Fluticasone versus HFA-beclomethasone dipropionate for chronic asthma

There appears to be no significant difference in the effect between inhaled fluticasone versus extra fine HFA-propelled beclomethasone dipropionate on FEV₁ in adults with chronic asthma.

A Cochrane review included 9 studies, with a total of 1 265 subjects, on the relative efficacy of fluticasone and HFA-propelled beclomethasone (BDP) in chronic asthma. Two studies were conducted in children. HFA (hydrofluoroalkane-134a) is a new CFC-free propellant. Lung function was not significantly different between extra fine beclomethasone and fluticasone when compared at the same dose in parallel studies; change in FEV₁: 0.04 litres (95% CI –0.03 to 0.11 litres; three studies, 659 adults); change in FEV₁ predicted: -2.18% (95% CI -4.62 to 0.26; three studies, 334 adults); change in morning PEF: –0.69 litres (95% CI –11.21 to 9.83 litres; I² 70%; two studies, 364 adults). Individual studies reported non-significant findings in symptom scores and quality of life questionnaires. There was no significant difference in the risk of study withdrawal, dysphonia or any reported adverse event.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study quality (unclear allocation concealment and lack of blinding).

Ədəbiyyat

1. Lasserson TJ, Cates CJ, Jones A-B, Lasserson EH, White J. Fluticasone versus HFA-beclomethasone dipropionate for chronic asthma in adults and children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006;(2):CD005309 [Review content assessed as up-to-date: 12 January 2010].