Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of inhaled aclidinium bromide, compared with placebo, tiotropium bromide, indacaterol, salmeterol, formoterol, or glycopyrronium bromide. Trials had to be of adults aged over 40 years, with stable moderate-to-severe COPD. The outcomes of interest included the onset of action, various measures of the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), exercise capacity, health status, symptom relief, use of rescue medication, and exacerbations.
In the included trials, the mean age of the participants ranged from 58 to 65 years. Their baseline FEV1 ranged from 43% to 56% of the predicted value, and their smoking history ranged from 39 to 58 pack-years. The most common dose of aclidinium bromide was 200 micrograms.
It appears that one reviewer selected studies for inclusion.