L x min[-1]) and high (90 L x min[-1]) flow rates. A pilot study in 129 children aged 3-10 yrs demonstrated that 99% of children of 3 yrs and above can generate a flow > or = 30 L x min(-1) through the device, while 26% performed > or = 90 L x min(-1). Eighteen children aged 8-15 yrs with exercise induced asthma inhaled placebo or salmeterol 50 microg at either 30 L x min(-1) or 90 L x min(-1). Exercise challenges were carried out 1 h and 12 h after dosing. The maximum percentage fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEVI) after exercise 12 h after treatment was significantly less after salmeterol at either flow rates as compared to placebo. There was no significant difference in the protection from salmeterol on the day of low-flow inhalation versus the day of high-flow inhalation. Consistent in vitro fine particle dosing from the Diskus inhaler translates into a consistent clinical effect at low and high flow rates in children.