Study	Reason for exclusion
Andrade 1983	This randomised, crossover study was excluded as there was no attempt made to taper oral steroid in the study.
Eitches 1985	Non 'randomised controlled trial'. TAO treatment in 11 children, no control group. Improvements in lung function recorded and steroid doses reduced. Abnormalities of liver function noted in some patients. Cushingoid side effects in some patients on TAO. Less evidence of adrenal suppression after one year TAO as shown by adrenocortical stimulation tests.
Flotte 1991	Non 'randomised controlled trial'. 9 patients treated with TAO for at least 5 months. No control group. Significant reductions in steroid dose with reductions in exacerbations (steroid boosts) and hospitalisations. Despite benefits for asthma control there were significant increases in steroid related side effects.
Itkin 1970	Randomised controlled trial evaluating a mixed group of non‐steroid and steroid dependent asthmatics. Improvements in measures of airway function in parallel with Cushingoid features and abnormalities in liver function (6 out of 12 patients) amongst the macrolide treated patients compared with the placebo group.
Menz 1990	Non 'randomised controlled trial'. 19 patients treated with TAO. Improvements in asthma stability on lower doses of steroids in responder sub‐group. 3 patients withdrawn early as non‐responders, and 5 as late non‐responders.
Rosenberg 1991	Case report. Individual treated with TAO and completely weaned off methylprednisolone without loss of asthma control. However remains on inhaled flunisolide.
Siracusa 1993	Non 'randomised controlled trial'. 14 asthmatics treated with TAO and MP for an average of 13 months. 8 responders, 6 non‐responders. Improvements in lung function, asthma control and steroid doses. Elevation in blood glucose on TAO. Abnormalities of liver function noted.
Spector 1974	Non 'randomised controlled trial'. 57 individuals with either asthma or bronchitis treated with TAO in cross‐over trial. Sequence of treatment not randomised. Improvements in lung function noted in patients treated with MP. Abnormalities of liver function noted.
Wald 1986	Non 'randomised controlled trial'. 15 patients treated with TAO. No control group. Improvements in lung function and significant reductions in steroid dose (MP). Abnormal glucose tolerance in 3 patients and abnormalities of liver function.
Zeiger 1980	Non 'randomised controlled trial'. 16 asthmatics treated with TAO. Improvements in lung function and significant reductions in steroid doses (MP). Abnormalities in liver function and Cushingoid features noted.