Comparison Between Symbicort® and Prednisolone in COPD
Comparison Between Symbicort® and Prednisolone in COPD
To assess if Symbicort forte Turbuhaler (during two weeks) is as effective as an oral course
 of prednisolone + Oxis Turbuhaler (during two weeks) for the treatment of an acute
 exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and an acute exacerbation

 -  After the acute treatment a simple pulmonary function test shows a value of 30%-60% of
 the predicted normal value.

 -  Patients, who, based on the clinical examination after the initial acute treatment,
 are candidates for a course of oral steroids for the treatment of acute symptoms due
 to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Diagnosis/history of asthma

 -  Oxygen uptake (saturation) is <92% after the initial acute treatment

 -  A requirement for regular use of oxygen therapy

 -  Regular treatment with any inhaled steroid >1 000 µg/day at study entry

 Additional inclusion and exclusion criteria will be evaluated by the investigator