[Salmeterol and fluticason and mortality in COPD patients].
In this study 6,112 COPD patients were treated with salmeterol 50 microg bid, fluticason 500 microg bid, salmeterol/fluticason combination 50/500 microg bid (SFK) or placebo for 3 years. The primary effect parameter was mortality and 875 patients had died after 3 years. Hazard ratio for death for SFK compared with placebo was 0.825, 95% confidence interval 0.681-1.002, p=0.052, or an absolute risk reduction of 2.6%. Active treatment reduced exacerbations and improved quality of life and lung function. The risk of pneumonia was higher in the fluticason and SFK treated groups than in the placebo group.
Vestbo
Jørgen
J
Hvidovre Hospital, Hjerte-lungemedicinsk Afdeling. jorgen.vestbo@manchester.ac.uk