| Methods |
STUDY DESIGN: Parallel group‐ 5 groups, 2 centres UK. 2 weeks.
RANDOMISATION: Yes, no method stated.
BLINDING: double blind, double dummy, matching devices.
WITHDRAWALS/DROP OUTS: 5 described after randomization.
COMPLIANCE:. assessed by diary card & counting doses not used, >75%
CONFOUNDERS: Groups well balanced by characteristics
QUALITY: Jadad 4. Cochrane B |
| Participants |
N= ENROLLED, 72 RANDOMISED.67 COMPLETED. ADULT , M = 38 F = 34 Mean age: 37 (range 16 to 65)
BASELINE SEVERITY: Mild to moderate asthma
INCLUSION : Diagnosis asthma by ATS criteria. Baseline FEV1 > 60% predicted, > 15% FEV1 reversibility to SABA, PD20 methacholine < 1000mcg
EXCLUSION: LRTI within 1 mth, current OS. Smoking within 1 yr, current pollen allergy. |
| Interventions |
LONG ACTING BETA AGONIST: Formoterol 6 mcg BD/ Formoterol 12 mcg BD/ Formoterol 24 mcg BD
SHORT ACTING BETA AGONIST Terbutaline 500 mcg QDS
PLACEBO: Placebo QDS
DEVICE: Dry powder device‐ turbuhaler.
TREATMENT PERIOD: 2 weeks
RESCUE: Ipratropriium PRN
CO‐INTERVENTIONS: All on ICS < 2000 mcg/day , cromones stable dose |
| Outcomes |
OUTCOMES: PEF, PD20 methacholine |
| Notes |
|
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Unclear risk |
Information not available (Cochrane Grade B) |
