***TASK***
the task is to simplify the input abstract of a biomedical literature

***INPUT***
the input is the abstract of a biomedical literature

***OUTPUT***
the output is the simplified abstract for the input abstract of a biomedical literature

***DOCUMENTATION***

***EXAMPLES***

Input: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria of the review (2652 participants). Monotherapy comparison (six studies): There was a significantly greater change in favour of salmeterol in morning PEF and FEV1. There were no significant differences in quality of life, exacerbations, or symptoms. Formoterol appeared to confer some benefits over ipratropium treatment in terms of morning peak flow. Combination comparison (three studies): There was a significant improvement in post-bronchodilator lung function, supplemental short-acting beta-agonist use and HRQL in favour of combination therapy compared with salmeterol alone. The available data from the trials suggest that there is little difference between regular long term use of IpB alone and salmeterol if the aim is to improve COPD symptoms and exercise tolerance. However, salmeterol was more effective in improving lung function variables. In terms of post-bronchodilator lung function, combination therapy conferred modest benefits, a significant improvement in HRQL, and reduced supplemental short-acting beta-agonist requirement, although this effect was not consistent. Additional studies are needed to assess the relative effects of combining therapies, using validated subjective measurements, and should consider concordance and the convenience of people having to use different inhaler devices.
Output:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition associated with high morbidity, mortality and cost to the community. Patients often report symptomatic improvement with long acting beta-2 agonists (LABAs) and anticholinergic bronchodilator medications (ipratropium). These medications have different mechanisms of action and therefore theoretically could have an additive effect when combined. As these medications are prescribed in COPD as long term therapy, it is important to know what benefit there are, if any, of prescribing ipratropium alone or as combination therapy over LABAs. Seven studies (2652 participants) were included. Salmeterol was more effective than ipratropium on lung function, but there were no major differences seen between the responses to ipratropium and salmeterol on symptoms. When we compared the combination of these two drugs with salmeterol, combination was superior to salmeterol in terms of quality of life, but the differences between these two treatments on other measurements were small and inconsistent. The findings of the review would not support a general recommendation for the use of ipratropium bromide over a beta-2 agonist alone in COPD, but the combination does confer greater benefit in health status. At this stage, people with COPD should use the bronchodilator that gives them the most improvement in their symptoms. Combination therapy should be considered, but the relative effects of this therapy in relation to other forms of inhaled therapy such as inhaled steroids and tiotropium are unknown. Cost considerations also need to be taken into account as there are considerable variations in price of bronchodilators.