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

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 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.