Inhalation therapy in asthma: nebulizer or pressurized metered-dose inhaler with holding chamber? In vivo comparison of lung deposition in children [see comments]

Objective: To compare lung deposition from a nebulizer and a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI)/holding chamber to determine their efficiency in aerosol delivery to children.Study design: Children with stable asthma (n = 17) aged 2 to 9 years inhaled in random order radiolabeled salbutamol from a nebulizer and a pMDI through a nonstatic holding chamber. Body and lung deposition of radiolabeled salbutamol was assessed with a gamma camera.Results: Mean (absolute dose) total lung deposition expressed as a percentage of the nebulized dose was 5.4% (108 mu g) in younger children (4 years). Mean (absolute dose) total lung deposition expressed as a percentage of the metered dose was 5.4% (21.6 mu g) in younger and 9.60%, (38.4 mu g) in older children.Conclusions: For the same age groups we have shown equivalent percentages of total lung deposition of radiolabeled salbutamol aerosolized by either a nebulizer or a pMDI/holding chamber. However, the delivery rate per minute and the total dose of salbutamol deposited were significantly higher for the nebulizer.