Low-dose fluticasone propionate with and without salmeterol in steroid-naïve patients with mild, uncontrolled asthma.

Background: The role of combination ICS/LABA as initial controller therapy in mild, persistent asthma is uncertain. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of initial controller therapy with fluticasone propionate (FP) 100 microg twice daily to the efficacy of fluticasone propionate/salmeterol xinafoate (FSC) 100/50 microg twice daily in patients with persistent asthma symptoms while using as-needed SABA alone.

Methods: This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study was conducted at 45 general practice and 15 specialist centers.