Table 1

Patient demography and clinical physiological data

Steroid naive Steroid treated
Number1616
Sex (M/F)9/77/9
Age (years)27.8 (22.1–38.2)34.3 (25.4–45.2)1-150
FEV1(% predicted)94.2 (78.8–110.9)86.8 (51.0–107.8)
Mean morning PEF (l/min)492 (377–616)463 (241–645)
PEF variability (%)7.5 (2.0–17.0)13.1 (1.5–25.5)1-150
β2 agonist usage (puffs/day)0.4 (0.0–3.2)1.4 (0.0–10.9)
Asthma symptom score1-151 0.1 (0.00–0.80)0.4 (0.00–2.00)
Exhaled NO (ppb)12.5 (3.70–29.30)6.90 (2.50–61.00)1-150
Mucosal histology MBP+ve cells/HPF (eosinophils)1.1 (0.0–7.5)2.3 (0.0–6.8)

  • FEV1 = forced expiratory volume in one second; PEF = peak expiratory flow; NO = nitric oxide; ppb = part per billion.

  • Data shown are median (range).

  • ↵1-150 p<0.05.

  • ↵1-151 Daily mean score (minimum = 0, maximum = 3).