Archives of disease in childhood
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
A randomised controlled trial to assess the relative benefits of large volume spacers and nebulisers to treat acute asthma in hospital.
To compare the clinical effectiveness, acceptability, and cost benefit of administering beta2 agonists by means of a metered dose inhaler and large volume spacer with conventional nebulisers to children admitted to hospital with acute asthma. ⋯ Large volume spacers are an acceptable, cost effective alternative to nebulisers in treating children admitted with acute asthma, provided that the children can use the mouthpiece, and symptoms are not severe. Their use facilitates effective home treatment by parents, with subsequent reduction in morbidity and re-admission rates.