Background: Spacers devices are commonly used in aerosol therapy; however, they are bulky and require regular cleaning. A compact open spacer (OS, Synchroner, Fisons, UK) has been developed to overcome this problem. We compared bronchodilator efficacy associated with its use to efficacy of same dose via three other spacers: Volumatic (Glaxo Laboratories), Nebuhaler (Astra Laboratories), Inspirease (Key Pharmaceuticals).
Materials & methods: Sixteen asthmatics (greater than 20% reversibility of FEV1) took part in the study. In random order, they used a different device on each of the 4 study days to inhale 2 puffs of a combination aerosol (1 mg reproterol and 2 mg sodium cromoglycate, Aarane). We recorded results of spirometry before and 5, 30, and 60 minutes after bronchodilator inhalation.
Results: At each time, we found no significant difference in bronchodilation.
Conclusion: OS is as efficient as other commonly used spacers to produce bronchodilation resulting from a conventional dose of reproterol.