[The evaluation of efficacy and tolerability of salbutamol administered by nebulization in patients with stable severe bronchial asthma].

The aim of the study was the assessment of the effect of salbutamol in nebulization on ventilatory parameters and heart action in patients with stable severe well controlled bronchial asthma. The study was performed in 30 asthmatics (19 females and 11 men) with incomplete reversibility of airflow obstruction after salbutamol inhalation administered via MDI device. The mean age was 47 years, the duration of asthma--18 years. Mean FVC value was 2.46 L (66.6%), FEV1--1.76 L (56.8%), and MEF50--1.74 L/s (40.4% predicted). The study was performed according to the double-blind crossover method with placebo used. On the first day the reversibility test with 400 mg salbutamol was performed. On the two consecutive days salbutamol (Steri-Neb Salamol 2.5 mg) and placebo in nebulization were randomly administered. Ventilatory parameters were measured before and in 20, 40, 60, 120, 180 and 240 minutes after the nebulization. At the same time points the heart action was assessed by physical examination. The changes in FVC, FEV1 and MEF50 were expressed in absolute values and as a relative increase in relation to predictive value. The significant improvement of measured ventilatory parameters was observed as early as 20 minute after the nebulization. This increase in MEF50 lasted 2 hours, in FEV1--3 hours and in FVC 4 hours. The relative increase in MEF50 was significant higher than the remaining parameters. The significant increase in heart rate was noted after salbutamol nebulization.