Bronchodilator administration by pressurized inhaler during invasive mechanical ventilation in adults: A scoping review

Abstract

Objective: To identify the administration characteristics and connection methods of bronchodilators by pressurized inhalers to the ventilatory circuit of patients under invasive mechanical ventilation.

Methods: A scope review was conducted following the PRISMA for Scoping Review, using the PubMed, Embase Elsevier, Cochrane Library, and Lilacs databases without language restrictions, up to July 2023. Eligible sources included reviews and consensuses (based on clinical studies), experimental and observational studies involving adult patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation, regardless of the underlying condition, who used bronchodilator drugs contained in pressurized inhalers. Information regarding inhalation technique, pressurized inhalers connection mode to the circuit, and patient care were collected by two researchers independently, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Studies involving bronchodilators combined with other pharmacological classes in the same device, as well as reviews containing preclinical studies, were excluded.

Results: In total, 23 publications were included, comprising 19 clinical trials and 4 non-randomized experimental studies. Salbutamol (albuterol) was the bronchodilator of study in the majority of the articles (n=18), and the spacer device was the most commonly used to connect the pressurized inhaler to the circuit (n=15), followed by an in-line adapter (n=3) and a direct-acting device without chamber (n=3). Concerning the pressurized inhaler placement in the circuit, 18 studies positioned it in the inspiratory limb, and 19 studies synchronized the jet actuation with the start of the inspiratory phase. Agitation of the pressurized inhaler before each actuation, waiting time between actuations, airway suction before administration, and semi-recumbent patient positioning were the most commonly described measures across the studies.

Conclusions: This review provided insights into the aspects related to inhalation technique in mechanically ventilated patients, as well as the most prevalent findings and the existing gaps in knowledge regarding bronchodilator administration in this context. The evidence indicates the need for further research on this subject.

Keywords: Administración por inhalación; Administration by inhalation; Adult; Adulto; Artificial respiration; Inhaladores de dosis medida; Intensive care units; Metered dose inhalers; Respiración artificial; Unidades de cuidados intensivos.