| Methods |
STUDY DESIGN: 3 way cross over, multicentre 15 Canada. 12 weeks.
RANDOMISATION: Yes, no method stated.
BLINDING: double blind, double dummy, matching devices.
WITHDRAWALS/DROP OUTS: 67 described after randomization.
COMPLIANCE: 93% assessed by diary card.
CONFOUNDERS: Smokers included
QUALITY: Jadad 4. Cochrane B |
| Participants |
N = ENROLLED, 367 RANDOMISED. Adults, M = 164 F=203 Mean age: 39 (SD 13.9)
BASELINE SEVERITY: mild to moderate asthma.
INCLUSION : Baseline FEV1 > 60% predicted, > 15% FEV1 reversibility to SABA. Symptoms on 4/7 days run in.
EXCLUSION: methylxanthines, anticholinergic, OS |
| Interventions |
LONG ACTING BETA AGONIST: Salmeterol 50 mcg BD
SHORT ACTING BETA AGONIST: Salbutamol 200 mcg QDS
PLACEBO: placebo QDS
DEVICE: MDI.
TEATMENT PERIOD: 12 weeks
RESCUE: Salbutamol 100 mcg PRN
CO‐INTERVENTIONS: ICS >80% , cromones 7% |
| Outcomes |
OUTCOMES: FEV1, FVC, PEF, Rescue use, asthma symptom free days & nights, adverse events . |
| Notes |
|
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Unclear risk |
Information not available (Cochrane Grade B) |
