Authors' reply

摘要

We thank Hasford for his comments on our article, particularly those relating to the Salmeterol Multicenter Asthma Research Trial (SMART). However, the trial found thatthe occurrence of the primary outcome (respiratory related deaths or life threatening experience) was low and not significantly different forsalmeterol versus placebo (50 v36; relative risk 1.40). Moreover, only 47% of patients in both the active treatment and placebo groups were receiving regular inhaled corticosteroids, meaningthat salmeterol was being used inappropriately in most patients; this maybe one reason forthe increased incidence of adverse events in those receiving active treatment.