Current approaches to handling rescue medication in asthma and eczema randomized controlled trials are inadequate: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The objective of this study was to examine how rescue medication is defined, reported, and accounted for in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in eczema and asthma populations.

Study design and setting

This is a systematic review of phase II/III RCTs evaluating monoclonal antibodies for treating chronic eczema or asthma. A search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted to identify eligible RCTs.

Results

Sixty published RCTs were identified, of which 60 (100%) allowed use of rescue medication but only 28 (47%) reported its use. Twenty-seven (45%) articles summarized rescue use by arm, with an average of 25% (95% CI (17%, 36%)) greater use in the placebo arm. Nine (15%) trials undertook an analysis that adjust

SUBMITTER: Chis Ster AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7482905 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature