Aerosol delivery during invasive mechanical ventilation: a systematic review

Albuterol Delivery via In-Line Intrapulmonary Percussive Ventilation Superimposed on Invasive Ventilation in an Adult Lung Model

BACKGROUND

Intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) is frequently used for airway clearance, together with delivery of aerosolized medications. Drug delivery via IPV alone increases with decreasing percussion frequency and correlates with tidal volume ([Formula: see text]), whereas drug delivery via IPV during invasive ventilation is not well characterized. We hypothesized that drug delivery via IPV-invasive ventilation would differ from IPV alone due to control of ventilation by invasive ventilation.

METHODS

An adult ventilator circuit was used for IPV-invasive ventilation. A normal or a diseased lung model was configured to airway resistance of 5 cm H2O/L/s and lung compliance of 100 mL/cm H2O or to airway resistance of 20 cm H2O/L/s and lung compliance of 50 mL/cm H2O, respectively. The ventilator settings were the following: pressure control continuous mandatory ventilation mode, 10 breaths/min; PEEP, 5 cm H2O; [Formula: see text], 0.21; inspiratory time, 1 s; no bias flow; and inspiratory pressure, 10 or 15 cm H2O for the normal or the diseased lung model, respectively, to reach [Formula: see text] 500 mL with IPV off. Albuterol nebulized from an IPV device was captured in a filter placed before the lung model and quantitated by spectrophotometry.

RESULTS

The maximum efficiency of albuterol delivery via IPV-invasive ventilation was not different from that via IPV alone (mean ± SD of loading dose, 3.7 ± 0.2% vs 4.2 ± 0.3%, respectively; P = .12). The mean ± SD albuterol delivery efficiency with IPV-invasive ventilation was lower for the diseased lung model versus the normal model (1.6 ± 0.3% vs 3.2 ± 0.5%; P < .001), which increased with decreasing percussion frequency. In contrast, the mean ± SD [Formula: see text] was lower for the normal lung model versus the diseased model (401 ± 14 mL vs 470 ± 11 mL; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Albuterol delivery via IPV-invasive ventilation was modulated by percussion frequency but was not increased with increasing [Formula: see text]. The delivery efficiency was not sufficiently high for clinical use, in part due to nebulizer retention and extrapulmonary deposition.

The Effects of Inspiratory Flows, Inspiratory Pause, and Suction Catheter on Aerosol Drug Delivery with Vibrating Mesh Nebulizers During Mechanical Ventilation

Background: Some experts recommend specific ventilator settings during nebulization for mechanically ventilated patients, such as inspiratory pause, high inspiratory to expiratory ratio, and so on. However, it is unclear whether those settings improve aerosol delivery. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the impact of ventilator settings on aerosol delivery during mechanical ventilation (MV). Methods: Salbutamol (5.0 mg/2.5 mL) was nebulized by a vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN) in an adult MV model. VMN was placed at the inlet of humidifier and 15 cm away from the Y-piece of the inspiratory limb. Eight scenarios with different ventilator settings were compared with endotracheal tube (ETT) connecting 15 cm from the Y-piece, including tidal volumes of 6-8 mL/kg, respiratory rates of 12-20 breaths/min, inspiratory time of 1.0-2.5 seconds, inspiratory pause of 0-0.3 seconds, and bias flow of 3.5 L/min. In-line suction catheter was utilized in two scenarios. Delivered drug distal to the ETT was collected by a filter, and drug was assayed by an ultraviolet spectrophotometry (276 nm). Results: Compared to the use of inspiratory pause, the inhaled dose without inspiratory pause was either higher or similar across all ventilation settings. Inhaled dose was negatively correlated with inspiratory flow with VMN placed at 15 cm away from the Y-piece (rs = -0.68, p < 0.001) and at the inlet of humidifier (rs = -0.83, p < 0.001). The utilization of in-line suction catheter reduced inhaled dose, regardless of the ventilator settings and nebulizer placements. Conclusions: When VMN was placed at the inlet of humidifier, directly connecting the Y-piece to ETT without a suction catheter improved aerosol delivery. In this configuration, the inhaled dose increased as the inspiratory flow decreased, inspiratory pause had either no or a negative impact on aerosol delivery. The inhaled dose was greater with VMN placed at the inlet of humidifier than 15 cm away the Y-piece.

Comparison of the Application of Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer and Jet Nebulizer in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective

To comparison of the application of Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer and Jet Nebulizer in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Research Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statements. The primary outcome measures analyzed included: The amount of inhaler in the urine sample at 30 minutes after inhalation therapy (USAL0.5), The total amount of inhaler in urine sample within 24 hours (USAL24), Aerosol emitted, Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), Forced vital capacity (FVC).

Results

Ten studies were included with a total of 314 study participants, including 157 subjects in the VMN group and 157 subjects in the JN group. The data analysis results of USAL0.5, MD (1.88 [95% CI, 0.95 to 2.81], P = 0.000), showed a statistically significant difference. USAL24, MD (1.61 [95% CI, 1.14 to 2.09], P = 0.000), showed a statistically significant difference. The results of aerosol emitted showed a statistically significant difference in MD (3.44 [95% CI, 2.84 to 4.04], P = 0.000). The results of FEV1 showed MD (0.05 [95% CI, -0.24 to 0.35], P=0.716), the results were not statistically significant. The results of FVC showed MD (0.11 [95% CI, -0.18 to 0.41], P=0.459), the results were not statistically significant. It suggests that VMN is better than JN and provides higher aerosols, but there is no difference in improving lung function between them.

Conclusion

VMN is significantly better than JN in terms of drug delivery and utilization in the treatment of patients with COPD. However, in the future use of nebulizers, it is important to select a matching nebulizer based on a combination of factors such as mechanism of action of the nebulizer, disease type and comorbidities, ventilation strategies and modes, drug formulations, as well as cost-effectiveness, in order to achieve the ideal treatment of COPD.

An in vitro study of the effects of respiratory circuit setup and parameters on aerosol delivery during mechanical ventilation

Introduction

Aerosol therapy is often prescribed concurrently during invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). This study determines the effects of nebuliser position, circuit humidification source, and most importantly, lung health on the delivery of aerosol in simulated adult and paediatric IMV patients. Furthermore, the influence of closed suction catheters on aerosol delivery is also addressed.

Methods

A vibrating mesh nebuliser was used to deliver Albuterol to simulated adult and paediatric IMV patients with differing states of lung health. Four different nebuliser positions and two types of humidification were analysed. Closed suction catheter mounts, a mainstay in IMV therapy, were incorporated into the circuits. The mean ± SD dose of aerosol (%) was assayed from a filter at the distal end of the endotracheal tube.

Results

Nebuliser placement and circuit humidification source had no effect on the delivered dose (%) in adults, yet both significantly did in the simulated paediatric patients. The use of closed suction catheter mounts significantly reduced the delivered dose (%) in adults but not in paediatric patients. A simulated healthy lung state generated the largest delivered dose (%), irrespective of nebuliser position in the adult. However, different lung health and nebuliser positions yielded higher delivered doses (%) in paediatrics.

Conclusion

Lung health and respiratory circuit composition significantly affect aerosol delivery in both adult and paediatric IMV patients. Nebuliser placement and respiratory circuit humidification source do not affect the delivered dose in adult but do in paediatric IMV patients.

Inhaled drug delivery: a randomized study in intubated patients with healthy lungs

BACKGROUND

The administration technique for inhaled drug delivery during invasive ventilation remains debated. This study aimed to compare in vivo and in vitro the deposition of a radiolabeled aerosol generated through four configurations during invasive ventilation, including setups optimizing drug delivery.

METHODS

Thirty-one intubated postoperative neurosurgery patients with healthy lungs were randomly assigned to four configurations of aerosol delivery using a vibrating-mesh nebulizer and specific ventilator settings: (1) a specific circuit for aerosol therapy (SCAT) with the nebulizer placed at 30 cm of the wye, (2) a heated-humidified circuit switched off 30 min before the nebulization or (3) left on with the nebulizer at the inlet of the heated-humidifier, (4) a conventional circuit with the nebulizer placed between the heat and moisture exchanger filter and the endotracheal tube. Aerosol deposition was analyzed using planar scintigraphy.

RESULTS

A two to three times greater lung delivery was measured in the SCAT group, reaching 19.7% (14.0-24.5) of the nominal dose in comparison to the three other groups (p < 0.01). Around 50 to 60% of lung doses reached the outer region of both lungs in all groups. Drug doses in inner and outer lung regions were significantly increased in the SCAT group (p < 0.01), except for the outer right lung region in the fourth group due to preferential drug trickling from the endotracheal tube and the trachea to the right bronchi. Similar lung delivery was observed whether the heated humidifier was switched off or left on. Inhaled doses measured in vitro correlated with lung doses (R = 0.768, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Optimizing the administration technique enables a significant increase in inhaled drug delivery to the lungs, including peripheral airways. Before adapting mechanical ventilation, studies are required to continue this optimization and to assess its impact on drug delivery and patient outcome in comparison to more usual settings.

An ex vivo rat trachea model reveals abnormal airway physiology and a gland secretion defect in cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease hallmarked by aberrant ion transport that results in delayed mucus clearance, chronic infection, and progressive lung function decline. Several animal models have been developed to study the airway anatomy and mucus physiology in CF, but they are costly and difficult to maintain, making them less accessible for many applications. A more available CFTR-/- rat model has been developed and characterized to develop CF airway abnormalities, but consistent dosing of pharmacologic agents and longitudinal evaluation remain a challenge. In this study, we report the development and characterization of a novel ex vivo trachea model that utilizes both wild type (WT) and CFTR-/- rat tracheae cultured on a porcine gelatin matrix. Here we show that the ex vivo tracheae remain viable for weeks, maintain a CF disease phenotype that can be readily quantified, and respond to stimulation of mucus and fluid secretion by cholinergic stimulation. Furthermore, we show that ex vivo tracheae may be used for well-controlled pharmacological treatments, which are difficult to perform on freshly excised trachea or in vivo models with this degree of scrutiny. With improved interrogation possible with a durable trachea, we also established firm evidence of a gland secretion defect in CFTR-/- rat tracheae compared to WT controls. Finally, we demonstrate that the ex vivo tracheae can be used to generate high mucus protein yields for subsequent studies, which are currently limited by in vivo mucus collection techniques. Overall, this study suggests that the ex vivo trachea model is an effective, easy to set up culture model to study airway and mucus physiology.

Aerosol therapy in adult critically ill patients: a consensus statement regarding aerosol administration strategies during various modes of respiratory support

BACKGROUND

Clinical practice of aerosol delivery in conjunction with respiratory support devices for critically ill adult patients remains a topic of controversy due to the complexity of the clinical scenarios and limited clinical evidence.

OBJECTIVES

To reach a consensus for guiding the clinical practice of aerosol delivery in patients receiving respiratory support (invasive and noninvasive) and identifying areas for future research.

METHODS

A modified Delphi method was adopted to achieve a consensus on technical aspects of aerosol delivery for adult critically ill patients receiving various forms of respiratory support, including mechanical ventilation, noninvasive ventilation, and high-flow nasal cannula. A thorough search and review of the literature were conducted, and 17 international participants with considerable research involvement and publications on aerosol therapy, comprised a multi-professional panel that evaluated the evidence, reviewed, revised, and voted on recommendations to establish this consensus.

RESULTS

We present a comprehensive document with 20 statements, reviewing the evidence, efficacy, and safety of delivering inhaled agents to adults needing respiratory support, and providing guidance for healthcare workers. Most recommendations were based on in-vitro or experimental studies (low-level evidence), emphasizing the need for randomized clinical trials. The panel reached a consensus after 3 rounds anonymous questionnaires and 2 online meetings.

CONCLUSIONS

We offer a multinational expert consensus that provides guidance on the optimal aerosol delivery techniques for patients receiving respiratory support in various real-world clinical scenarios.

Impact of gas humidification and nebulizer position under invasive ventilation: preclinical comparative study of regional aerosol deposition

Successful aerosol therapy in mechanically ventilated patients depends on multiple factors. Among these, position of nebulizer in ventilator circuit and humidification of inhaled gases can strongly influence the amount of drug deposited in airways. Indeed, the main objective was to preclinically evaluate impact of gas humidification and nebulizer position during invasive mechanical ventilation on whole lung and regional aerosol deposition and losses. Ex vivo porcine respiratory tracts were ventilated in controlled volumetric mode. Two conditions of relative humidity and temperature of inhaled gases were investigated. For each condition, four different positions of vibrating mesh nebulizer were studied: (i) next to the ventilator, (ii) right before humidifier, (iii) 15 cm to the Y-piece adapter and (iv) right after the Y-piece. Aerosol size distribution were calculated using cascade impactor. Nebulized dose, lung regional deposition and losses were assessed by scintigraphy using 99mtechnetium-labeled diethylene-triamine-penta-acetic acid. Mean nebulized dose was 95% ± 6%. For dry conditions, the mean respiratory tract deposited fractions reached 18% (± 4%) next to ventilator and 53% (± 4%) for proximal position. For humidified conditions, it reached 25% (± 3%) prior humidifier, 57% (± 8%) before Y-piece and 43% (± 11%) after this latter. Optimal nebulizer position is proximal before the Y-piece adapter showing a more than two-fold higher lung dose than positions next to the ventilator. Dry conditions are more likely to cause peripheral deposition of aerosols in the lungs. But gas humidification appears hard to interrupt efficiently and safely in clinical use. Considering the impact of optimized positioning, this study argues to maintain humidification.

Influence of Mechanical Ventilation Modes on the Efficacy of Nebulized Bronchodilators in the Treatment of Intubated Adult Patients with Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

BACKGROUND

Little has been reported in terms of clinical outcomes to confirm the benefits of nebulized bronchodilators during mechanical ventilation (MV). Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) could be a valuable method to elucidate this gap.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of nebulized bronchodilators during invasive MV with EIT by comparing three ventilation modes on the overall and regional lung ventilation and aeration in critically ill patients with obstructive pulmonary disease.

METHOD

A blind clinical trial in which eligible patients underwent nebulization with salbutamol sulfate (5 mg/1 mL) and ipratropium bromide (0.5 mg/2 mL) in the ventilation mode they were receiving. EIT evaluation was performed before and after the intervention. A joint and stratified analysis into ventilation mode groups was performed, with p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Five of nineteen procedures occurred in controlled MV mode, seven in assisted mode and seven in spontaneous mode. In the intra-group analysis, the nebulization increased total ventilation in controlled (p = 0.04 and ⅆ = 2) and spontaneous (p = 0.01 and ⅆ = 1.5) MV modes. There was an increase in the dependent pulmonary region in assisted mode (p = 0.01 and ⅆ = 0.3) and in spontaneous mode (p = 0.02 and ⅆ = 1.6). There was no difference in the intergroup analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Nebulized bronchodilators reduce the aeration of non-dependent pulmonary regions and increase overall lung ventilation but there was no difference between the ventilation modes. As a limitation, it is important to note that the muscular effort in PSV and A/C PCV modes influences the impedance variation, and consequently the aeration and ventilation values. Thus, future studies are needed to evaluate this effort as well as the time on ventilator, time in UCI and other variables.

Pulmonary drug delivery for acute respiratory distress syndrome

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition that causes respiratory failure. Despite numerous clinical trials, there are no molecularly targeted pharmacologic therapies to prevent or treat ARDS. Drug delivery during ARDS is challenging due to the heterogenous nature of lung injury and occlusion of lung units by edema fluid and inflammation. Pulmonary drug delivery during ARDS offers several potential advantages including limiting the off-target and off-organ effects and directly targeting the damaged and inflamed lung regions. In this review we summarize recent ARDS clinical trials using both systemic and pulmonary drug delivery. We then discuss the advantages of pulmonary drug delivery and potential challenges to its implementation. Finally, we discuss the use of nanoparticle drug delivery and surfactant-based drug carriers as potential strategies for delivering therapeutics to the injured lung in ARDS.

Aerosol delivery in models of pediatric high flow nasal oxygen and mechanical ventilation

BACKGROUND

Aerosol drug delivery during high flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) are key respiratory care strategies available for the treatment of pediatric patients. We aimed to quantify the impact of different HFNO and IMV set-ups on tracheal drug delivery via a vibrating mesh nebuliser (VMN).

METHODS

Percent tracheal dose via VMN was quantified during HFNO therapy and IMV in a benchtop model of a 9-month-old infant. Under HFNO, 3 cannula sizes were used at 3 flow rate settings with the VMN placed at the dry side of the humidifier. Under IMV, tracheal dose when VMN was placed at the dry side of the humidifier, 15 cm from the wye and between the wye and endotracheal tube (ETT) was assessed. Salbutamol at 2.5 mg/2.5 ml (1 mg/ml) was used for each test (N = 5). The impact of VMN refill on circuit pressure under HFNO and IMV was also assessed.

RESULTS

Tracheal dose was highest during HFNO with the largest cannula size (OPT318) set to the lowest flow rate setting of 2 L/min (liter per minute) (5.80 ± 0.17%). Increasing flow rate reduced tracheal drug delivery for all cannulas. For IMV, VMN on the dry side of the humidifier and between the wye and ETT gave optimal drug delivery (4.49 ± 0.14% vs. 4.43 ± 0.26% respectively). VMN refill did not impact circuit pressure for either HFNO therapy or IMV.

CONCLUSIONS

Gas flow rate and cannula size during HFNO and VMN position during IMV has a significant effect on tracheal drug delivery in a pediatric setting.

Aerosolized Pulmonary Delivery of mRNA Constructs Attenuates Severity of Escherichia coli Pneumonia in the Rat

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a rapid onset inflammatory lung disease with no effective specific therapy, typically has pathogenic etiology termed pneumonia. In previous studies nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitor α super-repressor (IκBα-SR) and extracellular superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) reduced pneumonia severity when prophylactically delivered by viral vector. In this study, mRNA coding for green fluorescent protein, IκBα-SR, or SOD3 was complexed with cationic lipid, passed through a vibrating mesh nebulizer, and delivered to cell culture or directly to rats undergoing Escherichia coli pneumonia. Injury level was then assessed at 48 h. In vitro, expression was observed as early as 4 h in lung epithelial cells. IκBα-SR and wild-type IκBα mRNAs attenuated inflammatory markers, while SOD3 mRNA induced protective and antioxidant effects. In rat E. coli pneumonia, IκBα-SR mRNA reduced arterial carbon dioxide (pCO2) and reduced lung wet/dry ratio. SOD3 mRNA improved static lung compliance and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (AaDO2) and decreased bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) bacteria load. White cell infiltration and inflammatory cytokine concentrations in BAL and serum were reduced by both mRNA treatments compared to scrambled mRNA controls. These findings indicate nebulized mRNA therapeutics are a promising approach to ARDS therapy, with rapid expression of protein and observable amelioration of pneumonia symptoms.

Not all nebulizers are created equal: Considerations in choosing a nebulizer for aerosol delivery during mechanical ventilation

INTRODUCTION

Aerosol therapy is commonly prescribed in the mechanically ventilated patient. Jet nebulizers (JN) and vibrating mesh nebulizers (VMN) are the most common nebulizer types, however, despite VMN's well established superior performance, JN use remains the most commonly used of the two. In this review, we describe the key differentiators between nebulizer types and how considered selection of nebulizer type may enable successful therapy and the optimization of drug/device combination products.

AREAS COVERED

Following a review of the published literature up to February 2023, the current state of the art in relation to JN and VMN is discussed under the headings of in vitro performance of nebulizers during mechanical ventilation, respective compatibility with formulations for inhalation, clinical trials making use of VMN during mechanical ventilation, distribution of nebulized aerosol throughout the lung, measuring the respective performance of nebulizers in the patient and non-drug delivery considerations in nebulizer choice.

EXPERT OPINION

Whether for standard care, or the development of drug/device combination products, the choice of nebulizer type should not be made without consideration of the unique needs of the combination of each of drug, disease and patient types, as well as target site for deposition, and healthcare professional and patient safety.

Effects of jet nebulization on ventilator performance with different invasive ventilation modes: A bench study

Background

The effects of jet nebulization on ventilator performance in the volume control mode (VC) and pressure control mode (PC) of ventilation have not been determined.

Objectives

The present study investigated the impact of jet nebulization on ventilator performance in different modes in vitro.

Methods

Two types of jet nebulizer (ventilator-integrated jet nebulizers, external jet nebulizer) and six types of ventilator were connected with a simulated lung to simulate aerosol therapy during mechanical ventilation. The ventilation modes were set to VC and PC, and the driving flows of external jet nebulizer were set at 4 L/min and 8 L/min, respectively. Jet nebulizers were placed between patient airway and Y-piece or at 15 cm from the Y-piece in the inspiratory limb. The effects of jet nebulization were compared with the baseline of triggering performance, control performance, and tidal volume under different experimental conditions.

Results

Ventilator-integrated jet nebulizers had no effect on ventilator performance in different modes (all P &gt; 0.05). However, the effects of external jet nebulizers on ventilator performance varied widely: for triggering performance, all parameters were increased in different modes and nebulization positions (all P &lt; 0.05), including the time from the beginning of the inspiratory effort to the lowest value of airway pressure needed to trigger the ventilator (TPmin), the time to trigger (Ttrig), and the magnitude of airway pressure drop needed to trigger (Ptrig); for control performance, peak inspiratory pressure (Ppeak) and peak inspiratory flow(Pflow) were increased in the VC mode (P &lt; 0.05), but not significantly changed in the PC mode (P &gt; 0.05);the actual tidal volume (VT) and expiratory tidal volume monitored (VTe) were significantly increased (P &lt; 0.05), however, the inspiratory tidal volume monitored (VTi) was not affected by jet nebulization in the VC mode. In the PC mode, there were no significant changes in VT, whereas VTi decreased and VTe increased (P &lt; 0.05). The higher the driving flow of external jet nebulizers, the stronger the impact on ventilator performance (all P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusion

Triggering performance was decreased in both the VC and PC modes when using an external jet nebulizer, while the effects of nebulization on control performance and tidal volume varied significantly.

Position of different nebulizer types for aerosol delivery in an adult model of mechanical ventilation

Background

The optimal positions of different types of nebulizer for aerosol delivery remain unclear.

Methods

Three ICU ventilators employing three types of nebulizer were separately connected to a simulated lung to simulate nebulization during invasive ventilation. Assist/control-pressure control (A/C-PC) mode was utilized, with inspiratory pressure (Pi) set to 12 cmH2O and positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) set to 5 cmH2O, and with a target Vt of 500 ml. The bias flow of all the ventilators was set to 2 L/min. The three nebulizers were the continuous jet nebulizer (c-JN), the inspiratory synchronized jet nebulizer (i-JN), and the vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN). The five nebulizer positions were as follows: at the Y-piece (position 1) and 15 cm from the Y-piece (position 2) between the endotracheal tube and the Y-piece, at the Y-piece (position 3) and 15 cm from the Y-piece (position 4) in the inspiratory limb; and at the humidifier inlet (position 5). Aerosols were collected with a disposable filter placed at the simulated lung outlet (n = 3) and were measured by UV spectrophotometry (276 nm). The measurements were compared under different experimental conditions.

Results

The aerosol delivery of c-JN, i-JN, and VMN was 5.33 ± 0.49~11.12 ± 0.36%, 7.73 ± 0.76~13.75 ± 0.46% and 11.13 ± 56-30.2 ± 1.63%, respectively. The higher aerosol delivery: for c-JN~Positions 2 (10.95 ± 0.15%), fori-JN~Positions 1 or 2 (12.91 ± 0.88% or 13.45 ± 0.42%), for VMN~Positions 4(29.03 ± 1.08%); the lower aerosol delivery: for c-JN~Positions 1, 3 or 5, fori-JN~Positions 4 or 5, for VMN~Positions 5.The highest aerosol delivery:For c-JN at Position 2 (10.95 ± .15%), for i-JN at Position 1 or 2 (12.91 ± .88% or 13.45 ± .42%), for VMN at Positions 4 (29. 03 ± 1.08%); the lower aerosol delivery: for c-JN at Positions 1, 3 or 5, for i-JN at Positions 4 or 5, for VMN at Positions 5. The highest aerosol deliveryof c-JN was lower than that of i-JN while the VMN was the highest (all P < .05). However, no differences were observed between the highest aerosol delivery with c-JN and the lowest aerosol delivery with i-JN. Similar results were found between the lowest aerosol delivery with VMN and the highest aerosol delivery with c-JN /i-JN in the Avea ventilator. There were no differences in the highest aerosol delivery of each nebulizer among the different ventilators (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

During adult mechanical ventilation, the type and position of nebulizer influences aerosol delivery efficiency, with no differences between ventilators.

Indian Guidelines on Nebulization Therapy

Inhalational therapy, today, happens to be the mainstay of treatment in obstructive airway diseases (OADs), such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and is also in the present, used in a variety of other pulmonary and even non-pulmonary disorders. Hand-held inhalation devices may often be difficult to use, particularly for children, elderly, debilitated or distressed patients. Nebulization therapy emerges as a good option in these cases besides being useful in the home care, emergency room and critical care settings. With so many advancements taking place in nebulizer technology; availability of a plethora of drug formulations for its use, and the widening scope of this therapy; medical practitioners, respiratory therapists, and other health care personnel face the challenge of choosing appropriate inhalation devices and drug formulations, besides their rational application and use in different clinical situations. Adequate maintenance of nebulizer equipment including their disinfection and storage are the other relevant issues requiring guidance. Injudicious and improper use of nebulizers and their poor maintenance can sometimes lead to serious health hazards, nosocomial infections, transmission of infection, and other adverse outcomes. Thus, it is imperative to have a proper national guideline on nebulization practices to bridge the knowledge gaps amongst various health care personnel involved in this practice. It will also serve as an educational and scientific resource for healthcare professionals, as well as promote future research by identifying neglected and ignored areas in this field. Such comprehensive guidelines on this subject have not been available in the country and the only available proper international guidelines were released in 1997 which have not been updated for a noticeably long period of over two decades, though many changes and advancements have taken place in this technology in the recent past. Much of nebulization practices in the present may not be evidence-based and even some of these, the way they are currently used, may be ineffective or even harmful. Recognizing the knowledge deficit and paucity of guidelines on the usage of nebulizers in various settings such as inpatient, out-patient, emergency room, critical care, and domiciliary use in India in a wide variety of indications to standardize nebulization practices and to address many other related issues; National College of Chest Physicians (India), commissioned a National task force consisting of eminent experts in the field of Pulmonary Medicine from different backgrounds and different parts of the country to review the available evidence from the medical literature on the scientific principles and clinical practices of nebulization therapy and to formulate evidence-based guidelines on it. The guideline is based on all possible literature that could be explored with the best available evidence and incorporating expert opinions. To support the guideline with high-quality evidence, a systematic search of the electronic databases was performed to identify the relevant studies, position papers, consensus reports, and recommendations published. Rating of the level of the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendation was done using the GRADE system. Six topics were identified, each given to one group of experts comprising of advisors, chairpersons, convenor and members, and such six groups (A-F) were formed and the consensus recommendations of each group was included as a section in the guidelines (Sections I to VI). The topics included were: A. Introduction, basic principles and technical aspects of nebulization, types of equipment, their choice, use, and maintenance B. Nebulization therapy in obstructive airway diseases C. Nebulization therapy in the intensive care unit D. Use of various drugs (other than bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids) by nebulized route and miscellaneous uses of nebulization therapy E. Domiciliary/Home/Maintenance nebulization therapy; public & health care workers education, and F. Nebulization therapy in COVID-19 pandemic and in patients of other contagious viral respiratory infections (included later considering the crisis created due to COVID-19 pandemic). Various issues in different sections have been discussed in the form of questions, followed by point-wise evidence statements based on the existing knowledge, and recommendations have been formulated.

Aerosol Delivery via Continuous High-Frequency Oscillation During Mechanical Ventilation

BACKGROUND

As the use of continuous high-frequency oscillation combined with nebulization during mechanical ventilation becomes more prevalent clinically, it is important to evaluate its aerosol delivery efficacy.

METHODS

A bench study was conducted that simulated 2 adult and 2 pediatric conditions. A continuous high-frequency oscillation device integrated into the inspiratory limb of a conventional critical care ventilator was attached to an endotracheal tube (ETT) with a collection filter and test lung. High-frequency oscillation with high-flow setting was used with jet nebulizers attached to the manifold, and a vibrating mesh nebulizer placed between the ETT and the ventilator circuit versus at the inlet of the humidifier. Albuterol (2.5 mg in 3 mL) was nebulized for each condition (no. = 3). The drug was eluted from the collection filter and assayed with ultraviolet spectrophotometry (276 nm).

RESULTS

During continuous high-frequency oscillation, the mean inhaled dose with jet nebulizers was low (<2% with the adult settings and <1% with the pediatric settings). Across both adult and pediatric conditions, when the vibrating mesh nebulizer was placed between the ETT and the Y-piece during continuous high-frequency oscillation, the inhaled dose was higher than with the placement of the vibrating mesh nebulizer at the inlet of the humidifier, median 11.1% (IQR 7.0%-13.7%) median 6.0% (IQR 3.9%-7.2%) (P = .002) respectively, but still lower than the inhaled dose with the vibrating mesh nebulizer placed at the inlet of the humidifier with continuous high-frequency oscillation off, median 22.7% (IQR 19.5%-25.4%) versus median 11.1% (IQR 7.0%-13.7%) (P < .001). The inhaled dose with the 10-year-old scenario was higher than with the 5-year-old scenario in all settings except aerosol delivery via continuous high-frequency oscillation.

CONCLUSIONS

During invasive mechanical ventilation with continuous high-frequency oscillation, aerosol delivery with jet nebulizers in the manifold resulted in a marginal inhaled dose. The vibrating mesh nebulizer at the ETT during continuous high-frequency oscillation delivered 6-fold more aerosol than did the jet nebulizer, while delivering only half of the inhaled dose with the vibrating mesh nebulizer placed at the inlet of the humidifier without continuous high-frequency oscillation.

Pulmonary delivery of siRNA against acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome

The use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) has been under investigation for the treatment of several unmet medical needs, including acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) wherein siRNA may be implemented to modify the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines at the mRNA level. The properties such as clear anatomy, accessibility, and relatively low enzyme activity make the lung a good target for local siRNA therapy. However, the translation of siRNA is restricted by the inefficient delivery of siRNA therapeutics to the target cells due to the properties of naked siRNA. Thus, this review will focus on the various delivery systems that can be used and the different barriers that need to be surmounted for the development of stable inhalable siRNA formulations for human use before siRNA therapeutics for ALI/ARDS become available in the clinic.

Evaluation of Aerosol Drug Delivery Options during Adult Mechanical Ventilation in the COVID-19 Era

Drug delivery devices used for aerosol therapy during mechanical ventilation to ease the symptoms of respiratory diseases provide beneficial treatment but can also pose challenges. Reflecting the significant changes in global guidance around aerosol usage and lung-protective ventilation strategies, seen in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, for the first time, we describe the drug delivery performance of commonly used devices under these conditions. Here, vibrating mesh nebuliser (VMN), jet nebuliser (JN) and pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) performance was assessed during simulated adult mechanical ventilation. Both standard test breathing patterns and those representatives of low tidal volume (LTV) ventilation with concurrent active and passive humidification were investigated. Drug delivery using a VMN was significantly greater than that with a JN and pMDI for both standard and LTV ventilation. Humidification type did not affect the delivered dose across all device types for standard ventilation. Significant variability in the pMDI dosing was evident, depending on the timing of actuation and the adapter type used. pMDI actuation synchronised with inspiration resulted in a higher delivered drug dose. The type of adapter used for pMDI actuation influenced drug delivery, with the highest dose observed using the CombiHaler.

Nebulized antibiotics for ventilator-associated pneumonia: methodological framework for future multicenter randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although experimental evidence supports the use of nebulized antibiotics in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), two recent multicenter randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have failed to demonstrate any benefit in VAP caused by Gram-negative bacteria (GNB). This review examines the methodological requirements concerning future RCTs.

RECENT FINDINGS

High doses of nebulized antibiotics are required to reach the infected lung parenchyma. Breath-synchronized nebulizers do not allow delivery of high doses. Mesh nebulizers perform better than jet nebulizers. Epithelial lining fluid concentrations do not reflect interstitial lung concentrations in patients receiving nebulized antibiotics. Specific ventilator settings for optimizing lung deposition require sedation to avoid patient's asynchrony with the ventilator.

SUMMARY

Future RCTs should compare a 3-5 day nebulization of amikacin or colistimethate sodium (CMS) to a 7-day intravenous administration of a new cephalosporine/ß-lactamase inhibitor. Inclusion criteria should be a VAP or ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis caused by documented extensive-drug or pandrug resistant GNB. If the GNB remains susceptible to aminoglycosides, nebulized amikacin should be administered at a dose of 40 mg/kg/day. If resistant to aminoglycosides, nebulized CMS should be administered at a dose of 15 millions international units (IU)/day. In VAP caused by pandrug-resistant GNB, 15 millions IU/day nebulized CMS (substitution therapy) should be compared with a 9 millions IU/day intravenous CMS.

Nebulized Magnesium Sulfate for Treatment of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of Newborn: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effectiveness of nebulized magnesium sulfate in treating persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn (PPHN).

METHODS

Twenty-eight mechanically ventilated term neonates with severe PPHN were randomized into two groups: NebMag group (n = 14), who receiving nebulized isotonic magnesium (1024 mg/h), and IVMag group (n = 14), who received intravenous magnesium (200 mg/kg over 30 min, followed by 50 mg/kg/h). The study time frame was 24 h. Outcome measures were the changes in oxygenation index (OI), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), vasoactive inotropic score (VIS), and serum magnesium level.

RESULTS

Baseline demographic, ventilatory, and hemodynamic characteristics were comparable between the two groups. At the end of the study, the OI decreased by 44.3% in the NebMag group compared with 35.3% in the IVMag group (mean difference -3.14; 95%CI -5.08, -1.19; p 0.003). The NebMag group had a higher MABP (mean difference 2.29 mmHg; 95% CI 1.80, 2.77; p 0.000) and lower VIS (mean difference -14.64; 95% CI -16.52, -12.77; p 0.000) at the 24-h study time point. The increase in serum magnesium level, measured at 12-h study time point, was lower in the NebMag group (mean difference -2.26 mmol/L; 95% CI -2.58, -1.96; p 0.000).

CONCLUSION

Nebulized magnesium sulfate may be an effective therapeutic modality for neonates with severe PPHN on mechanical ventilation, but this should be confirmed by larger studies. Retrospectively registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT04328636).

Inhaled bacteriophage therapy in a porcine model of pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa during mechanical ventilation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 255: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a main cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) with drug-resistant bacteria. Bacteriophage therapy has experienced resurgence to compensate for the limited development of novel antibiotics. However, phage therapy is limited to a compassionate use so far, resulting from lack of adequate studies in relevant pharmacological models. We used a pig model of pneumonia caused by P. aeruginosa that recapitulates essential features of human disease to study the antimicrobial efficacy of nebulized-phage therapy.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

(i) Lysis kinetic assays were performed to evaluate in vitro phage antibacterial efficacy against P. aeruginosa and select relevant combinations of lytic phages. (ii) The efficacy of the phage combinations was investigated in vivo (murine model of P. aeruginosa lung infection). (iii) We determined the optimal conditions to ensure efficient phage delivery by aerosol during mechanical ventilation. (iv) Lung antimicrobial efficacy of inhaled-phage therapy was evaluated in pigs, which were anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated and infected with P. aeruginosa.

KEY RESULTS

By selecting an active phage cocktail and optimizing aerosol delivery conditions, we were able to deliver high phage concentrations in the lungs, which resulted in a rapid and marked reduction in P. aeruginosa density (1.5-log reduction, p < .001). No infective phage was detected in the sera and urines throughout the experiment.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Our findings demonstrated (i) the feasibility of delivering large amounts of active phages by nebulization during mechanical ventilation and (ii) rapid control of in situ infection by inhaled bacteriophage in an experimental model of P. aeruginosa pneumonia with high translational value.

Effectiveness and safety of adjunctive inhaled antibiotics for ventilator-associated pneumonia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

The efficacy and safety of adjunctive inhaled antibiotic therapy for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) was systematically reviewed based on updated studies.

METHODS

We searched four databases and four clinical trial registration platforms to identify relevant studies published prior to May 19, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing adjunctive antibiotic inhalation treatment for VAP patients were eligible for this review. Two reviewers independently screened the articles and extracted the data. Information on inhaled therapy and clinical outcomes was collected. Study quality was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The meta-analysis was conducted with Review Manager and R software. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines were used to evaluate the quality of evidence for each pooled outcome.

RESULTS

Eleven RCTs and 1210 patients were included in this analysis after the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Compared with the use of intravenous injection alone, the use of adjunctive inhaled antibiotic therapy improved the rates of clinical cure (relative risk (RR) 1.13, 95% CI [1.02,1.26]) and microbiological eradication (RR 1.45, 95% CI [1.19,1.76]) in VAP patients. However, despite these improvements, mortality was not reduced (RR 1.00, 95% CI [0.82,1.21]). Adjunctive antibiotics delivered through the respiratory tract were not associated with a higher risk of renal impairment but were associated with an increased risk of bronchospasm (RR 2.74, 95% CI [1.31,5.73] during treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjunctive inhaled antibiotics improved the clinical outcomes in VAP patients, but the increased rates clinical cure and microbiological eradication were not associated with reduced mortality. The use of nebulized antibiotics is not supported by the currently available evidence as a routine therapeutic strategy for VAP.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020186970.

The Clinical Practice and Best Aerosol Delivery Location in Intubated and Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This randomized clinical trial (RCT) is aimed at exploring the best nebulizer position for aerosol delivery within the mechanical ventilation (MV) circuitry. This study enrolled 75 intubated and MV patients with respiratory failure and randomly divided them into three groups. The nebulizer position of patients in group A was between the tracheal tube and Y-piece. For group B, the nebulizer was placed at the inspiratory limb near the ventilator water cup (80 cm away from the Y-piece). For group C, the nebulizer was placed between the ventilator inlet and the heated humidifier. An indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure salbutamol drug concentrations in serum and urine. The serum and urine salbutamol concentrations of the three groups were the highest in group B, followed by group C, and the lowest in group A. Serum and urine salbutamol concentrations significantly differed among the three groups (P < 0.05). It was found that the drug was statistically significant between group differences for groups B and A (P = 0.001; P = 0.002, respectively) for both serum and urine salbutamol concentrations. There were no significant differences observed among the other groups. It was found that the drug concentrations were the highest when the nebulizer was placed 80 cm away from the Y-piece, while the location between the tracheal tube and the Y-piece with the higher frequency of nebulizer placement was the location with the lowest drug concentration.

Inhaled antibiotics during mechanical ventilation-why it will work

Inhaled antibiotics are a common therapy among patients suffering recurrent or chronic pulmonary infections. Their use is less frequent in acutely ill patients despite a strong theoretical rationale and growing evidence of their efficiency, safety and beneficial effect on reducing bacterial resistance emergence. Clinical trials of inhaled antibiotics have shown contradictory results among mechanically ventilated patients. The optimal nebulization setup, not always implemented in all trials, the difficulty to identify the population most likely to benefit and the testing of various therapeutic strategies such as adjunctive versus alternative to systemic antibiotics may explain the disparity in trial results. The present review first presents the reasons why inhaled antibiotics have to be developed and the benefits to be expected of inhaled anti-infectious therapy among mechanically ventilated patients. A second part develops the constraints of aerosolized therapies that one has to be aware of and the simple actions required during nebulization to ensure optimal delivery to the distal lung parenchyma. Positive and negative studies concerning inhaled antibiotics are compared to understand the discrepancies of their findings and conclusions. The last part presents current developments and perspective which will likely turn it into a fully successful therapeutic modality, and makes the link between inhaled antibiotics and inhaled anti-infectious therapy.

An in vitro investigation into the release of fugitive medical aerosols into the environment during manual ventilation

BACKGROUND

During manual resuscitation, nebulizer therapy may be used to deliver therapeutics to patients in respiratory distress. However, the devices used to generate and deliver these medical aerosols have the potential to release these therapeutics into the local environment and expose caregivers to unwanted medical aerosols.

AIM

To quantify the levels of fugitive medical aerosol released into the environment during aerosol drug delivery using a manual resuscitation bag with and without filtration.

METHODS

Time-varying fugitive aerosol concentrations were measured using an aerodynamic particle sizer placed at a position designed to mimic a caregiver. Two nebulizer types were assessed, a vibrating mesh nebulizer and a jet nebulizer. The aerosol dose delivered to the simulated patient lung was also quantified.

FINDINGS

Filtration of the exhalation port of the manual resuscitation bag was seen to reduce fugitive medical aerosols to ambient levels for both nebulizer types. The vibrating mesh nebulizer delivered the greatest quantity of aerosol to the simulated adult patient (18.44 ± 1.03% versus 3.64 ± 0.26% with a jet nebulizer).

CONCLUSIONS

The results highlight the potential for exposure to fugitive medical aerosols released during the delivery of aerosol therapy with a manual resuscitation bag and also the potential for significant variation in patient lung dose depending on nebulizer type.

Assessment of different techniques for the administration of inhaled salbutamol in children breathing spontaneously via tracheal tubes, supraglottic airway devices, and tracheostomies

BACKGROUND

Perioperative respiratory adverse events account for a third of all perioperative cardiac arrests, with bronchospasm and laryngospasm being most common. Standard treatment for bronchospasm is administration of inhaled salbutamol, via pressurized metered dose inhaler. There is little evidence on the best method of attaching the pressurized metered dose inhaler to the artificial airway during general anesthesia.

AIM

The aim of this study is to investigate the best method to deliver aerosolized salbutamol via pressurized metered dose inhaler to the lungs of an anesthetized child.

METHODS

We measured salbutamol delivered by pressurized metered dose inhaler through different sized tracheal tubes, supraglottic airway devices, and tracheostomies in vitro for methods commonly employed for connecting the pressurized metered dose inhaler to the artificial airway. Breathing was simulated for patients weighing 3, 16, 50, and 75 kg. Pressurized metered dose inhaler actuation coincided with inspiration.

RESULTS

A pressurized metered dose inhaler combined with an in-line non-valved or valved spacer, or the direct method, when delivered via tracheal tube, was linked with improved delivered dose of salbutamol, compared to all other methods for 3 or 50 kg simulated patients weights. The delivered dose when using a non-valved spacer was greater than all methods for 16 and 75 kg patient weights. A spacer improved delivery for the flexible supraglottic airway device type, and there was no difference with or without a spacer for remaining types.

CONCLUSION

Via tracheal tube and non-valved spacer, the following doses should be delivered after single actuation of a 100 µg labeled-claim salbutamol dose: ~2 µg kg^-1 per actuation to a 3 kg neonate, ~1 µg kg^-1 per actuation to a 16 kg child, and ~ 0.5 µg kg^-1 per actuation for a 50-75 kg child. The least effective methods were the syringe, and the uni- and bidirectional adaptor methods, which require replacement by the direct method if a spacer is unavailable.

Aerosolized drug-loaded nanoparticles targeting migration inhibitory factors inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced inflammation and biofilm formation

Aim: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, which has been shown to promote disease severity in cystic fibrosis. Methods: In this study, aerosolized drug-loaded nanoparticles containing SCD-19, an inhibitor of MIF's tautomerase enzymatic activity, were developed and characterized. Results: The aerosolized nanoparticles had an optimal droplet size distribution for deep lung deposition, with a high degree of biocompatibility and significant cellular uptake. Conclusion: For the first time, we have developed an aerosolized nano-formulation against MIF's enzymatic activity that achieved a significant reduction in the inflammatory response of macrophages, and inhibited Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation on airway epithelial cells. This represents a potential novel adjunctive therapy for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infection in cystic fibrosis.

Airway Epithelial Lining Fluid and Plasma Pharmacokinetics of Inhaled Fluticasone Propionate and Salmeterol Xinafoate in Mechanically Ventilated Pigs

Background: The lower respiratory tract of the landrace pig has close anatomical and physiological similarities with that of the human, and hence, for inhalation studies this species is well suited for biopharmaceutical research. Methods: The objective of this study was to evaluate pharmacokinetics in pigs following one dose of Diskus™ Seretide™ forte device, labeled 500/50 fluticasone propionate (FP) and salmeterol xinafoate (SX), respectively. The PreciseInhale™ (PI) instrument was used to actuate the inhaler for in vitro testing and aerosol dosing to pigs. In vitro, the aerosol was characterized with a cascade impactor with respect to mass median aerodynamic diameter, geometric standard deviation, and fine particle dose. In vivo, dry powder inhalation exposure was delivered as a short bolus dose, to anesthetized and mechanically ventilated landrace pigs. In addition to plasma PK, PK assessment of airway epithelial lining fluid (ELF) was used in this study. ELF of the depth of three to fourth airway generation of the right lung was accessed using standard bronchoscopy and a synthetic absorptive matrix. Results and Conclusions: Dry powder inhalation exposures with good consistency and well characterized aerosols to the pig lung were achieved by the use of the PreciseInhale™ instrument. Drug concentrations of ELF for both FP and SX were demonstrated to be four to five orders of magnitude higher than its corresponding systemic plasma drug concentrations. Clinical PK following inhalation of the same dose was used as benchmark, and the clinical study did demonstrate similar plasma PK profiles and drug exposures of both FP and SX as the current pig study. Two factors explain the close similarity of PK (1) similiar physiology between species and (2) the consistency of dosing to animals. To conclude, our study demonstrated the utility and translational potential of conducting PK studies in pigs in the development of inhaled pharmaceuticals.

Development and testing of a new-generation aerosol exposure system: The independent holistic air-liquid exposure system (InHALES)

The dose of inhaled materials delivered to the respiratory tract is to a large extent a function of the kinetics of particle deposition and gas dissolution on or in the airway and lung epithelia, and therefore of the structural and functional properties of the respiratory tract. In vitro aerosol exposure systems commonly do not simulate these properties, which may result in the delivery of non-realistic, non-human-relevant doses of inhalable test substances to the in vitro biological test systems. We developed a new-generation in vitro aerosol exposure system, the InHALES, that can, like the human respiratory tract, actively breathe, operate medical inhalers, or take puffs from tobacco products. Due to its structural and functional similarity to the human respiratory tract, the system is expected to deliver human-relevant doses of inhalable materials to cell cultures representing respiratory tract epithelia. We here describe the proof of concept of the InHALES with respect to aerosol delivery and compatibility with oral, bronchial, and alveolar cell cultures. The results indicate that the system structure and function translate into complex patterns of test atmosphere delivery that, with increasing system complexity, may closely mimic the patterns observable in the human respiratory tract.

Future Trends in Nebulized Therapies for Pulmonary Disease

Aerosol therapy is a key modality for drug delivery to the lungs of respiratory disease patients. Aerosol therapy improves therapeutic effects by directly targeting diseased lung regions for rapid onset of action, requiring smaller doses than oral or intravenous delivery and minimizing systemic side effects. In order to optimize treatment of critically ill patients, the efficacy of aerosol therapy depends on lung morphology, breathing patterns, aerosol droplet characteristics, disease, mechanical ventilation, pharmacokinetics, and the pharmacodynamics of cell-drug interactions. While aerosol characteristics are influenced by drug formulations and device mechanisms, most other factors are reliant on individual patient variables. This has led to increased efforts towards more personalized therapeutic approaches to optimize pulmonary drug delivery and improve selection of effective drug types for individual patients. Vibrating mesh nebulizers (VMN) are the dominant device in clinical trials involving mechanical ventilation and emerging drugs. In this review, we consider the use of VMN during mechanical ventilation in intensive care units. We aim to link VMN fundamentals to applications in mechanically ventilated patients and look to the future use of VMN in emerging personalized therapeutic drugs.

Aerosol delivery during invasive mechanical ventilation: development of a preclinical ex vivo respiratory model for aerosol regional deposition

In intensive care units, nebulization is a usual route for drug administration to patients under mechanical ventilation (MV). The effectiveness of inhalation devices as well as depositions sites of aerosols for ventilated patients remain poorly documented. In vivo human inhalation studies are scarce due to ethical restrictions because imaging techniques require radioaerosols to assess regional aerosol deposition. Thus, we developed an ex vivo respiratory model under invasive MV for preclinical aerosol deposition studies. The model was composed of ex vivo porcine respiratory tracts. MV was achieved thanks to a tracheal intubation and a medical ventilator under controlled conditions. Respiratory features were studied using analogical sensors. Then regional homogeneity of gas-ventilation was assessed with ^81mKrypton scintigraphies. Finally, a proof of concept study for aerosol deposition was performed. Obtained respiratory features as well as gamma-imaging techniques, which demonstrated a homogenous regional ventilation and about 18% ± 4% of the nebulized dose deposited the respiratory tract, were in good agreement with human data available in the literature. This original ex vivo respiratory model provides a feasible, reproducible and cost-effective preclinical tool to achieve aerosol deposition studies under MV.

Recent advances in aerosol gene delivery systems using non-viral vectors for lung cancer therapy

INTRODUCTION

Lung cancer commonly occurs at a high incidence worldwide. Application of aerosol gene delivery systems using various kinds of vectors can improve the patient's quality of life by prolonging the survival rate.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides a recent update on aerosol gene delivery strategies using various kinds of vectors and gene-modification technologies. Peptide-mediated gene therapy achieves specific targeting of cells and highly improves efficacy. Promoter-operating expression and the CRISPR/Cas9 system are novel gene therapy strategies for effective lung cancer treatment. Furthermore, hybrid systems with a combination of vectors or drugs have been recently applied as new trends in gene therapy.

EXPERT OPINION

Although aerosol gene delivery has many advantages, physiological barriers in the lungs pose formidable challenges. Targeted gene delivery and gene-editing technology are promising strategies for lung cancer therapy. These strategies may allow the development of safety and high efficiency for clinical application. Recently, hybrid gene therapy combining novel and specific vectors has been developed as an advanced strategy. Although gene therapy for lung cancer is being actively researched, aerosol gene therapy strategies are currently lacking, and further studies on aerosol gene therapy are needed to treat lung cancer.

Pulmonary PET imaging confirms preferential lung target occupancy of an inhaled bronchodilator

BACKGROUND

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive molecular imaging technique that traces the distribution of radiolabeled molecules in experimental animals and human subjects. We hypothesized that PET could be used to visualize the binding of the bronchodilator drug ipratropium to muscarinic receptors (MR) in the lungs of living non-human primates (NHP). The objectives of this study were two-fold: (i) to develop a methodology for quantitative imaging of muscarinic receptors in NHP lung and (ii) to estimate and compare ipratropium-induced MR occupancy following drug administration via intravenous injection and inhalation, respectively.

METHODS

A series of PET measurements (n = 18) was performed after intravenous injection of the selective muscarinic radioligand ¹¹C-VC-002 in NHP (n = 5). The lungs and pituitary gland (both rich in MR) were kept in the field of view. Each PET measurement was followed by a PET measurement preceded by treatment with ipratropium (intravenous or inhaled).

RESULTS

Radioligand binding was quantified using the Logan graphical analysis method providing the total volume of distribution (V_T). Ipratropium reduced the V_T in the lung and pituitary in a dose-dependent fashion. At similar plasma ipratropium concentrations, administration by inhalation produced larger reductions in V_T for the lungs. The plasma-derived apparent affinity for ipratropium binding in the lung was one order of magnitude higher after inhalation (K_iih = 1.01 nM) than after intravenous infusion (K_iiv = 10.84 nM).

CONCLUSION

Quantitative muscarinic receptor occupancy imaging by PET articulates and quantifies the therapeutic advantage of the inhaled route of delivery and provides a tool for future developments of improved inhaled drugs.

Practice pattern of aerosol therapy among patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in mainland China: A web-based survey involving 447 hospitals

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Aerosol therapies are widely used for mechanically ventilated patients. However, the practice pattern of aerosol therapy in mainland China remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the current practice of aerosol therapy in mainland China.

METHODS

A web-based survey was conducted by the China Union of Respiratory Care (CURC) from August 2018 to January 2019. The survey was disseminated via Email or WeChat to members of CURC. A questionnaire comprising 16 questions related to hospital information and 12 questions related to the practice of aerosol therapy. Latent class analysis was employed to identify the distinct classes of aerosol therapy practice.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 693 valid questionnaires were returned by respiratory care practitioners from 447 hospitals. Most of the practitioners used aerosol therapy for both invasive mechanical ventilation (90.8%) and non-invasive mechanical ventilation (91.3%). Practitioners from tertiary care centers were more likely to use aerosol therapy compared with those from non-tertiary care centers (91.9% vs. 85.4%, respectively; p = 0.035). The most commonly used drugs for aerosol therapy were bronchodilators (64.8%) followed by mucolytic agents (44.2%), topical corticosteroids (43.4%) and antibiotics (16.5%). The ultrasonic nebulizer (48.3%) was the most commonly used followed by the jet nebulizer (39.2%), the metered dose inhaler (15.4%) and the vibrating mesh nebulizer (14.6%). Six latent classes were identified via latent class analysis. Class 1 was characterized by the aggressive use of aerosol therapy without a standard protocol, while class 3 was characterized by the absence of aerosol therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial heterogeneity among institutions with regard to the use of aerosol therapy was noted. The implementation of aerosol therapy during mechanical ventilation was inconsistent in light of recent practice guidelines. Additional efforts by the CURC to improve the implementation of aerosol therapy in mainland China are warranted.

A research pathway for the study of the delivery and disposition of nebulised antibiotics: an incremental approach from in vitro to large animal models

Background

Nebulised antibiotics are frequently used for the prevention or treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Many factors may influence pulmonary drug concentrations with inaccurate dosing schedules potentially leading to therapeutic failure and/or the emergence of antibiotic resistance. We describe a research pathway for studying the pharmacokinetics of a nebulised antibiotic during mechanical ventilation using in vitro methods and ovine models, using tobramycin as the study antibiotic.

Methods

In vitro studies using a laser diffractometer and a bacterial-viral filter were used to measure the effect of the type and size of tracheal tubes and antibiotic concentration on the particle size distribution of the tobramycin 400 mg (4 ml; 100 mg/ml) and 160 mg (4 ml, 40 mg/ml) aerosol and nebulised mass delivered. To compare the regional drug distribution in the lung of two routes (intravenous and nebulised) of drug administration of tobramycin 400 mg, technetium-99m-labelled tobramycin 400 mg with planar nuclear medicine imaging was used in a mechanically ventilated ovine model. To measure tobramycin concentrations by intravenous and nebulised tobramycin 400 mg (4 ml, 100 mg/ml) administration in the lung interstitial space (ISF) fluid and blood of mechanically ventilated sheep, the microdialysis technique was used over an 8-h duration.

Results

Tobramycin 100 mg/ml achieved a higher lung dose (121.3 mg) compared to 40 mg/ml (41.3 mg) solution. The imaging study with labelled tobramycin indicated that nebulised tobramycin distributed more extensively into each lung zone of the mechanically ventilated sheep than intravenous administration. A higher lung ISF peak concentration of tobramycin was observed with nebulised tobramycin (40.8 mg/l) compared to intravenous route (19.0 mg/l).

Conclusions

The research methods appear promising to describe lung pharmacokinetics for formulations intended for nebulisation during mechanical ventilation. These methods need further validation in an experimental pneumonia model to be able to contribute toward optimising dosing regimens to inform clinical trials and/or clinical use.

Characterisation of 40 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml tobramycin formulations for aerosol therapy with adult mechanical ventilation

BACKGROUND

Preservative-free tobramycin is commonly used as aerosolized therapy for ventilator associated pneumonia. The comparative delivery profile of the formulations of two different concentrations (100 mg/ml and 40 mg/ml) is unknown. This study aims to evaluate the aerosol characteristics of these tobramycin formulations in a simulated adult mechanical ventilation model.

METHODS

Simulated adult mechanical ventilation set up and optimal settings were used in the study. Inhaled mass study was performed using bacterial/viral filters at the tip of the tracheal tube and in the expiratory limb of circuit. Laser diffractometer was used for characterising particle size distribution. The physicochemical characteristics of the formulations were described and nebulization characteristics compared using two airways, an endotracheal tube (ET) and a tracheostomy tube (TT). For each type of tube, three internal tube diameters were studied, 7 mm, 8 mm and 9 mm.

RESULTS

The lung dose was significantly higher for 100 mg/ml solution (mean 121.3 mg vs 41.3 mg). Viscosity was different (2.11cp vs 1.58cp) for 100 mg/ml vs 40 mg/ml respectively but surface tension was similar. For tobramycin 100 mg/ml vs 40 mg/ml, the volume median diameter (2.02 vs 1.9 μm) was comparable. The fine particle fraction (98.5 vs 85.4%) was higher and geometric standard deviation (1.36 vs 1.62 μm) was significantly lower for 100 mg/ml concentration. Nebulization duration was longer for 100 mg/ml solution (16.9 vs 10.1 min). The inhaled dose percent was similar (30%) but the exhaled dose was higher for 100 mg/ml solution (18.9 vs 10.4%). The differences in results were non-significant for type of tube or size except for a small but statistically significant reduction in inhaled mass with TT compared to ET (0.06%).

CONCLUSION

Aerosolized tobramycin 100 mg/ml solution delivered higher lung dose compared to tobramycin 40 mg/ml solution. Tracheal tube type or size did not influence the aerosol characteristics and delivery parameters.

Nebulization of antimicrobial agents in mechanically ventilated adults in 2017: an international cross-sectional survey

2017 ESCMID practice guidelines reported safety concerns and weak evidence of benefit supporting use of aerosolized antibiotics in mechanically ventilated patients. Our primary goal was to assess current patterns of aerosolized antibiotic prescription in mechanically ventilated patients. A sequential global survey was performed prior to the release of the ESCMID guidelines, from the 1st of February to the 30th of April 2017, using an electronic platform. Responses were analyzed comparing geographical regions. A total of 410 units responded, with 261 (177 from Europe) being eligible for the full survey. 26.8% of units reported not using aerosolized antibiotics. The two major indications amongst prescribing units were ventilator-associated pneumonia and ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (74.3% and 49.4%, respectively). 63.6% of units indicated prescription solely in response to multi-drug resistant organisms. In comparison with a survey undertaken in 2014, there was a significant reduction in use of aerosolized antibiotics for prophylaxis (50.6% vs 7.7%, p < 0.05) and colonization (52.9% vs 25.3%, p < 0.05). The large majority of units (91.7%) reported only prescribing in patients with positive pulmonary cultures. Asia appeared to be an outlier, with 53.3% of units reporting empirical use. The most commonly used device was the jet nebulizer. The most commonly prescribed drugs were colistin methanesulfonate (57.6%), colistin base (41.9%) and amikacin (31.4%), although there was considerable heterogeneity across geographical areas. A significant gap exists between ESCMID clinical practice recommendations and the use of aerosolized antibiotics in clinical practice. Our findings indicate an urgent need for high-quality education to bring practice into line with evidence-based guidelines.