Abstract
Background: During COVID-19 pandemic, a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with
a valved holding chamber (VHC) is a preferred route of bronchodilator
delivery. We have developed a new homemade VHC, made of a paper coffee
cup and a drinking water bottle. This study was conducted to compare the
bronchodilator response in children with airway hyperresponsiveness
after the use of our homemade VHC and that of a standard commercial one.
Methods: In a randomized, two-period, two-sequence crossover design, we
recruited 20 children, aged 6-15 years, who had greater than 12%
increase in FEV1 after inhaled salbutamol. They were randomized into
Group A and B. Group A used our VHC on the first day and Aerochamber® on
the second day. Group B used the same VHCs but in alternate sequence.
Spirometries were performed before and after 400 microgram of salbutamol
MDI was administered via those VHCs. Results: Baseline demographic data
and spirometric values did not have statistically significant
differences between group A and B and between the first and second day
(P > 0.05). After giving salbutamol MDI, both VHCs produced
significant increases in FVC, FEV1 and FEF25-75% (P < 0.005).
The improvement in FEV1 did not significantly differ between our
homemade VHC and Aerochamber® (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Our
homemade VHC is effective for an MDI bronchodilator delivery. Since it
is very cheap and easy to make, it may be used as a disposable device to
minimize airborne transmission especially when commercial VHC are not
available.