| Summary: | Background: Fluticasone propionate (FP) Diskus® is generally regarded as an easy to use and efficacious inhaled device. This study clinically evaluated whether its easy handling and inhalation process were affected by the aging factor or not, compared with those of the FP Diskhaler® and Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP).
Methods: Twenty-four elderly patients with stable moderate asthma (12 aged 65-74 years and 12 aged 75 years or older) who were accustomed to using the Diskhaler® were evaluated by measuring the required time for finishing one-time inhalation with the device, compared with 7 patients aged less than 65. Ten elderly patients (5 aged 65-74 years, and 5 aged 75 years or older), who used the BDP, were also similarly evaluated and compared with 8 patients aged less than 65. All subjects then switched to use with the Diskus® and the required time for finishing one-time inhalation was measured soon after and 2 weeks after the change. The patients' usage impressions were also questioned.
Results: The mean required times (seconds) were significantly different between patients aged 75 years or older, and with patients less than 65 years of age; 45.8 ± 8.1 vs. 31.8 ± 12.3 (p = 0.046) in the BDP group, and 56.8 ± 25.3 vs. 33.3 ± 18.5 (p = 0.047) in the Diskhaler®, respectively. Soon after changing to the Diskus®, those times became insignificant in both groups. After 2 weeks, the required time for using the Diskus® was significantly shortened in all age groups. 50.0% patients in the BDP group and 79.2% in the Diskhaler® group finally chose the Diskus®.
Conclusions: The FP Diskus® inhalation was not affected by the aging factor and all patients could quickly get accustomed to using it, suggesting its clinical efficacy for older patients.
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