Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Placebo-controlled trials were eligible for the review.
Specific interventions included in the review
Studies of topical or systemic corticosteroids were eligible for inclusion. No trials of topical corticosteroids were found.
Participants included in the review
Trials of adult patients (over 30 years of age) suffering from COPD, excluding patients with asthma, were eligible for inclusion. The trials in the review included patients who were hospitalised because of exacerbations, patients presenting as emergencies and those attending for consultation. The average age was between 61 and 68 years.
Outcomes assessed in the review
To be eligible, the trials needed to assess the effect of corticosteroids on spirometric values. The included studies reported the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Other outcomes in the included trials were hospital stay, mortality, treatment failure and further adverse events.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Two reviewers independently assessed the retrieved studies for relevance to the review.