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Therapeutics
Review: adding antileucotrienes to inhaled corticosteroids reduces exacerbations in symptomatic chronic asthma

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebm.7.3.76

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    (2002) Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Ducharme F, Hicks G, Kakuma R. . Addition of anti-leukotriene agents to inhaled corticosteroids for chronic asthma.. ;(1):CD003133 (latest version 25 Oct 2001)..

    
 
 QUESTION: In patients with chronic asthma, how effective and safe is daily antileucotriene (AL) treatment plus inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) compared with ICS alone?

    Data sources

    Studies were identified by searching 4 electronic databases up to September 2001; scanning the reference lists of articles and reviews; reviewing meeting abstracts (1998 to 2000); and contacting the international headquarters of AL manufacturers.

    Study selection

    Studies were selected if they were randomised controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of AL for ≥ 1 month in patients with asthma who were ≥ 2 years of age.

    Data extraction

    Data were extracted independently by 2 reviewers on study quality, patient characteristics, intervention type and duration, and main outcome measures.

    Main results

    13 trials (12 in adults and 1 in children) were included. Combining data from 2 of the 6 trials in symptomatic patients and after 4 to 16 weeks of treatment showed that the addition of higher-than-licensed AL doses to ICS reduced the risk for exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids (table). The addition of …

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    Footnotes

    • Source of funding: in part, Canadian Cochrane Network.

    • For correspondence: Dr F M Ducharme, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Francine.ducharme{at}muhc.mcgill.ca.