Table 4 Comparison of the parameters required by compendial methods and those representative for the premature population
From: Aerosol drug delivery to spontaneously-breathing preterm neonates: lessons learned
Compendial method “Neonate” | Premature population: Parameters proposed for “Premature Neonate” | |
|---|---|---|
Breathing pattern | VT: 25 mL RR: 40 breaths/min I:E ratio: 1:3 Waveform: sinusoidal | VT: 6–8 mL RR: 60–90 breaths/min I:E ratio: 2:3 Waveform: variable/sinusoidal |
Nebulizer temperature (temperature at which the nebulizer is operated) | 23 ± 3.0 °C (controlled lab temperature) | Incubator temperature typically up to 37 °C |
Air temperature | 23 ± 3.0 °C (controlled lab temperature) | Warm air, up to 37 °C in the incubator and NIV circuit |
Air humidity | Ambient air humidity | Humid air, typically 95–99% of relative humidity |
Airflow inside the nebulizer | 15 L/min | 2–8 L/min |
Connection of the nebulizer to a ventilatory driver | No | Yes |
Patient interface | Mouthpiece | Prongs, mask, or other neonatal interfaces |