Goulden N, Cousins M, Hart K, et al. - As decreases in future lung function are a hallmark of preterm birth, researchers herein examined if inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) alone or in combination with long-acting β₂ agonists (LABA) can aid in improving percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second vs placebo in school-aged preterm-born children.

• A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

• Among 144 preterm-born children who were identified with %FEV₁ less than or equal to 85%, 53 were randomized to 1 of 3 cohorts: fluticasone propionate, 50 μg, with placebo; fluticasone propionate, 50 μg, with salmeterol, 25 μg; or placebo inhalers, all given as 2 puffs twice daily for 12 weeks.

• Although there was an improvement in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second by 7.7% in correlation with receiving ICS treatment for 12 weeks, significantly greater improvement occurred after use of the combination of ICS/LABA at 14.1% when compared with the placebo group.

• Reduction in fractional exhaled nitric oxide and improvement in postexercise bronchodilator response occurred in correlation with receiving active treatment but there was no improvement in exercise capacity.

• Overall in preterm-born children, treatment with ICS in combination with LABA is beneficial for prematurity-associated lung disease.