UNLABELLED: Spacers with face masks are widely used for the treatment of asthma in young children. A poor inhalation technique may compromise the treatments efficiency. METHODS: The inhalation technique of spacers with face masks was evaluated in a prospective study of 60 children below four years of age. A checklist of 12 items was used, each one being coded by zero or one, and a total score < or = 12 points was calculated. RESULTS: Mean total score was 8.93 +/- 1.84 (extremes: 6-12). The canister was shaken before use in 48.3% of cases, one puff delivered when the child was breathing in 71.7% and the valve's mobility checked in 85%. The canister was shaken before the second puff in 13.3% of cases and two consecutive puffs individualized in 28%. DISCUSSION: The usual mistakes are lacking to shake the canister and consecutive puffs' individualization. Medical partners and families education should be reinforced.
UNLABELLED: Spacers with face masks are widely used for the treatment of asthma in young children. A poor inhalation technique may compromise the treatments efficiency. METHODS: The inhalation technique of spacers with face masks was evaluated in a prospective study of 60 children below four years of age. A checklist of 12 items was used, each one being coded by zero or one, and a total score < or = 12 points was calculated. RESULTS: Mean total score was 8.93 +/- 1.84 (extremes: 6-12). The canister was shaken before use in 48.3% of cases, one puff delivered when the child was breathing in 71.7% and the valve's mobility checked in 85%. The canister was shaken before the second puff in 13.3% of cases and two consecutive puffs individualized in 28%. DISCUSSION: The usual mistakes are lacking to shake the canister and consecutive puffs' individualization. Medical partners and families education should be reinforced.
Authors: Nicole Shaw; Peter Le Souëf; Lidija Turkovic; Lucy McCahon; Anthony Kicic; Peter D Sly; Sunalene Devadason; André Schultz Journal: Eur J Pediatr Date: 2016-06-01 Impact factor: 3.183