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Therapeutics
Review: inhaled long acting β2 agonists are effective and safe in stable chronic asthma

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebm.9.5.139

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    Walters EH, Walters JA, Gibson MD. Inhaled long acting beta agnonists for stable chronic asthma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003(4):CD001385.

    
 
 Q In people with stable chronic asthma, are inhaled long acting β2 agonists (LABAs) effective and safe?

    Clinical impact ratings GP/FP/Primary care ★★★★★☆☆ Internal medicine ★★★★★★☆ Allergy ★★★★☆☆☆ Respirology ★★★★★☆☆

    METHODS

    Embedded ImageData sources:

    Cochrane Airways Review Group’s randomised controlled trial (RCT) register (includes studies from searches of Medline, EMBASE/Excerpta Medica, and CINAHL); hand searches of 20 high yield respiratory care journals; reference lists; and contact with researchers.

    Embedded ImageStudy selection and assessment:

    RCTs that compared inhaled LABAs (salmeterol or formoterol), given twice daily, with placebo in adults or children who have had asthma for ⩾3 months. Studies that included people with other pulmonary diseases (particularly smoking related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) were excluded.

    Embedded ImageOutcomes:

    daytime and night-time asthma symptom scores, daily peak flow measurement, bronchodilator use for symptom relief, asthma exacerbation rates, and adverse effects.

    MAIN RESULTS

    85 RCTs (94 comparisons; …

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    Footnotes

    • For correspondence: Professor E Walters, University of Tasmania Medical School, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. haydn.waltersutas.edu.au

    • Source of funding: Commonwealth Department of Health and Aging, Australia.