New information regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of different oscillating positive expiratory pressure devices was presented at CHEST 2017 in Toronto, Canada.

The FRI deposition profiles highlighted significant differences between the VHCs on test, with intrathoracic delivery for the AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* VHC system being almost double that of the other two VHC systems and being similar to the MDI alone with perfect coordination

Asthma impacts different people in different ways. Most people are able to control their asthma with regular use of their controller medication and using their reliever medication when necessary. However, for many it can be difficult to recognize when their asthma is not controlled. When asthma is well-controlled, you will experience little to no asthma symptoms.

Asthma impacts different people in different ways. Most people are able to control their asthma with regular use of their controller medication and using their reliever medication when necessary. However, for many it can be difficult to recognize when their asthma is not controlled. When asthma is well-controlled, you will experience little to no asthma symptoms.

Medications to manage care of bronchiectasis and NTM patients are often delivered via a nebulizer. This study compares a number of different OPEP/Nebulizer combinations using salbutamol as the modelled medication.

As current MDIs contain hydrofluorocarbon propellants, it would be beneficial to find ways to reduce carbon emissions without compromising patient safety.

This lab study investigated a way to optimize the modelled lung dose per actuation while at the same time minimizing the carbon emissions from the MDI

Conclusions:

COPD/chronic bronchitis patients given an Aerobika* OPEP device compared to an alternative OPEP device had delayed time to re-admission. This supports use of the Aerobika* OPEP device as an add-on to usual care post-exacerbation and highlights differences in OPEP device effectiveness.

COPD/chronic bronchitis patients given an Aerobika* OPEP device compared to an alternative OPEP device had delayed time to re-admission. This supports use of the Aerobika* OPEP device as an add-on to usual care post-exacerbation and highlights differences in OPEP device effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• The most efficient and effective delivery method remains that recommended in the device IFU (one actuation inhaled at a time, as well inhalation as soon as possible after actuation)
• However, this laboratory-based study has indicated that a modified common-canister protocol with an anti-static VHC as the aerosol transfer vehicle has the potential to be a viable ‘off-label’ proposition in hospital situations where there is an urgent need to conserve pMDI medication as well as avoid cross-contamination from pathogenic viruses or bacteria

So why aren’t they used more widely?

A new review suggests that wider use of OPEP devices could reduce exacerbations and reduce hospital visits.

Conclusions:

• The DPI results suggest that inhalation breathing profiles can have an appreciable impact upon aerosol delivery, with one participant having much less predicted medication as fine particles
• In contrast, although the inhalation profiles across all participants were also divergent when asked to inhale from the pMDI + VHC, either tidal breathing or by a slow, deep inhalation, all volunteers would have received a relatively consistent amount of medication.
• It also appears that the pMDI + VHC platform delivers a larger FPM<5.0 µm for both APIs and a consequently smaller coarse particle mass. However, it is recognized that more investigation is warranted with a larger number of volunteers and with other passive DPIs having different resistances

RDD 2020 - E-Poster Presentation

COPD is a chronic and progressive disease that requires regular self-administration of inhaled medications. However, as the disease progresses, reduced respiratory muscle strength may prevent patients from generating sufficient inspiratory effort to effectively use dry-powder inhalers (DPIs) [1, 2]. In contrast, patients can inhale slowly or breathe tidally from a pMDI with VHC without the need to coordinate with inhaler actuation [3].

Conclusions:

• The FRI deposition profiles highlight that the MDI/ AeroChamber Plus* Flow Vu* VHC system delivered an appreciably greater percentage of drug to the lung region than either of the two DPIs.
• The influence of inhalation flow profile was less with the MDI/VHC system and differed between the two DPIs.

Conclusions:

• The widely differing inspiratory flow profiles from Turbuhaler† DPI contributed to greater variability in delivered dose to the carina. 
• MDI delivery via the AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* VHC resulted in significantly increased mass to the carinal region irrespective of inhalation maneuver as well as reduced oropharyngeal deposited mass which in vivo is likely to result in reduced throat irritation or thrush in the mouth and throat.

• The FRI deposition profiles highlight that the MDI/ AeroChamber Plus* Flow Vu* VHC system delivered an appreciably greater percentage of drug to the lung region than either of the two DPIs.
• The influence of inhalation flow profile was less with the MDI/VHC system and differed between the two DPIs.

While it’s one of the most anticipated seasons of the year, summer can also be the most difficult season for Canadians living with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). We want to help you make the most of it! Here’s what you need to know about summer, and how you can enjoy yours this year.

PRESENTED AT VIRTUAL ATS 2020

• Evaluations of inhaler use have demonstrated that mishandling of MDIs is commonplace.
• One of the most common errors is the failure to coordinate inhalation with actuation of the inhaler
• One of the reasons why VHCs are often prescribed, is to reduce the severity of this error
• This Functional Respiratory Imaging (FRI) based study assessed the likely severity of a short inhalation delay (from actuation) with an MDI alone and how it contrasted to the use with a VHC