TY - JOUR T1 - Review: addition of salmeterol leads to improved lung function and fewer exacerbations in symptomatic asthma JF - Evidence Based Nursing JO - Evid Based Nurs SP - 15 LP - 15 DO - 10.1136/ebn.4.1.15 VL - 4 IS - 1 A2 - , Y1 - 2001/01/01 UR - http://ebn.bmj.com/content/4/1/15.abstract N2 - Shrewsbury S, Pyke S, Britton M.Meta-analysis of increased dose of inhaled steroid or addition of salmeterol in symptomatic asthma (MIASMA).BMJ2000 May 20;320:1368–73OpenUrlAbstract/FREE Full Text QUESTION: In patients with symptomatic asthma who are currently taking inhaled steroids, does adding salmeterol improve lung function and reduce symptoms and exacerbations compared with increasing the dose of inhaled corticosteroids? Studies were identified by searching EMBASE/Excerpta Medica, Medline, and GlaxoWellcome databases (1985 to Sept 1999).Studies were selected if they were randomised, double blind, controlled trials comparing the addition of salmeterol to the current dose of inhaled steroid with an increased dose (at least doubling) of the current inhaled steroid for ≥12 weeks in adolescents and adults with symptomatic asthma.Data were extracted on patient characteristics; treatment type, dose, and duration; and outcome measures based on the intention to treat … ER -