Table 2.
Studies included in the present analysis
| Study/year/region | Study design | End Point | Treatment Groups; inhaler | Control groups; inhaler | Jadad Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Papi et al. [23]/2007/Europe | Multicenter, double-bind parallel group RCT | Lung function; symptoms; exacerbations; safety and tolerability | HFA-BDP 400 μg/d, formoterol 24 μg/d; MDI | Budesonide 800 μg/d, formoterol 24 μg/d; DPI | 4 |
| Hauber et al. [24]/2006/Canada | Double-bind, crossover group RCT | Lung function; Inflammatory cell changes; Changes of inflammatory gene expression | HFA-BDP 400 μg/d; MDI | Budesonide 800 μg/d; DPI | 3 |
| Molimard et al. [25]/2005/France | Multicenter, open-label, parallel group RCT | FEV1; ACQ; rescue medication usage; adverse events | HFA-BDP 800 μg/d; MDI | Budesonide 1600 μg/d; DPI | 2 |
| Worth et al. [26]/2001/Europe | Multicenter, open-label, parallel group RCT | Lung function; symptoms; rescue medication usage; Eosinophil Count and Serum ECP Levels; safety and tolerability | HFA-BDP 800 μg/d; MDI | Budesonide 1600 μg/d; DPI | 2 |
| Reichel et al. [27]/2001/Europe | Multicenter, open-label, parallel group RCT | Lung function; symptoms; rescue medication usage; safety and tolerability | HFA-BDP 400 μg/d; MDI | Budesonide 800 μg/d; DPI | 2 |