Table 2.
Significant outcomes found in more than one trial
| Inhaler device | Outcome (favoured device) | No of trials and reference Nos | Type of trial (No of patients) | Effect size (95% CI) | P value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | |||||
| Turbohaler | Pulse rate (higher with Turbohaler) | 34 6 9 | Cumulative dosing crossover (104) | SMD=0.44 (0.05 to 0.84) | 0.03 |
| Rotahaler | Patient preference (metered dose inhaler) | 326 35 38 | Crossover trials: 2 long term, 1 short term (156) | Odds ratio=3.10 (1.60 to 6.01) | 0.0008 |
| HFA-pressurised metered dose inhaler | Oral steroid requirement (lower with HFA inhaler) | 373 80 | Long term parallel trials (519) | Odds ratio=0.57 (0.37 to 0.88) | 0.01 |
| NNT=9 (5.21 to 43.48) | |||||
| Children | |||||
| Rotahaler | Patient preference (metered dose inhaler) | 265 70 | Long term trials: 1 parallel, 1 crossover (260) | Odds ratio=2.63 (1.56 to 4.44) | 0.0003 |
SMD= standardised mean difference, HFA=hydrofluoroalkane, NNT=number needed to treat.