TY - JOUR T1 - Hot topics from the Assemblies JF - Breathe JO - Breathe SP - 81 LP - 82 DO - 10.1183/20734735.111215 VL - 11 IS - 1 A2 - , Y1 - 2015/03/01 UR - http://breathe.ersjournals.com/content/11/1/81.abstract N2 - INSTEAD: a randomised switch trial of indacaterol versus salmeterol/fluticasone in moderate COPDAuthors: Rossi A, van der Molen T, Ricardo del Olmo, et al.Eur Respir J 2014; 44: 6, 1548–1556Summary: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) remain a highly controversial treatment for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Data linking high-dose ICS with complications, such as pneumonia and fractures, has necessitated a re-evaluation of their role in COPD management. Guidelines currently suggest ICS for patients with a forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) <50% predicted (or <60% in some regions) and a history of exacerbations. Nevertheless, it is well known that ICS and combination ICS/long-acting β-agonist (LABA) treatments are commonly used outside these groups. In view of the increasingly recognised dangers of ICS treatment, data demonstrating the safety of discontinuing ICS treatment is welcome. ER -