Impacto medioambiental de las terapias inhaladas en una unidad de fibrosis quística: estrategias de sostenibilidad

Abstract

Objective

Inhaled therapy is essential in cystic fibrosis; however, inhalers have a significant environmental impact due to the greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted. The environmental impact of a product is estimated by its carbon footprint (CF). Pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) have a higher CF than dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and soft mist inhalers (SMIs) due to the incorporation of GHGs.

The objectives are to analyze the consumption of inhalers (β2-adrenergic agonist bronchodilators, anticholinergics, and/or corticosteroids) in a cystic fibrosis unit and estimate the generated CF.

Method

Retrospective determination (January 2018–December 2023) of consumption and CF (tCO2eq) by type of inhaler was conducted. Consumption and CF trends were evaluated using lineal regression.

Results

Annually, 1,529 (1,279–1,613) pMDIs, 1,055 (855–1,333) DPIs, and 28 (20–42) SMIs were dispensed, representing 55.97%, 42.33%, and 1.70%, respectively. A statistically significant positive trend in the consumption of SMIs was observed. The median annual CF was: pMDI 38.3 (31.2–40.3) tCO2eq, DPIs 0.8 (0.6–0.9) tCO2eq, and SMIs 0.02 (0.02-0.03) tCO2eq, representing 97.86, 2.04, and 0.10%, respectively.

Conclusions

pMDIs were the inhalers with the highest consumption and CF, although their consumption appears to be decreasing, with an increase in the consumption of SMIs.