Table 1.

Summary of primary outcome: risk of exacerbation.

Study, country	Age, years, mean (range)	Diagnosis	N of Patients	Intervention	Details of treatment	Timepoints of outcomes	Significant key results
Maspero 2008[7], Latin America and Turkey	9.3 (6–14)	Persistent asthma	548	SFC vs. MON	SFC: Inhaled 50 μg/100 μg BID vs. MON: Oral 5 mg QD for 12 weeks	12 weeks	SFC treatment decreased risk of asthma exacerbation (10.3% vs. 23.2%, P < 0.001)
Ma 2016[6], China	4.4 (NR)	Mild to moderate asthma	80	SFC vs. MON	SFC: Inhaled 50 μg/100 μg BID (reduced 1/4 dosage for patients’ condition and pulmonary functions after 6 months and 12 months) vs. MON: Oral 4 mg (<6 years) or 5 mg (≥6 years) QD for 1 year	6 months, 12 months, and 18 months	SFC treatment significantly decreased the risk of emergency entering at 18 months (7.5% vs. 17.5%, P < 0.05). No significant differences of mild asthma exacerbation at any time
Zhang 2009[21], China	8.6 (6–13)	Moderate persistent asthma	75	SFC vs. MFC	SFC: Inhaled 50 μg/100 μg BID vs. MFC: Oral 5 mg QD/125 μg BID for 12 weeks	12 weeks	No significant differences
Lenney 2013[29], UK	10.39 (6.5–14.67)	Uncontrolled asthma	63	SFC vs. MFC	SFC: Inhaled 50 μg/100 μg BID vs. MFC: Oral 5 mg QD/100 μg BID for 48 weeks	24 weeks and 48 weeks	No significant differences

BID: Twice daily; QD: Once daily; MFC: Montelukast/fluticasone; MON: Montelukast sodium; NA: Not applicable; NR: Not reported; SCF: Combination salmeterol/fluticasone; SFC: Salmeterol/fluticasone.