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Aerosol Delivery in Term and Preterm Infants: The Final Frontier

Clark AR, McKenna C, MacLoughlin R.

Respiratory Drug Delivery 2018. Volume 1, 2018: 159-168.

Abstract:

Aerosol deposition efficiency (capture efficiency) curves for two neonatal nasal models were determined using a laser diffraction droplet sizing technique. In contrast to the use of cascade impaction the technique is simple, quick, and appears to generate capture efficiency curves similar to those reported in published studies. The two neonatal models tested showed capture efficiency curves at the upper extreme and in the middle, respectively, of published data for 5 to 79 day old infant nasal models. Regional deposition computations indicate a two-fold difference in lung deposition between the models and that variability in nasal structure between individuals is likely more important in determining lung dose than changes in either breathing parameters or airway dimensions (over the test range considered). Changes in airway dimensions post the nasal cavity primarily affect regional lung deposition rather than total lung dose.