Lung function in adult patients with cystic fibrosis after using the eFlow^®rapid for one year

• Main Authors: Naehrig S, Lang S, Schiffl H, Huber RM, Fischer R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2011-02-01
• Series: European Journal of Medical Research
• Subjects: Cystic fibrosis; inhalation; nebuliser; eFlow^®rapid; inhalation time; lung function
• Online Access: http://www.eurjmedres.com/content/16/2/63
• ISSN: 2047-783X

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The new generation nebuliser PARI eFlow^®rapid allows a highly efficient aerosol delivery at reduced inhalation time. However, lung function data during long-term use of this device are not available until now.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>70 clinically stable adult cystic fibrosis patients participated in this observation study. Lung function tests were performed prospectively 12 weeks after and again 9 to 12 months after switching the inhalation device from a conventional jet nebulizer to the PARI eFlow^®rapid. Lung function data were collected retrospectively from the visits 1 year as well as 12 weeks prior to the switch-over. Lung function data for all time points were only available for 59 patients. Treatment time and patient's satification were recorded for both conventional and new nebuliser in all 70 patients.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After 1 year of inhalation with eFlow^®rapid, the mean change in FEV1% was -- 1.4% (n = 59 patients). The decrease in FEV1 was smaller than the change in FEV1 after 1 year of inhalation with the conventional jet nebuliser (control period, -3.1%), although this difference was not statistically significant. The same effect was seen in MEF25[%] '(-2.6% with conventional nebuliser compared to --1.6% after eFlow^®rapid). Concerning the FVC, there was a greater improvement after 1 year of inhalation with the eFlow^®rapid than with the jet nebuliser (+ 2.9% vs. +1.1%). For PEF%, there was an increase during the control period, whereas after inhalation with eFlow^®rapid there was a decrease (+1.1% vs. --2.9%). All changes were not significantly different. The eFlow^®rapid reduced total daily inhalation time by two-thirds (conventional nebuliser: 31.1 min/day; eFlow^®rapid: 10.2 min/day, n = 70 patients)</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Inhalation with the new nebuliser eFlow rapid does not alter FEV1, FVC or PEF significantly after 1 year of inhalation. The treatment time could be reduced significantly by the eFlow^®rapid.</p>