To evaluate fine particle delivery, total delivered dose (DD), and throat deposition of fluticasone mono-inhaler, fluticasone/salmeterol combination inhaler, and ciclesonide with three small-volume valved holding chambers (VHCs) using a simulated 4-year-old breathing profile.
Approach:
Study Design: In vitro testing using a Next Generation Impactor (NGI) and a pediatric throat model to simulate breathing patterns of a 4-year-old child.
VHCs Evaluated: Three VHCs were tested: AeroChamber Plus Flow-Vu (AC), EasyChamber (EC), and OptiChamber Diamond (OD).
Medication Delivery: Three pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) were used to deliver fluticasone, fluticasone/salmeterol, and ciclesonide.
Data Collection: Samples were collected from NGI stage cups and throat model after drug delivery, followed by quantification using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Key Findings:
Significant variability in drug delivery was observed among different VHCs under simulated pediatric breathing conditions.
The aerodynamic particle size distribution (APSD) is crucial for effective drug deposition in the respiratory tract.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
The pediatric throat model used represents children aged 6–14 years, lacking a validated model for younger children.
The study was conducted in a laboratory setting, which may not fully replicate real-world conditions.
Conclusion:
Different VHCs can significantly impact the delivery of asthma medications in young children, necessitating careful selection for effective treatment.
