| Methods |
Randomised , double blind, placebo controlled, parallel group study.
10 month run‐in, 22 week treatment phase. |
| Participants |
10 patients enrolled, evaluable data from 8.
All males.
Mean age, 56y.
Mean (SD) prednisolone dose 21.25mg (4.3).
5/8 ICS, no dose details
Mean FEV1, 2.15L |
| Interventions |
Randomised to gold or placebo.
Clinic visits every week.
Clinic measurements of PEFR,FEV1,FVC.
Steroid dose revised at each visit as clinically indicated, details not given. |
| Outcomes |
5/8 responded to gold, no significant differences for steroid dose or lung function between groups. |
| Notes |
Inadequate information regarding allocation concealment.
Authors did not respond to correspondence seeking clarification. |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Unclear risk |
Described as randomised; other information not available |
