Salbutamol Delivered by Jet Nebulizer: Closed System Design and Impact of a Model Biofilm

BACKGROUND: Aerosol therapy is commonly used by intensivists during invasive mechanical ventilation. More information is needed to optimize outcomes. The first aim of this study was to assess the deposition of salbutamol on components of a closed mechanical ventilation system, both in the presence and absence of biofilm generated by Acinetobacter baumannii. The second aim was to evaluate the deposition of salbutamol, using a single dose and a double dose, delivered via a jet nebulizer placed between the flexible tube and the heat and moisture exchanger.

METHODS: A mechanical ventilator was connected to a standard system, and a jet nebulizer was placed between the heat and moisture exchanger and the flexible tube. Clinical isolates of A. baumanii were used to generate a biofilm layer on the endotracheal tube. Two amounts of salbutamol were delivered via the jet nebulizer. An analytical liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to evaluate salbutamol deposition.

RESULTS: The presence of a biofilm on the endotracheal tube had no impact on salbutamol deposition (P = .83). There was no difference in surface deposition of salbutamol on component parts of the closed system in a comparison of a single dose and a double dose delivered via a jet nebulizer.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that an A. baumannii biofilm had no impact on the extent of salbutamol deposition. Salbutamol deposition was comparatively low and could be delivered without removal of the heat and moisture exchanger.