Review of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) doses in seven trials reported by Salpeter et al24 comparing long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) with ICS versus ICS alone
| Trials comparing LABA + low dose ICS with higher dose ICS | |
| Kelson et al, 199926 | ICS group used twice the dose of beclomethasone compared with the LABA+ICS group |
| O'Byrne et al, 200527 | ICS group used four times the dose of budesonide compared with the LABA+ICS group |
| Trials comparing LABA + ICS with both high and low doses ICS | |
| Ind et al, 200328 | LABA+ICS group used 250 μg fluticasone; ICS group used either 250 μg or 500 μg fluticasone (approximately 50% used each dose) |
| O'Byrne et al, 200129 | Both LABA+ICS groups and ICS groups used both 200 μg and 400 μg budesonide; unclear which dose was used in the fatal case |
| Trials with no information regarding ICS doses | |
| GSK pooled trials, 2008 | Data for ICS use not provided, as not provided by GSK; doses not specified or compared between LABA and non-LABA arms |
| Kemp et al, 199830 | Salmeterol or placebo was added to usual ICS; doses not specified or compared between LABA and non-LABA arms |
| Von Berg et al, 200331 | All patients were taking inhaled or oral corticosteroids; doses not specified or compared between LABA and non-LABA arms |
GSK, GlaxoSmithKline.