Equine veterinary journal1997; 29(6); 471-476; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1997.tb03161.x

Technical validation of a face mask adapted for dry powder inhalation in the equine species.

Duvivier, DH
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Votion, D
·
Vandenput, S
·
Art, T
·
Lekeux, P

Abstract: Development of dry powder inhalation (DPI) for horses requires the use of an adapted face mask. In experiment I, 4 masks (A, B, C and D) were tested and factors influencing the delivery of the dry powder were determined. Mask A was one which is commercially available for metered-dose inhalation. Mask B had the same shape as Mask A but an airtight rubber seal was added for the connection between the mask and horse's head. Mask C was a prototype adapted for DPI with connection for the DPI device between the nostrils, airtight expiratory valves in front of each nostril and airtight rubber seal to attach the mask on the horse's head. Mask D was the same as Mask C but the airtight expiratory valve was situated in front of one nostril and the connection for the DPI device was placed in front of the other nostril. Inhalet emptying and peak inspiratory pressure were measured on 5 healthy horses with each face mask. Both Masks A and B gave a low rate of inhalet emptying. Inspiratory pressures created in Masks C and D were negative enough to ensure inhalet emptying rates of mean +/- s.d. 98.28 +/- 1.79% and 100% respectively. In experiment 2, the face masks giving the greatest inhalet emptying were used to test the therapeutic efficacy of ipratropium bromide DPI. This was tested on 6 horses suffering from acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). At a dose of 200 micrograms/100 kg bwt, ipratropium administered with Mask D improved significantly pulmonary function measurements compared to baseline values and placebo inhalation. With Mask C, a double dose of ipratropium (400 micrograms/100 kg bwt) was necessary to improve these parameters compared to baseline values. This indicated the importance of locating the DPI device in front of one nostril. It was concluded that inhalet emptying is correlated to inspiratory pressures measured in the face masks. Secondly, these pressures are in turn dependent on the air-tightness of the mask, i.e. air-tightness of the expiratory valve and close connection between the horse's head and the mask. Thirdly, position of the DPI device in front of a nostril allows bronchodilation at a dose half that required when the device is placed between the nostrils. Finally DPI using Mask D (EquiPoudre) is a rapid, effective and well tolerated inhalation treatment for COPD horses.

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Publication Date: 1997-12-31 PubMed ID: 9413721DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1997.tb03161.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup

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This research aimed to develop and validate different types of face masks for dry powder inhalation (DPI) therapy in horses, focusing on factors that affect successful medication delivery. The study found that mask design, specifically the presence of airtight seals and the positioning of the DPI device, significantly affected the efficacy of treatment.

Face Mask Evaluation and Experiment Setup

This study worked with four different types of face masks, termed A-D.
The research initially tested Mask A, which is a commercially available mask for metered-dose inhalation in horses. Mask B was structurally similar to Mask A but contained an added airtight seal between the mask and the horse’s head.
Masks C and D were prototypes specifically adapted for DPI use. Both had an airtight seal and expiratory valves, but Mask D had the DPI device directly in front of one nostril, unlike Mask C which had the device between the nostrils.
In the experiments, the researchers measured ‘inhalet emptying’ and ‘peak inspiratory pressure’ when conducted with each mask on five healthy horses. These parameters were paramount for determining dry powder delivery efficiency.

Results from Experimental Testing

Results from the experiments showed poor inhalet emptying rates in Masks A and B. In contrast, masks C and D both displayed adequate negative inspiratory pressures, which led to significantly higher inhalet emptying rates.
In a follow-up experiment, Masks C and D were leveraged to test the delivery of a drug called Ipratropium bromide in horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Results from this experiment showed a noticeable improvement in COPD symptoms in horses treated with Mask D, even with half the dosage compared to Mask C. This highlighted the importance of the DPI device placement.

Conclusions Drawn from the Study

The success of inhalet emptying – essentially the delivery of the medication – is strongly tied to the inspiratory pressures achieved in the masks, which is determined by the masks’ airtightness.
The DPI device’s placement directly in front of a horse’s nostril could enable bronchodilation with a lower drug dosage than required when placed between the nostrils.
The study concluded that DPI using Mask D (marketed as EquiPoudre) is a swift, effective, and well-tolerated treatment approach for horses affected by COPD.

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APA

Duvivier DH, Votion D, Vandenput S, Art T, Lekeux P. (1997). Technical validation of a face mask adapted for dry powder inhalation in the equine species. Equine Vet J, 29(6), 471-476. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1997.tb03161.x