Does low-dose seretide reverse chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and are the benefits sustained over time? An open-label Swedish crossover cohort study between 1999 and 2005.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) still poses a formidable challenge to patients and clinicians alike. A fixed-dose dry powder combination inhaler, Seretide/Advair, containing salmeterol and fluticasone, is licensed in the European Community for the treatment of moderate to severe COPD in the strength of 50/500 microg twice daily (BID). Several studies have investigated the effects of this combination and show improved forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)), quality of life, and a decrease of exacerbations. Most of the studies have run for less than 1 year. The aim of this investigator-initiated, independent study was to elucidate if the combination containing 50 microg of salmeterol and 250 microg of fluticasone BID could be shown to have the same beneficial effect as the higher dosage, and if the effect could be sustained over time.