Table 2 One year studies of the effect of inhaled corticosteroids on COPD exacerbations.
| Study | No of patients | Duration(years) | Mean FEV1(% predicted)** | Comparison | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCLS87 | 290 | 3 | 81 | Budesonide 400 g twice daily v placebo | 36 patients had temporary worsening in budesonide group, 34 in placebo group |
| LHS277 | 1116 | 3 | 64 | Triamcinolone 600 g twice daily v placebo | Fewer physician visits on active drug (1.2 v 2.1/100 person‐years) |
| ISOLDE28 | 751 | 3 | 43 | Fluticasone 500 g twice daily v placebo | Exacerbations reduced significantly (1.32 v 0.99/year) |
| TRISTAN*30 | 735 | 1 | 44 | Fluticasone 500 g twice daily v placebo | Significantly fewer exacerbations with ICS (1.3 v 1.06/year) |
| Szafranski*25 | 406 | 1 | 36 | Budesonide 400 g twice daily v placebo | No significant change in exacerbation rate (budesonide 1.84 v placebo 1.87/year) |
| Calverley*26 | 513 | 1 | 36 | Budesonide 400 g twice daily v placebo | Non‐significant difference in exacerbation rate (1.8 v 1.6/year with ICS) |
*Number refers to relevant comparison in the study.
**Prebronchodilator value.