Asthma patients | First author [ref.] | Protocol | Primary outcome | Secondary outcomes |
Moderate to severe uncontrolled with ICS | Papi [159] | HFA-BDP/formoterol 200/12 μg b.i.d.; n = 109 BUD/formoterol 400/12 μg b.i.d.; n = 110 12 weeks | Morning peak flow | FEV1 FVC FEF50% Exacerbations Symptoms |
Papi [160] | HFA-BDP/formoterol 200/12 μg b.i.d.; n = 115 FP/salmeterol 250/50 μg b.i.d.; n = 113 12 weeks | Morning peak flow | FEV1 FVC Exacerbations Symptoms | |
Moderate to severe stable with ICS+LABA | Huchon [161] | HFA-BDP/formoterol 200/12 μg b.i.d.; n = 211 Free association: CFC-BDP 1000 μg per day + formoterol DPI 24 μg per day; n = 220 CFC-BDP 1000 μg per day; n = 212 | Morning peak flow | FEV1 Exacerbations Symptoms |
ICS: inhaled corticosteroids; LABA: long-acting β-agonist; BUD: budesonide; FEV1: forced expiratory volume in 1 s; FVC: forced vital capacity; FEF50%: forced expiratory flow at 50% of FVC; FP: fluticasone propionate; DPI: dry powder inhaler.