Bernstein 1999.

Methods	Setting: multicentre study, USA Length of intervention period: 12 weeks Randomisation: yes, using a computer‐generated code Allocation concealment: method was stated Design: Masking: double‐blind, double‐dummy Excluded: Stated Withdrawals: Stated Baseline characteristics: Comparable Jadad score: 4
Participants	365 children and adults 222 F 143 M Age range: 12 to 74 years Inclusion criteria: Patients with a history of asthma for at least 6 months, Using an inhaled glucocorticoid daily for at least 30 days Patients must have a stable of regimen of TAA, BDP or FP None smokers or stopping in the last 6 months Any medication that interacts with the inhaled corticosteroids was not allowed Increase in the FEV1 >12% within 30 min after two puffs of albuterol 90>FEV1>60 of predicted normal value Exclusion criteria: Pre‐menarche Pregnancy Lactation Immunotherapy unless on a stable maintenance Treatment with oral corticosteroids for >14 days, in the last 6 months Need of ventilator support in the previous 5 year Hospitalization for asthma in the previous 3 months Requirement of >12 puffs a day of short acting B2‐agonist on 2 consecutive days.
Interventions	1‐MF 100 mcg bid (200 mcg/day) 2‐MF 200 mcg bid (400 mcg/day) 3‐MF 400 mcg bid (800 mcg/day) 4‐BDP 168 mcg bid (336 mcg/day) 5‐Placebo Delivery device: MDI
Outcomes	FEV1 (%), FEV1 (%) with FEV1<75% predicted, FEV1 (%) with FEV1 >75% predicted, FVC (%), FEF25‐75%, AM PEFR (%), PM PEFR (%), wheezing score, difficulty breathing scores, cough score, B2‐ agonist use, number of nocturnal awakenings, response to therapy scores
Notes
Risk of bias
Bias	Authors' judgement	Support for judgement
Allocation concealment?	Low risk	A ‐ Adequate