Criteria for dose adjustment of oral corticosteroids in the internet-based management group with corresponding dose steps
| Panel A | ||
| Δ ACQ ≥+0.5 | Δ ACQ <+0.5 | |
| ΔFENO >+10 ppb and >10% | ↑ | ↓ |
| ΔFENO >+10 ppb and ≤10% | = | ↓ |
| −10≤ ΔFENO ≤+10 ppb | = | ↓ |
| ΔFENO <−10 ppb | ↓ | ↓ |
| Panel B | |
| Maintenance dose (mg/day) | Dose steps (mg/day) |
| >25 | Increase or decrease 10 mg |
| 20–25 | Increase or decrease 5 mg |
| 10–20 | Increase or decrease 2.5 mg |
| <10 | Increase or decrease 2.5 mg every other day |
Panel A shows the criteria for dose adjustment of prednisone based on daily FENO values and weekly ACQ score. Panel B shows the dose steps for the adjustment of prednisone maintenance dose. Δ ACQ= difference of Asthma Control Questionnaire scores between 2 weeks. Δ FENO= difference of mean fraction of exhaled nitric oxide between 2 weeks (in parts per billion). ↑denotes increase of prednisone dose by one step; = denotes no change in prednisone dose; ↓denotes decrease in prednisone dose by one dose step.