The Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations by Salmeterol/Fluticasone Propionate or Tiotropium Bromide

Abstract

We found no difference in exacerbation rate between salmeterol/fluticasone propionate and tiotropium. More patients failed to complete the study while receiving tiotropium. A small statistically significant beneficial effect was found on health status, with an unexpected finding of lower deaths in salmeterol/fluticasone propionate-treated patients. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 00361959).