Comparability of methacholine challenge test results between two jet nebulizers. Issue 2 (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Blais, Christianne M.; Cockcroft, Donald W.; Davis, Beth E.
• Is Part Of: Canadian journal of respiratory, critical care, and sleep medicine =. Volume 2:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 69
• Page End: 71
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: Airway hyperresponsiveness -- Bennett Twin -- jet nebulizer -- Wright; Lungs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Critical care medicine -- Periodicals; Sleep apnea syndromes -- Periodicals; 616.2005
• DOI: 10.1080/24745332.2017.1410078
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2474-5332

Abstract

ABSTRACT: RATIONALE: To improve standardization of methacholine challenge testing, all nebulizers must be characterized in a manner that allows data comparability between test sites regardless of the protocol or equipment used. In response to issues concerning the highly standardized Wright jet nebulizer, other devices, which may or may not be characterized, have been used for testing. One such device is the Bennett Twin jet nebulizer, which has been assumed to produce equivalent results to the Wright based on a small, unpublished data set. OBJECTIVE: Determine if the Wright and Bennett Twin jet nebulizers produce equivalent methacholine challenge test results. METHODS AND MEASUREMENTS: As an addition to a larger, multi-site study comparing the Wright jet nebulizer and the Aerogen® Solo vibrating mesh nebulizer for standard use in methacholine challenge testing, our test site (n = 20) included a crossover study arm that entailed testing with the Bennett Twin in mild-to-moderate asthmatics. The two jet nebulizer models were calibrated with the same methodology (weight loss of 0.13 g/min) and were operated per the two-minute tidal breathing protocol. Test results in the form of the PC20 (provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second) were compared. MAIN RESULTS: The two jet nebulizer models produced equivalent PC20 results, with geometric mean data of 2.3 mg/mL and 1.8 mg/mL for the Wright and Bennett Twin, respectively. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that, like the Wright, the Bennett Twin is suitable for standard use in methacholine challenge testing.