Atomization efficacy of a novel micro-dose mesh nebulizer (CVS-100) versus the traditional mesh nebulizer (M102) in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized non-inferiority clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the atomization efficacy of a novel micro-dose mesh nebulizer (CVS-100) versus the traditional mesh nebulizer (M102) in nebulizing a combination of ipratropium bromide and salbutamol for treatment of stable moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: A randomized, parallel, non-inferiority study was conducted. A total of 64 stable COPD patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group in a 1:1 ratio. Each the experimental group received nebulized Combivent (Compound Ipratropium Bromide Solution) with CVS-100, while the control group received Combivent with M102. Lung ventilation function was measured before and 30 min after nebulization, and the difference in percentage of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) of predicted value (FEV1%pred), the forced expiratory flow at 50% (FEF50%), the forced expiratory flow at 75% (FEF75%), the mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75%), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) was evaluated. The non-inferiority margin for the lower 95% confidence limit was set at 3.5%. RESULTS: The lower limit of the 95% confidence interval for the difference in FEV1%pred between the two groups was -1.83357, which was greater than -3.5. No significant differences were found in FEF50%, FEF75%, FEF25∼75%, MVV before and after nebulization between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The novel micro-dose mesh nebulizer (CVS-100) was found to be non-inferior to the traditional mesh nebulizer (M102) in terms of the change in FEV1%pred from baseline after nebulization. Similar results were observed for all other measures of efficacy.

A Retrospective Review of an Inhaler to Nebulizer Therapeutic Interchange Program Across a Health System.

Background: The hospitals of the Saint Alphonsus Health System (SAHS) have implemented a metered dose inhaler (MDI) to nebulization therapeutic interchange program in which all orders for albuterol/ipratropium and inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta agonists (ICS/LABA) MDIs are therapeutically interchanged to nebulizers by pharmacy. Objectives: The primary outcome measure is to assess the percent of albuterol/ipratropium and ICS/LABA inhalers therapeutically interchanged to nebulized solutions. Secondary outcomes include assessment of readmission rates, the percentage of patients discharged with the appropriate MDI, and a financial analysis of the implementation of the therapeutic interchange program. Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study was approved by the system's institutional review board and conducted between October 15, 2019, and February 15, 2020. Adult patients with history of asthma or COPD admitted to one of the SAHS hosptials with an order placed for ipratropium/albuterol, fluticasone/salmeterol, mometasone/formoterol, or budesonide/formoterol MDIs were eligible for inclusion. Patients were excluded if they were presumed to have or tested positive for COVID-19. Results: Therapeutic interchanges were successfully completed in 94.3% of the orders included in this evaluation. Discharge discrepancies occurred in 14.3% of orders assessed. No correlation was found between discharge discrepancies and 30-day readmissions. The MDI to nebulized solution interchanges saved $13,908.16 in medication cost in the sample population. Conclusion: The first phase of implementing the SAHS inhaler to nebulizer therapeutic interchange program was operationally and clinically successful. The program is projected to continue to reduce medication waste and provide cost savings for the health system.

Device use errors with soft mist inhalers: A global systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Inhaled bronchodilators are the cornerstone of treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Soft mist inhalers (SMIs) are devices that deliver bronchodilators. Although correct device use is paramount to successful medication delivery, patient errors are common. This global systematic literature review and meta-analysis examined device use errors with SMIs among patients with obstructive lung diseases. PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched to identify studies published between 2010 and 2019 that met the following inclusion criteria: (a) English language; (b) a diagnosis of COPD, bronchitis, or emphysema; and (c) reported device use errors among adults receiving long-acting bronchodilator treatment with Respimat® SMI (i.e. Spiriva®, Stiolto®, Spiolto®, and Striverdi®). Descriptive statistics examined sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, and device use errors. Meta-analysis techniques were employed with random-effects models to generate pooled mean effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall and step-by-step errors. The I2 statistic measured heterogeneity. Twelve studies (n = 1288 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. Eighty-eight percent of patients had COPD, and most had moderate/very severe airflow limitation (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease spirometric stages II to IV). Aggregate results revealed that 58.9% (95% CI: 42.4-75.5; I2 = 92.8%) of patients made ≥1 device use errors. Among 11 studies with step-by-step data, the most common errors were failure to (1) exhale completely and away from the device (47.8% (95% CI: 33.6-62.0)); (2) hold breath for up to 10 seconds (30.6% (95% CI: 17.5-43.7)); (3) take a slow, deep breath while pressing the dose release button (27.9% (95% CI: 14.5-41.2)); (4) hold the inhaler upright (22.6% (95% CI: 6.2-39.0)); and (5) turn the base toward the arrows until it clicked (17.6% (95% CI: 3.0-32.2)). Device use errors occurred in about 6 of 10 patients who used SMIs. An individualized approach to inhalation device selection and ongoing training and monitoring of device use are important in optimizing bronchodilator treatment.

The Respimat® Soft Mist Inhaler: Implications of Drug Delivery Characteristics for Patients.

Successful treatment for respiratory diseases relies on effective delivery of medication to the lungs using an inhalation device. Different inhalers have distinct characteristics affecting drug administration and patient adherence, which can impact clinical outcomes. We report on the development of the Respimat® soft mist inhaler (SMI) and compare key attributes with metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs). The Respimat SMI, a pocket-sized device generating a single-breath, inhalable aerosol, was designed to enhance drug delivery to the lungs, reduce the requirements for patient coordination and inspiratory effort, and improve the patients' experience and ease of use. The drug deposition profile with Respimat SMI is favorable compared with MDIs and DPIs, with higher drug deposition to the lung and peripheral airways. The slow velocity and long spray duration of the Respimat SMI aerosol also aid patient coordination. Clinical equivalence has been demonstrated for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using once-daily tiotropium between Respimat SMI (5 µg) and HandiHaler DPI (18 µg). In comparative studies, patients preferred Respimat SMI to MDIs and DPIs; they reported that Respimat SMI was easy to use and felt the inhaled dose was delivered. The Respimat SMI, designed to generate a slow-moving and fine mist, is easy to use and effectively delivers drug treatment to the lungs. The patient-centered design of Respimat SMI improved patient satisfaction, and may help to promote long-term adherence and improve clinical outcomes with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Improving usability and maintaining performance: human-factor and aerosol-performance studies evaluating the new reusable Respimat inhaler.

PURPOSE: The Respimat is a handheld, propellant-free, soft-mist inhaler. Observations by patients and physicians prompted development of an improved second-generation Respimat inhaler. Human-factor studies assessing the usability of the new inhaler and in vitro assessment of aerosol performance are important to demonstrate functionality of the updated inhaler. METHODS: Studies were performed to assess any possible impact of the reusable Respimat inhaler design on aerosol performance (delivered dose [DD] and fine-particle dose [FPD]) and iteratively assess and improve usability of the new design. The tiotropium-olodaterol inhalation solution for Respimat was used as a model. The DD and FPD of the reusable Respimat inhaler (across multiple cartridges) and the disposable Respimat inhaler were determined by laser diffraction and with an alternative Andersen cascade impactor. Usability was measured across three studies involving health care professionals and patients with diagnoses of COPD, asthma, or combined disease (with and without experience with the Respimat inhaler). These studies measured performance of handling tasks and collected subjective feedback directly related to the inhaler's new or altered features, which fed into optimization of the inhaler. RESULTS: DDs of tiotropium and olodaterol were stable up to 15 cartridges and consistently within the upper and lower limits of the disposable Respimat inhaler. The FPD was also found to be batch-consistent over the cartridges and comparable with the reference. The usability of the reusable Respimat inhaler compared with the disposable inhaler was improved in terms of assembly and daily use. Cartridge exchange was rated as intuitive and easy to very easy. CONCLUSION: The new reusable Respimat is a medical inhaler developed with enhanced features that meets health care professionals' and patients' needs. Drug delivery across multiple cartridges is not affected by the design. Compared with the original disposable inhaler, the usability of the reusable inhaler has been improved, and cartridge exchange was rated as easy to perform. The reusable Respimat provides greater convenience for patients vs the disposable inhaler, with reduced environmental impact.

Maximizing participant retention in a phase 2B HIV prevention trial in Kampala, Uganda: The MTN-003 (VOICE) Study.

BACKGROUND: The success of longitudinal trials depends greatly on using effective strategies to retain participants and ensure internal validity, maintain sufficient statistical power, and provide for the generalizability of study results. OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the challenges and specific strategies used to retain participants in a Phase 2B safety and effectiveness study of daily oral and vaginal tenofovir formulations for the prevention of HIV-1 infection in the MTN-003 (VOICE) trial in Kampala, Uganda. METHODS: Once enrolled, participants were seen every 28 days at the research site and their study product was re-filled. Challenges to retention included a mobile population, non-disclosure of study participation to spouse/family, and economic constraints. Strategies used to maintain high participation rates included the use of detailed locator information, a participant tracking database, regular HIV/STI testing, and the formation of close bonds between staff and subjects. RESULTS: We enrolled 322 women out of the 637 screened. The overall retention rate was 95% over a 3 year follow up period. Only 179 (3%) out of the 6124 expected visits were missed throughout study implementation. Reasons for missed visits included: participants thinking that they did not need frequent visits due to their HIV negative status, time constraints due to commercial sex work, and migration for better employment. CONCLUSIONS: With the implementation of multi-faceted comprehensive follow-up and retention strategies, we achieved very high retention rates in the MTN-003 study. This paper provides a blueprint for effective participant retention strategies for other longitudinal HIV prevention studies in resource-limited settings in Sub-Saharan Africa.

An Integrated Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis to Characterize Levonorgestrel Pharmacokinetics After Different Administration Routes.

To compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the progestin levonorgestrel for various routes of administration, an integrated population PK analysis was performed. This analysis integrated data from 10 clinical pharmacology studies and resulted in a single, comprehensive population PK model (and its applications) describing the PK of levonorgestrel and its variability for 6 levonorgestrel-containing contraceptives: 3 intrauterine systems (IUSs; levonorgestrel [LNG]-IUS 20 [Mirena® ], LNG-IUS 12 [Kyleena® ], and LNG-IUS 8 [Jaydess® /Skyla® ]); 2 oral contraceptives (the progestin-only pill [Microlut® /Norgeston® ] and the combined oral contraceptive [Miranova® ]); and a subdermal implant (Jadelle® ). The levonorgestrel-containing contraceptives administered orally or as an implant act mainly via their systemic (unbound) levonorgestrel exposure, whereas levonorgestrel administered via an IUS is released directly into the uterine cavity, resulting in lower systemic levonorgestrel concentrations. The integrated population PK analysis revealed that the combined oral contraceptive led to the highest levonorgestrel exposure, followed by the progestin-only pill and the implant, which led to similar levonorgestrel exposure, and the IUSs, which led to the lowest levonorgestrel exposure (in decreasing order: LNG-IUS 20, LNG-IUS 12, and LNG-IUS 8). The difference was even more distinct at the end of the indicated duration of use of 3 years (LNG-IUS 8) and 5 years (LNG-IUS 20 and LNG-IUS 12). Comparing the 3 IUSs and the implant, in vivo release rates were highest for the implant, followed by LNG-IUS 20, then LNG-IUS 12, and were lowest for LNG-IUS 8. This is in line with the comparison of the total levonorgestrel concentrations.

The effects of respiratory inhaled drugs on the prevention of acute mountain sickness.

BACKGROUND: Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is common in high-altitude travelers, and may lead to life-threatening high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). The inhaled drugs have a much lower peak serum concentrations and a shorter half-life period than oral drugs, which give them a special character, greater local effects in the lung. Meanwhile, short-term administration of inhaled drugs results in almost no adverse reactions. METHODS: We chose inhaled ipratropium bromide/salbutamol sulfate (combivent, COM), budesonide (pulmicortrespules, BUD), and salbutamol sulfate (ventolin, VEN) in our study to investigate their prophylactic efficacy against AMS. Since COM is a compound drug of ipratropium bromide and salbutamol sulfate, to verify which part of COM plays a role in the prevention of AMS, we also tested VEN in our experiment. RESULTS: In our study, Lake Louise scores (LLS) in the COM (1.14 ±â€Š0.89 vs 1.91 ±â€Š1.23, P < .05) and BUD (1.35 ±â€Š0.94 vs 1.91 ±â€Š1.23, P < .05) groups were both significantly lower than the placebo group at 72 hours. There were no significant differences in LLS scores among the 4 groups at 120 hours. The incidence of AMS in the COM group was significantly reduced at 72 hours (16.7% in COM group vs 43.4% in placebo group, P < .05) after exposure to high-altitude. There were no significant differences in AMS incidences at 120 hours among the 4 groups. CONCLUSION: The prophylactic use of COM could prevent AMS in young Chinese male at 72 hours after high-altitude exposure. BUD also could reduce LLS but not prevent AMS at 72 hours. Ipratropium bromide maybe the effective drug in COM work on the prevention of AMS alone.

Effectiveness of drug interventions to prevent sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: an overview of systematic reviews.

OBJECTIVES: To summarise and synthesise the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of drug interventions to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD) and all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). DESIGN: Overview of systematic reviews. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, ISI Web of Science and Cochrane Library from inception to May 2017; manual search of references of included studies for potentially relevant reviews. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR STUDY SELECTION: We reviewed the effectiveness of drug interventions for SCD and all-cause mortality prevention in patients with HFrEF. We included overviews, systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials of beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-i), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), antialdosterones or mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonists, amiodarone, other antiarrhythmic drugs, combined ARB/neprilysin inhibitors, statins and fish oil supplementation. REVIEW METHODS: Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of the reviews and the quality of evidence for the primary studies for each drug intervention, using Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation(GRADE), respectively. RESULTS: We identified 41 reviews. Beta-blockers, antialdosterones and combined ARB/neprilysin inhibitors appeared effective to prevent SCD and all-cause mortality. ACE-i significantly reduced all-cause mortality but not SCD events. ARBs and statins were ineffective where antiarrhythmic drugs and omega-3 fatty acids had unclear evidence of effectiveness for prevention of SCD and all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive overview of systematic reviews confirms that beta-blockers, antialdosterone agents and combined ARB/neprilysin inhibitors are effective on SCD prevention but not ACE-i or ARBs. In patients with high risk of SCD, an alternative therapeutic strategy should be explored in future research. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO 2017: CRD42017067442.

Safety and mosquitocidal efficacy of high-dose ivermectin when co-administered with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine in Kenyan adults with uncomplicated malaria (IVERMAL): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Ivermectin is being considered for mass drug administration for malaria due to its ability to kill mosquitoes feeding on recently treated individuals. However, standard, single doses of 150-200 µg/kg used for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis have a short-lived mosquitocidal effect (<7 days). Because ivermectin is well tolerated up to 2000 µg/kg, we aimed to establish the safety, tolerability, and mosquitocidal efficacy of 3 day courses of high-dose ivermectin, co-administered with a standard malaria treatment. METHODS: We did a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, superiority trial at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (Kisumu, Kenya). Adults (aged 18-50 years) were eligible if they had confirmed symptomatic uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria and agreed to the follow-up schedule. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1) using sealed envelopes, stratified by sex and body-mass index (men: <21 vs ≥21 kg/m2; women: <23 vs ≥23 kg/m2), with permuted blocks of three, to receive 3 days of ivermectin 300 µg/kg per day, ivermectin 600 µg/kg per day, or placebo, all co-administered with 3 days of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine. Blood of patients taken on post-treatment days 0, 2 + 4 h, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 was fed to laboratory-reared Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto mosquitoes, and mosquito survival was assessed daily for 28 days after feeding. The primary outcome was 14-day cumulative mortality of mosquitoes fed 7 days after ivermectin treatment (from participants who received at least one dose of study medication). The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02511353. FINDINGS: Between July 20, 2015, and May 7, 2016, 741 adults with malaria were assessed for eligibility, of whom 141 were randomly assigned to receive ivermectin 600 µg/kg per day (n=47), ivermectin 300 µg/kg per day (n=48), or placebo (n=46). 128 patients (91%) attended the primary outcome visit 7 days post treatment. Compared with placebo, ivermectin was associated with higher 14 day post-feeding mosquito mortality when fed on blood taken 7 days post treatment (ivermectin 600 µg/kg per day risk ratio [RR] 2·26, 95% CI 1·93-2·65, p<0·0001; hazard ratio [HR] 6·32, 4·61-8·67, p<0·0001; ivermectin 300 µg/kg per day RR 2·18, 1·86-2·57, p<0·0001; HR 4·21, 3·06-5·79, p<0·0001). Mosquito mortality remained significantly increased 28 days post treatment (ivermectin 600 µg/kg per day RR 1·23, 1·01-1·50, p=0·0374; and ivermectin 300 µg/kg per day 1·21, 1·01-1·44, p=0·0337). Five (11%) of 45 patients receiving ivermectin 600 µg/kg per day, two (4%) of 48 patients receiving ivermectin 300 µg/kg per day, and none of 46 patients receiving placebo had one or more treatment-related adverse events. INTERPRETATION: Ivermectin at both doses assessed was well tolerated and reduced mosquito survival for at least 28 days after treatment. Ivermectin 300 µg/kg per day for 3 days provided a good balance between efficacy and tolerability, and this drug shows promise as a potential new tool for malaria elimination. FUNDING: Malaria Eradication Scientific Alliance (MESA) and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In vitro and clinical characterization of the valved holding chamber AeroChamber Plus® Flow-Vu® for administrating tiotropium Respimat® in 1-5-year-old children with persistent asthmatic symptoms.

BACKGROUND: When characterizing inhalation products, a comprehensive assessment including in vitro, pharmacokinetic (PK), and clinical data is required. We conducted a characterization of tiotropium Respimat® when administered with AeroChamber Plus® Flow-Vu® anti-static valved holding chamber (test VHC) with face mask in 1-5-year-olds with persistent asthmatic symptoms. METHODS: In vitro tiotropium dose and particle size distribution delivered into a cascade impactor were evaluated under fixed paediatric and adult flow rates between actuation and samplings. The tiotropium mass likely to reach children's lungs was assessed by tidal breathing simulations and an ADAM-III Child Model. PK exposure to tiotropium in preschool children with persistent asthmatic symptoms (using test VHC) was compared with pooled data from nine Phase 2/3 trials in older children, adolescents, and adults with symptomatic persistent asthma not using test VHC. RESULTS: At fixed inspiratory flow rates, emitted mass and fine particle dose decreased under lower flow conditions; dose reduction was observed when Respimat® was administered by test VHC at paediatric flow rates. In <5-year-old children, such a dose reduction is appropriate. In terms of dose per kg/body weight, in vitro-delivered dosing in children was comparable with adults. Transmission and aerosol holding properties of Respimat® when administered with test VHC were fully sufficient for aerosol delivery to patients. At zero delay, particles <5 µm (most relevant fraction) exhibited a transfer efficacy of ≥60%. The half-time was>10 s, allowing multiple breaths. Standardized tidal inhalation resulted in an emitted mass from the test VHC of approximately one-third of labelled dose, independent of coordination and face mask use, indicating predictable tiotropium administration by test VHC with Respimat®. Tiotropium exposure in 1-5-year-old patients using the test VHC, when adjusted by height or body surface, was comparable with that in older age groups without VHCs; no overexposure was observed. Adverse events were less frequent with tiotropium (2.5 µg, n = 20 [55.6%]; 5 µg, n = 18 [58.1%]) than placebo (n = 25 [73.5%]). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide good initial evidence to suggest that tiotropium Respimat® may be administered with AeroChamber Plus® Flow-Vu® VHC in 1-5-year-old patients with persistent asthmatic symptoms. To confirm the clinical efficacy and safety in these patients, additional trials are required. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY NUMBER: The trial was registered under NCT01634113 at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Tiotropium Respimat Add-on Is Efficacious in Symptomatic Asthma, Independent of T2 Phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Adding tiotropium to existing inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) maintenance therapy with or without a long-acting ß2-agonist (LABA) has been shown to be beneficial in patients with symptomatic asthma. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether responses to tiotropium Respimat add-on therapy were influenced by patients' T2 status. METHODS: In this exploratory study, data from 4 phase III trials were analyzed: once-daily tiotropium 5 µg or placebo as add-on to ICS + LABA (PrimoTinA-asthma; 2 replicate trials; NCT00772538/NCT00776984; n = 912); once-daily tiotropium 5 µg or 2.5 µg, twice-daily salmeterol 50 µg, or placebo as add-on to ICS (MezzoTinA-asthma; 2 replicate trials; NCT01172808/NCT01172821; n = 2100). The prespecified efficacy outcomes of these studies have been reported previously. Here, further exploratory subgroup analyses were performed to study whether these coprimary end points were influenced by serum IgE levels, blood eosinophil counts, and clinician judgment of allergic asthma. In addition, for the continuous parameters, namely, IgE and blood eosinophils, their influence on the treatment effect was modeled over the whole range of values. RESULTS: Tiotropium was efficacious in improving peak FEV1 within 3 hours postdose and trough FEV1, independent of T2 status. Tiotropium significantly reduced the risk of severe asthma exacerbations and asthma worsening, independent of T2 phenotype; Cox regression modeling supported a beneficial effect of tiotropium on exacerbations, independent of IgE levels or eosinophil counts. Numerical improvements in the 7-question Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-7) responder rate with tiotropium versus placebo were observed in T2high and T2low patients; logistic regression modeling provided further evidence for improvement in ACQ-7 responder rates with tiotropium, independent of IgE levels or eosinophil counts. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our exploratory analyses suggest that the improvements seen with tiotropium Respimat as add-on to ICS ± LABA in patients with symptomatic asthma on lung function, exacerbation risk, and symptom control are independent of T2 phenotype.

Size distribution of salbutamol/ipratropium aerosols produced by different nebulizers in the absence and presence of heat and humidification.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated the size distribution of inhaled and exhaled aerosolized drugs, or the effect of heated humidification on particle size and lung deposition. The present study evaluated these aspects of bronchodilator (salbutamol/ipratropium) delivery using a lung model in the absence and presence of heat and humidification. METHODS: We positioned filters to collect and measure the initial drug, inhaled drug, and exhaled drug. Particle size distribution was evaluated using an 8-stage Marple personal cascade impactor with 0.2-µm polycarbonate filters. RESULTS: A greater inhaled drug mass was delivered using a vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN) than by using a small volume nebulizer (SVN), when heated humidifiers were not employed. When heated and humidified medical gas was used, there was no significant difference between the inhaled drug mass delivered by the VMN and that delivered by the SVN. A significantly greater mass of inhaled 1.55-µm drug particles was produced by the VMN than with the SVN, under heated and humidified conditions. However, the mass median aerodynamic diameters (MMADs) of the aerosolized drug produced by the SVN and VMN did not differ significantly under the same conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The VMN produced more fine particles of salbutamol/ipratropium, and the drug particle size clearly increased in the presence of heat and humidification.

Quantifying the importance of inhaler attributes corresponding to items in the patient satisfaction and preference questionnaire in patients using Combivent Respimat.

BACKGROUND: Physicians consider ease of use, satisfaction, and preferences when prescribing an inhaler device. These factors may impact appropriate usage and compliance. METHODS: The objectives were to quantify the relative importance of inhaler attributes in patients currently using Combivent Respimat by eliciting preferences for performance and convenience attributes assessed by items in the Patient Satisfaction and Preference Questionnaire (PASAPQ). Using a pharmacy database, 19,964 adults in the United States who filled ≥2 Combivent Respimat prescriptions were identified. Of those, 8150 patients were randomly selected to receive invitation letters. The online cross-sectional survey included the PASAPQ and best-worst scaling (BWS) questions. The PASAPQ measures satisfaction with medication attributes across two domains: performance and convenience. BWS questions asked participants to select the most and least important device attributes. A descriptive statistics analysis of the PASAPQ and a random-parameters logit model of BWS responses were conducted. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 503 participants. Most were female (57.3%), white (88.5%), and 51-70 years old (67.6%). Approximately 47% reported a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosis, 21.9% asthma, 8.2% other lung disease, and 23.1% more than one lung disease. PASAPQ scores indicated that the majority were satisfied or very satisfied; up to 20% reported being dissatisfied with Combivent Respimat. The three most important inhaler attributes were Feeling that your medicine gets into your lungs, Inhaler works reliably, and Inhaler makes inhaling your medicine easy. The most important attributes corresponded to six of seven items in the PASAPQ performance domain. CONCLUSIONS: Most participants reported satisfaction with Combivent Respimat. Performance attributes were more important than convenience attributes.

Palliative and end-of-life care for adults with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a rapid review focusing on patient and family caregiver perspectives.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of the review was to explore patient and family caregiver perspectives on key issues for ensuring quality of end-of-life care for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The growing evidence on the value of specialist palliative care services demonstrates significant improvements in treatments and provisions; however, much of the literature is generic in nature or centred on people with a cancer diagnosis. In this review, we examine the literature to ascertain the views and needs of patients and carers affected by advanced COPD, a highly debilitating condition that can have a profoundly negative impact on the quality of end-of-life experience. RECENT FINDINGS: A total of 19 papers were included in the review. The main themes in the literature were Holistic Care, Illness Trajectory and Technology. SUMMARY: Areas of unmet need emphasized across physical, psychosocial and spiritual domains were identified, particularly in relation to appropriate and timely conversations. Positive developments in the care and treatment of advanced COPD include the use of the STIOLTO Respimat inhaler, a brief educative and psychosocial intervention based on cognitive-behavioural therapy, and high-intensity exercise training. There is some evidence regarding the use of technology in end-stage COPD.

A Tablet-Based Multimedia Education Tool Improves Provider and Subject Knowledge of Inhaler Use Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Although inhaled medications are effective therapies for COPD, many patients and providers use them incorrectly. METHODS: We recruited providers who prescribe inhalers or teach inhaler technique and assessed their use of metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), various dry powder inhalers (DPIs), and Respimat using predefined checklists. Then they watched tablet-based multimedia educational videos that demonstrated correct inhaler technique by a clinical pharmacist with teach-back from a patient and were re-evaluated. We also recruited patients with COPD and assessed their use of their prescribed inhalers and then retested them after 3-6 months. Baseline and follow-up respiratory symptoms were measured by the COPD Assessment Test. RESULTS: Fifty-eight providers and 50 subjects participated. For all providers, correct inhaler technique (reported as percentage correct steps) increased after the videos: MDI without a spacer (72% vs 97%) MDI with a spacer (72% vs 96%), formoterol DPI (50% vs 94%), mometasone DPI (43% vs 95%), tiotropium DPI (73% vs 99%), and Respimat (32% vs 93%) (before vs after, P < .001 for all comparisons). Subjects also improved their inhaler use technique after viewing the educational videos: MDI without a spacer (69% vs 92%), MDI with a spacer (73% vs 95%), and tiotropium DPI (83% vs 96%) (before vs after, P < .001 for all comparisons). The beneficial effect of this educational intervention declined slightly for subjects but was durably improved after several months. COPD Assessment Test scores did not demonstrate any change in respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: A tablet-based inhaler education tool improved inhaler technique for both providers and subjects. Although this intervention did show durable efficacy for improving inhaler use by patients, it did not reduce their respiratory symptoms.

Glucagon for refractory asthma exacerbation.

Glucagon, a hormone secreted by pancreatic alpha cells, causes bronchial smooth muscle relaxation by activating the synthesis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate. It was studied in the 1980s and 1990s as a treatment option for the management of asthma but has since not been evaluated. Data to support its use are limited, but it may serve as a last-line agent for refractory asthma exacerbation. Here we describe 4 cases in which intravenous glucagon was used to manage severe, refractory asthma exacerbation in the emergency department.

TIOtropium Safety and Performance In Respimat® (TIOSPIRTM ): Analysis of Asian cohort of COPD patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The TIOtropium Safety and Performance In Respimat (TIOSPIR) trial showed similar safety and exacerbation efficacy profiles for tiotropium Respimat and HandiHaler in patients with COPD. The TIOSPIR results for patients in Asia are presented here. METHODS: TIOSPIR evaluated once-daily tiotropium Respimat 5 and 2.5 µg with HandiHaler 18 µg in patients with COPD. Primary endpoints included time to death and time to first COPD exacerbation. Safety and exacerbation efficacy profiles were determined for the Asian region, and for Asia (all treatment arms pooled) versus the rest of the world (RoW). RESULTS: In Asia (n = 2356), time to death was similar for Respimat 5 and 2.5 µg versus HandiHaler 18 µg (hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI): 0.96 (0.67, 1.38) and 1.23 (0.87, 1.73)). Risk of COPD exacerbation was similar for Respimat 5 µg, but increased for 2.5 µg versus HandiHaler 18 µg (HR (95% CI): 0.99 (0.85, 1.15) and 1.17 (1.00, 1.35)). Time to death in Asia and RoW was similar (HR (95% CI): 1.15 (0.99, 1.35)). Time to first COPD exacerbation was longer (HR (95% CI): 0.84 (0.78, 0.89)) and exacerbation rates were lower in Asia, but severe exacerbations were more frequent than in the RoW. Risk of major adverse cardiovascular events was similar for both regions. CONCLUSION: Similar safety and exacerbation efficacy profiles were observed for tiotropium Respimat 5 µg and HandiHaler 18 µg in patients with COPD from Asia, analogous to the global analysis. Asian patients had lower risk of, and fewer exacerbations overall, but a higher proportion of severe exacerbations than in the RoW.

The Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler, a Novel Inhaled Drug Delivery Device.

Summary The Respimat SMI offers a novel delivery mechanism for the management of primarily COPD, but asthma as well. Presently, four different medications, as monotherapy or a combination of two active ingredients, are available using the Respimat SMI technology. Multiple studies have demonstrated safety and efficacy of these drugs when delivered via Respimat SMI. Patients tend to prefer the Respimat SMI over traditional inhaler devices, as it overcomes some of the disadvantages posed by traditional delivery devices.