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Table 2 Estimated maximum inhaled dose for constant and variable flow devices

From: Aerosol drug delivery to spontaneously-breathing preterm neonates: lessons learned

Patient weight (kg)

Minute ventilation (L/min)

Constant flow

Variable flow

Bias flow (L/min)

Inhaled dose (%)

Variable flow (L/min)/CPAP level (cmH2O)

Inhaled dose (%)

Standard ventilator

Bubble CPAP

0.7

0.3

6

5.0

–

9/5

3.3

8

3.8

3.8

11/8

2.7

1.0

0.4

6

6.7

–

9/5

4.4

8

5.0

5.0

11/8

3.6

2

0.65

6

10.8

–

9/5

7.2

8

8.0

8.0

11/8

5.9

  1. Estimated maximum inhaled dose with the nebulizer in the inspiratory limb, in the ideal case of no air-leak, considering constant flow and variable flow devices. Constant flow: these values do not vary if different CPAP pressures are applied since bias flow level is independent from the pressure that is set for the patient. In the case of bubble CPAP only, a constant flow of 8 L/min is considered (most commonly used and recommended by manufacturers). Variable flow: the authors selected two common CPAP levels and the flow necessary to generate it according to what is reported by the manufacturer (Infant Flow, Vyaire Medical, Mettawa, IL)
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Respiratory Research

ISSN: 1465-993X

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