PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ALBUTEROL DELIVERED VIA A SPACER DEVICE (BABYHALER(R)) AGAINST METHACHOLINE-INDUCED BRONCHOCONSTRICTION IN YOUNG WHEEZY CHILDREN

Nine young asthmatic children aged 2-5 years underwent methacholine challenge after placebo or albuterol administered by metered dose inhaler through a spacer device (Babyhaler(R))* with a face mask in a double-blind, cross-over, randomized study. The methacholine challenge was performed using chest auscultation to define the provocative concentration of methacholine that causes wheezing (PCW). The PCW increased from a geometric mean of 0.28 mg/mL after placebo to 3.59 mg/mL after albuterol (P < 0.0001). The protective effect of albuterol against methacholine-induced bronchospasm was 3.7 +/- 1.2 doubling doses. We conclude that administration of drugs from a metered dose inhaler through the Babyhaler(R) with a face mask is effective. Albuterol causes a major reduction in the bronchial hyperreactivity in young wheezy children shortly after administration. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.