Table 2.
Summary of effect sizes from outcomes reported in the included trials
| Comparison/outcome | WMD*/RR** | 95% CI | P value | No. of studies in outcome (participants) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Respimat versus Handihaler | ||||
| Trough FEV1 (L) | 0.01* | 0.00 to 0.03 | 0.14 | 3 (693) |
| Trough FVC (L) | 0.001* | −0.04 to 0.03 | 0.88 | 3 (693) |
| Peak FEV1 (L) | 0.01* | 0.00 to 0.03 | 0.08 | 2 (642) |
| Peak FVC (L) | 0.01* | −0.02 to 0.04 | 0.55 | 2 (642) |
| Morning PEFR (L/min) | 5.06* | −0.69 to 10.72 | 0.08 | 2 (425) |
| Evening PEFR (L/min) | 4.39* | −1.54 to 10.31 | 0.15 | 2 (425) |
| Adverse events | ||||
| Exacerbations | 0.94* | 0.58 to 1.54 | 0.81 | 3 (715) |
| Dry mouth | 1.57* | 0.62 to 3.97 | 0.34 | 3 (715) |
| Diarrhea | 0.33* | 0.04 to 3.17 | 0.34 | 1 (294) |
| Nasophryngitis | 1.42* | 0.81 to 2.46 | 0.22 | 2 (664) |
| Respimat versus CFC-MDI | ||||
| Adverse events | ||||
| Exacerbations | 1.20 | 0.95 to 1.51 | 0.12 | 2 (1421) |
| Nasophryngitis | 1.21 | 0.62 to 2.38 | 0.58 | 1 (977) |
Notes:
*
WMD;
**
RR.
Abbreviations: CFC-MDI, chlorofluorocarbon metered-dose inhaler; CI, confidence interval; FEV1, forced expiratory volume in 1 second; FVC, forced vital capacity; PEFR, peak expiratory flow rate; RR, relative risk; WMD, weighted mean difference.