Budesonide and the risk of pneumonia: a meta-analysis of individual patient data

Budesonide and the risk of pneumonia: a meta-analysis of individual patient data

Article Type: Reviews of effectiveness From: Clinical Governance: An International Journal, Volume 15, Issue 1

D.D. Sin, D. Tashkin, X. Zhang, F. Radner, U. Sjobring, A. Thoren, P.M. Calverley and S.I. Rennard,Lancet,2009,Vol. 374,pp. 712-719

The review assessed the effects of inhaled budesonide on the risk of pneumonia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. The authors concluded that budesonide treatment did not increase the risk of pneumonia and was safe. The small number of events in the analyses, coupled with limitations in review methodology, means the authors’ conclusions should be interpreted with caution.