¡¡¡¡MIDLOTHIAN, Va., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- In the October supplement of US Respiratory Report, Dr. Donald Tashkin will follow-up his significant study comparing the effectiveness of nebulizers and metered dose inhalers with a review article covering aerosol delivery devices and treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dr. Tashkin''s study found that patients using a combination of albuterol and ipratropium administered via a PARI nebulizer and metered dose inhaler for COPD therapy saw statistically and clinically significant quality of life improvements from baseline, whereas patients who only used inhalers did not.

    While previous studies have shown no significant difference between nebulizer and inhaler use, this study is important because it takes into account real-life use by patients versus strictly controlled conditions that do not account for frequent, improper inhaler use. The main study finding is that "the most effective regimen for managing COPD and improving patient quality of life appeared to be the combined use of a nebulizer in the morning and at night, and an inhaler in the afternoon and evening."

    "There are key advantages in COPD symptom relief that patients receive from nebulizer treatments due to the fact that more medication is delivered to the lungs and it is easier for patients to use. Combined with the convenience of metered dose inhalers during the day, we saw significant quality of life improvements for patients," said Dr. Donald Tashkin, study author and Professor of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

    PARI Respiratory Equipment''s breath enhanced nebulizer, the PARI LC PLUS and PRONEB Ultra compressor were used in Dr. Tashkin''s study, "Comparing COPD Treatment: Nebulizer, Metered Dose Inhaler, and Concomitant Therapy," that was published in the May 2007 American Journal of Medicine.

    "We chose the PARI LC PLUS, because it is the most frequently used breath-enhanced nebulizer in the United States," added Dr. Tashkin.

    "We have long believed that nebulizer therapies offer distinct advantages for patients. In fact, most COPD patients prefer nebulizer therapy because it is easy to use with no special technique required," said Geoff A. Hunziker, President of PARI in the United States. "Our commitment to improving the lives of patients through technology is why the PARI LC PLUS and the PRONEB Ultra are the most frequently used compressor-based nebulizer system for new nebulized medications in clinical development."

    About COPD

    COPD refers to a number of chronic lung disorders in which the airways to the lungs become narrowed and breathing becomes increasingly difficult. The most common forms of COPD are chronic obstructive bronchitis and emphysema, and many patients suffer from a combination of these two disease processes.

    COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in America, behind heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Twelve million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD and at least another 12 million have symptoms but are not diagnosed.

    Advancements Offered by Nebulization

    Of the three types of devices used to deliver inhaled respiratory medications -- nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers, and dry powder inhalers -- nebulizers may offer the easiest method because they require no special technique or coordination, as the liquid medication is converted into a fine mist that patients inhale through a mouthpiece or face-mask while breathing naturally. Since nebulization is an easy, effective, and thorough method of delivering medicine directly into the lungs, many COPD patients prefer it, particularly as they become increasingly frail due to disease progression.

    About PARI Respiratory Equipment, Inc.

    PARI is a leading worldwide developer and manufacturer of fast and efficient aerosol delivery systems for patients with asthma, chronic lung disease, and cystic fibrosis. PARI''s worldwide vision is to improve the lives of those affected by respiratory diseases and those who care for them. Maker of the world''s leading breath-enhanced reusable nebulizer, the PARI LC PLUS, and the new PARI LC Sprint nebulizer line, PARI also manufacturers the award winning PARI TREK S compact compressor, Bubbles the Fish II aerosol mask, and durable PARI PRONEB Ultra II. PARI''s Vortex anti-static valved holding chamber improves the aerosol deposition of metered dose inhalers (MDI''s). PARI''s North American headquarters is in Midlothian, VA with worldwide headquarters in Starnberg, Germany. Online at http://www.Pari.com

    Additional information is available by contacting Ayars & Associates at 805-845-5682 or Ashley Weigand at 804-253-7274 x711.

    Source: PARI Respiratory Equipment, Inc.
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