Budesonide/Formoterol for Asthma Control
Author Information
Author(s): Eric D Bateman, Tim W Harrison, Santiago Quirce, Helen K Reddel, Roland Buhl, Marc Humbert, Christine R Jenkins, Stefan Peterson, Ollie Östlund, Paul M O'Byrne, Malcolm R Sears, Göran S Eriksson
Hypothesis
Does budesonide/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy improve asthma control compared to other treatments at different GINA steps?
Conclusion
Budesonide/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy is more effective for asthma control and reduces exacerbations compared to other treatments for patients on Steps 2 to 4 of asthma guidelines.
Supporting Evidence
- BUD/FORM therapy achieved higher rates of asthma control compared to higher maintenance dose ICS + SABA.
- Exacerbation rates were lower with BUD/FORM therapy across all treatment steps.
- Patients on higher treatment steps had lower FEV1 and higher symptom scores.
Takeaway
Using budesonide/formoterol helps people with asthma breathe better and have fewer attacks, especially if their current treatment isn't working well.
Methodology
Post hoc analysis of five large clinical trials comparing budesonide/formoterol therapy with other treatments across different GINA treatment steps.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to retrospective analysis and lack of randomization in treatment assignment.
Limitations
This is a post hoc analysis, and patients were not randomized according to GINA treatment step; control assessment was based on patient diary data.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 12 years and older with asthma, stratified by GINA treatment steps 2, 3, and 4.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI: Step 2, 2.18 (0.22, 4.14); Step 3, 3.58 (2.29, 4.87); Step 4, 3.83 (2.25, 5.40)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website