2017 Volume 31 Issue 1 Pages 72-79
Objective : To investigate inhalation technique in patients using pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) from residual quantities in long-term management for childhood asthma.
Method : From July 2013 to May 2014, salmeterol and fluticasone combination pMDIs with dose counters were prescribed to 5- to 15-year-old patients with childhood asthma. The residual drug quantities were measured, and pMDI handlers were confirmed. The factors affecting the hand-strength and shaking of the child and adult models were investigated.
Result : Of 2,793 prescribed pMDIs, 769 were collected from 188 patients. At 5 years of age, 17% patients had operated the pMDIs themselves. Contrastingly, 93% had operated pMDIs at 10 years of age. Furthermore, 35 and 58% of children with asthma and parents, respectively, operated the pMDIs 95% out of 120 times compared to a mean expected actuation of 9.0 g based on the canister weights (p<0.05). The assessment of the child and adult-model indicated that weak hand-strength and deficient shaking contributed to causing reduced pMDI actuation.
Conclusion : Less than half of 6- to 13-year-old patients were able to operate pMIDs appropriately, and the proper use of pMIDs was not dependent on the age of the patient.
