Abstract
A new “jet nebulizer” (JN) system adapted from high frequency jet ventilation was evaluated as a delivery system for bronchodilators. Pulmonary function tests were compared in 15 patients with stable chronic asthma at zero, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes after receiving 0.2 ml of metaproterenol sulfate in 2.8 ml of saline by JN and conventional nebulization (CN). One patient developed severe bronchospasm following JN and could not complete the study. In the remaining 14 patients there was no significant difference between CN and JN for the percentage improvement in FVC, FEV1, Peak Flow Rates, and FEF25-75 at any of the time points. Significantly more metaproterenol was delivered by CN (Mean 2.1 ± 0.3 (SD) gm of solution versus 1.9 ± 0.5 (SD) gm by JN). This may have been due to greater loss of aerosolized medication with CN. Several patients reported that the JN treatment led to increased sputum clearance, although this finding was not objectively quantified. Thus, JN does not appear to offer an advantage over CN in the treatment of patients with asthma, although the similar improvement with less medication delivery may reflect improved aerosol deposition. Further research with JN is indicated; first to clarify whether there is improved aerosol particle deposition and secondly, in light of the subjective findings, to investigate whether use of JN in patients with chronic sputum production is advantageous.
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Grodofsky, M., Jakobowski, D., Scarpa, N. et al. 1773 EVALUATION OF A HIGH FREQUENCY JET NEBULIZER. Pediatr Res 19, 406 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01791
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01791
