Effect of Face Mask Leaks on Inhaled Corticosteroid Delivery to Infants

• Author / Creator

  Carrigy, Nicholas B.

• Infant face and throat replicas are used in research laboratories to compare the effectiveness of different valved holding chamber and face mask designs. The use of soft face models is thought to provide a better representation of mask dead volume and face mask seal than hard face models. However, a comparison of mask dead volume, face mask seal, and lung dose for soft versus hard face models is lacking.
  This study compares mask dead volume, face mask seal, and lung dose for hard ABS, soft silicone, and very soft polyurethane facial materials at two clinically relevant applied forces: 1.5 lb and 3.5 lb. Mask dead volume is quantified using water displacement. Face mask seal is quantified using flow rate measurement. The lung dose of beclomethasone dipropionate delivered via a Qvar® pressurized metered dose inhaler with AeroChamber Plus Flow-Vu™® Valved Holding Chamber and Small Mask, defined as that which passes through the nasal airways of an idealized infant model, is quantified using a bias tidal flow system with a filter. A mathematical model is used to predict lung dose based on experimental results of mask dead volume and flow rate through the valved holding chamber.
  This study shows that a greater lung dose is obtained using soft face models as compared to hard face models, with a greater difference at 1.5 lb than 3.5 lb. Face mask leakage led to decreased dose consistency and therefore a sealant should be applied when measuring lung dose with a hard ABS or soft silicone face model at 1.5 lb of applied force or less. Parametric analysis with the mathematical model showed that differences in face mask seal between face models were more predictive of lung dose than differences in mask dead volume.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Child
  • Leak
  • Corticosteroid
  • Lung dose
  • Experiment
  • Inhaled
  • Medicine
  • Seal
  • Soft face model
  • Aerosol deposition
  • In vitro measurement
  • Face mask
  • Infants
  • Inhaler
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Pediatrics
  • Benchtop model
  • Respiratory drug delivery
  • Facemask

• Graduation date

  Fall 2014

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R37082

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.