The safety of long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to determine the safety of long-term use of ICS in patients with asthma. Methods: A systematic search was made of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials. gov, without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on treatment of asthma with ICS, compared with non-ICS treatment (placebo or other active drugs), were reviewed. Results: Eighty-six RCTs (enrolling 51,538 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Oral or oropharyngeal candidiasis (RR 2.58, 95% CI 2.00 to 3.33), and dysphonia/hoarseness (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.85) were less frequent in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of upper respiratory tract infection, lower respiratory tract infection, influenza, decline in bone mineral density, and fractures between the two groups. Conclusion: In addition to the mild local adverse events, the long-term use of ICS was safe in patients with asthma.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the safety of long-term use of ICS in patients with asthma through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The results showed that, apart from mild local adverse events, the long-term use of ICS was safe for patients with asthma.