Table 1.

Matching criteria

Age at IPD
≤16 years	Exact match
≥16 years	±5 years
Sex	Male/female
Year of IPD	±3 years
Most recent ICS scripta	Drug, dosage, and device
Severe exacerbationsb	0, 1, or 2+ in baseline year
SABA usage, average daily dose	0, 1–200, 201–400, 40 1 + μgc in baseline year

Notes:

^aPatients were matched on their most recent ICS prescription (drug, dosage, and device) prior to IPD;

^bATS/ERS definition;

^csalbutamol-equivalent dosages.

Abbreviations: ATS/ERS, American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society; ICS, inhaled corticosteroid; IPD, index prescription date; SABA, short-acting β₂ receptor agonist.