LAUSR

Introduction and objectives Asthma and COPD prevalence is rising and new treatment options for effective and safe management of these diseases are needed. We evaluated if young patients with asthma, and patients with COPD can achieve sufficient inspiratory flows for effective use of recently approved Salmeterol/fluticasone propionate Easyhaler and Budesonide/formoterol Easyhaler combination dry powder inhalers. To ensure consistent dose delivery of the drug peak inspiratory flow (PIF) should be 30 l/min or higher for a dry powder inhaler. Methods Two randomized, multicenter, crossover open-label studies assessed PIF rates via Easyhaler in patients with asthma (children, adolescents, adults and elderly) and COPD. After practicing, three inspiratory flow curves were recorded through the inhaler connected to a pneumotachograph. The highest value was analyzed. The PIF was the primary variable, and inspiratory volume via Easyhaler was recorded at the same time as a secondary variable. Results 383 subjects 6–88 years of age with documented diagnosis of asthma (n=287) or COPD (n=96) of various severities were included in the studies. 26.6% of the patients were below 18 years of age and 42.8% were male. The mean PIF (SD) in young (<18 y) and adult patients with asthma, and in patients with COPD were 61.4 (11.5), 69.7 (13.5) and 61.9 (13.2) l/min, respectively. There was only a weak correlation between age and PIF (r=0.190, p<0.01) in patients with asthma whereas height and weight had a more clear correlation with PIF (r=0.414, and r=0.403, respectively, p<0.0001 for both). In asthmatic patients below 18 years of age, as well as COPD patients, all but one patient achieved PIF rates higher than 30 l/min, respectively, which is required to ensure consistent dose delivery with Easyhaler (figure 1). The mean (SD) inspiratory volume in young (<18 y) and adult patients with asthma, and patients with COPD were 1.6 (0.5), 2.1 (0.7) and 1.8 (0.7) l, respectively. Conclusions Young patients with asthma as well as patients with COPD achieve inspiratory flows via the Easyhaler that are sufficient for effective use of Easyhaler combination dry powder inhaler. Abstract P174 Figure 1. Peak inspiratory flow (PIF) via Easyhaler for patients 6 year and older (PP population)