Table 3. Clinical characteristics of the 4 asthma patient groups showing different sputum inflammatory cell profile transition patterns.

Values are presented as mean ± standard deviation unless otherwise indicated.

ICS, inhaled corticosteroids; ACT, asthma control test; FEV₁, forced expiratory volume in 1 second; FVC, forced vital capacity.

Group 1, eosinophilic to eosinophilic phenotype; group 2, eosinophilic to noneosinophilic phenotype; group 3, noneosinophilic to eosinophilic phenotype; group 4, noneosinophilic to noneosinophilic phenotype.

^*These laboratory findings were recorded at the second examination. Other laboratory findings were recorded at the initial examination.