Table 1.
Characteristics of studies included in meta-analysis of macrolide use in childhood asthma
| Study | n | Age range, years | Outcome: FEV1 change or OCS dose change | Macrolide | Macrolide dosing | OCS | Duration of macrolide therapy, weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piacentini et al11 (Italy) | 16 | 13.4 (mean) | FEV1 only | Azithromycin | 10 mg/kg/day, 3 days/week | None | 8 |
| Shimizu et al12 (Japan) | 12 | 11–15 | FEV1 only | Roxithromycin | 150 mg/day | None | 8 |
| Zeiger et al13 (US) | 3 | 13–16 | FEV1 and OCS | TAO | 1 g/day, tapered to 250 mg/day | MPn | 6 |
| Kamada et al14,€ (US) | 18 | 6–17 | FEV1 and OCS | TAO | 250 mg/day tapered to 250 mg once daily | MPn | 12 |
| Eitches et al15 (US) | 11 | 7–13 | FEV1 and OCS | TAO | 1 g/day, tapered to 250 mg/day | MPn | 52 |
| Flotte et al16 (US) | 9 | 2–14 | OCS only | TAO | 250 mg twice daily, tapered to 250 mg once daily | MPn | 16–136 |
Note:
€
The only study included in the Cochrane meta-analysis.
Abbreviations: MPn, methylprednisolone; TAO, troleandomycin; FEV1, forced expiratory volume in one second; OCS, oral corticosteroids.