[Control of asthma by treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and prolonged action beta 2-agonists in free or fixed combination. Results of the ALISE study].

Context: The basics of asthma treatment are well defined in the guidelines, however the criteria for the choice between fixed and free combinations of inhaled corticosteroids and long acting beta 2-agonist have not been clearly established.

Method: A modified Juniper questionnaire (using peak expiratory flow rather than maximal expiratory volume per second) was used by 421 general practitioners to assess asthma control in 861 adult patients (aged 47 +/- 17 years) having received inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta 2-agonist in a fixed (n = 413) or free (n = 448) combination for at least 6 weeks.

Results: Treatment groups were comparable for demographics, asthma history and severity as assessed by the physician.