Figure 3.

The final general linear model results for continuous data of clinical outcomes. NCS was used as the reference; the adjusted regression coefficient was adjusted by age, sex, height, weight, duration of COPD, duration of initial AECOPD, PaO₂ at the first time, PaCO₂ at the first time, SaO₂ at the first time and PH at the first time. The value greater than 8 or less than −8 was not shown in the graph on the right.

Abbreviations: NCS, nebulized corticosteroids (budesonide); SCS, systemic corticosteroids; NCS+SCS, combination of NCS and SCS therapies; RF, respiratory failure; b, regression coefficient; SEM, standard error of the mean.