Home Nebulizer Misuse May Contribute To Death

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Compliance
Article Date: 29 Oct 2006 - 1:00 PDT

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A new study suggests that the misuse of home nebulizers may have been a contributing cause of patient deaths in Michigan. All asthma-related deaths in Michigan, between 2002 to 2004, in patients 2- to 34-years-old, were identified. In total, 86 deaths occurred, 38 of which were children. Researchers from Michigan State University collected medical records for the year prior to death, and interviews with next of kin were obtained and examined by an expert panel. It was determined that out of the 52 patients prescribed a home nebulizer, only 30 patients used it regularly, and 19 patients used it prior to the fatal event. Researchers suggest that home nebulizers were not used in accordance with the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines and that their misuse may have been a contributing factor in some deaths.

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CHEST 2006 abstract briefs

Contact: Jennifer Stawarz
American College of Chest Physicians

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