Table 1

Demographics, questionnaire data and blood gas values

Normal subjectsControlled asthmaUncontrolled asthma
Age (years)26.6 (10.8)*42.3 (16.6)45.6 (17.1)
BMI (kg/m2)21.1 (2.9)26.6 (2.9)27.5 (3.5)
Neck circumference (cm)34.4 (3.3)37.8 (3.2)39.2 (4.2)
Gender (M:F)7:56:67:5
Waist/hip ratio0.83 (0.06)0.89 (0.11)0.98 (0.09)§
Epworth Sleepiness Scale (points)2.1 (0.9)*6.0 (4.2)8.6 (4.9)
SABAs (n/12)0910
LABAs (n/12)0311
Inhaled corticosteroid (n/12)0612
Pao2 (kPa)11.8 (0.4)12.0 (1.5)10.6 (1.8)§
Paco2 (kPa)5.0 (0.2)4.9 (0.4)5.2 (0.7)
pH7.40 (0.01)7.43 (0.02)7.41 (0.02)
HCO3 (mmol)24.0 (0.4)23.7 (1.1)24.3 (2.7)
  • Comparisons are based on results from ANOVA.

  • * Difference between normal group and controlled asthma (p<0.01).

  • Difference between normal group and controlled asthma (p<0.001).

  • Difference between normal group and controlled asthma (p<0.05).

  • § Difference between unccontrolled versus controlled asthma and uncontrolled asthma versus normal group (p<0.05).

  • BMI, body mass index; F, females; LABAs, long-acting β-agonists; M, males; SABAs, short-acting β-agonists.