Inhaled Steroid and Long-Acting Beta-Agonist Combination Improves Lung Function in Asthma
Author Information
Author(s): Jan Lötvall, Stephen Langley, Ashley Woodcock
Primary Institution: Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Sweden
Hypothesis
The pharmacological differences of the long-acting β2-agonist component of the two combination products could result in a different duration of effect over a 24-hour treatment period.
Conclusion
Both SFC and FBC produced a similar sustained bronchodilator effect which was prolonged beyond 12 hours post dose and was clearly measurable at 24 h.
Supporting Evidence
- Both SFC and FBC increased FEV1 at 16 hours post dose to a similar extent.
- The improvement from pre-dose baseline was 0.22 L for SFC and 0.25 L for FBC.
- Both treatments were statistically significant compared with placebo.
Takeaway
This study found that two asthma medications work similarly to help people breathe better for a long time after taking them.
Methodology
Two randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover studies were performed with a total of 108 asthmatic adults.
Limitations
The study was powered to detect a difference in FEV1 between the treatments of 180 ml, which was not observed.
Participant Demographics
Adults aged ≥ 18 years with a documented clinical diagnosis of asthma for at least 6 months prior to the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.19, 0.35 L for SFC and 95% CI 0.21, 0.37 L for FBC
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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