Dr L J Nannini

Correspondence to: Dr L J Nannini, Hospital G Baigorria, Rosario, Argentina; nanninilj@cimero.org.ar

QUESTION

In patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), how do inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) combined with long-acting β-agonists (LABAs) compare with ICSs alone?

REVIEW SCOPE:

Studies selected had ⩾2 weeks’ duration and compared combination therapy of ICSs plus LABAs with ICSs alone in patients >45 years of age with stable COPD and no exacerbation for 1 month before study entry, including those with partial reversibility on pulmonary function testing. Studies of patients who had asthma, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, or other lung diseases were excluded. Outcomes were exacerbations, mortality, and pneumonia. Secondary outcomes included lung function (FEV₁), quality of life (St …