| Methods |
Crossover design; each phase 4 weeks. 8/39 failed to complete the study and 9/39 patients' results were not analysed. Double blind (identical, masked containers). Concurrent asthma medication: none had oral steroids; 26/31 had inhaled steroids; 22 had methylxanthines. |
| Participants |
Inclusion criteria: patients had asthma ‐ diagnosis >15% reversibiliy (28 had asthma, 2 had COAD). Patient details: 39 participants; age 17‐76; mild‐severe asthma (severity heterogeneous); no information on concurrent COPD. |
| Interventions |
2 interventions: oxitropium bromide 200µg, and placebo; all interventions b.i.d. (on rising and on retiring). |
| Outcomes |
Daily PEF (am, pm); Symptom scores (day, breathlessness; night, overall); rescue medication (day & night); patient preference; side effects. |
| Notes |
Boehringer Ingelheim study; IPD given but some patients' diary notes were incomplete; partial concealment (randomisation carried out by BI, but list supplied). |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment (selection bias) |
Unclear risk |
Information not available (Cochrane Grade B) |
