BRAVE Study GN17RM666
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The BRAVE study: Borg score outcomes in Respiratory compromised Acute exacerbating COPD patients receiving treatment via vibrating mesh nebuliser Versus Jet nebuliser in the Emergency Department.
IRAS ID
234889
Contact name
David Lowe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Clinical Research and Development, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, days
Research summary
Comparison of clinical outcomes in patients with acute COPD treated with vibrating mesh nebuliser versus a current standard jet nebuliser, in the Emergency Department.
Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) incorporates various modes of inhalation therapy. The incidence of COPD is greatly increasing. The response to treatments is dose dependent thus applying the most efficient device to administer the treatment is integral. Evaluation of the efficacy of nebulisation devices in the treatment efficacy in COPD is limited. Technological development in recent years has led to new devices that optimize lung deposition and reduce the time needed for treatment.
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence/British Thoracic Society’s definition for an acute exacerbation of COPD: “An exacerbation is a sustained worsening of the patient’s symptoms from his or her usual stable state that is beyond normal day-to-day variations, and is acute in onset. Commonly reported symptoms are worsening breathlessness, cough, increased sputum production and change in sputum colour.”Early in vitro data suggests that vibrating mesh nebulisers (VMN) are superior to standard jet nebulisers (JN) in terms of aerosol drug delivery and extent of aerosol deposition with a valved-mouthpiece and valved mask. VMN provide a greater lung dose of aerosolised medications via mouthpiece application as compared to jet nebulisers.
The proposed study aims to compare the VMN to the standard JN. The aim is to determine if the VMN helps resolve breathlessness quicker than current treatment. The study will also look at whether vital signs and blood test results return to normal and if the need for further treatment or patient bed days improve.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
18/WS/0206
Date of REC Opinion
21 Dec 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion