Inhaled anticholinergics v placebo or active drugs (control) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease*
OutcomesNumber of trials (n)Weighted event ratesAt 6 weeks to 5 years
AnticholinergicsControlRRI (95% CI)NNH (CI)
Major cardiovascular event†17 (14 783)1.9%1.2%58% (21 to 106)147 (80 to 404)
Myocardial infarction11 (10 598)1.3%0.8%53% (5 to 123)228 (98 to 2410)
Stroke7 (9251)0.6%0.4%46% (−19 to 162)Not significant
Cardiovascular death12 (12 376)0.9%0.5%80% (17 to 177)250 (113 to 1177)
All-cause death17 (14 783)2.0%1.6%26% (−1 to 61)Not significant
  • *Abbreviations defined in glossary. Weighted event rates, RRI, NNH, and CI calculated from data in article using a fixed-effect model.

  • †Myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death.

  • *Abbreviations defined in glossary. Weighted event rates, RRI, NNH, and CI calculated from data in article using a fixed-effect model.

  • †Myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death.