Table 1. Baseline characteristics of the study subjects.
| Characteristics | Subjects with asthma | Normal controls | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number | 107 | 19 | |
| Age (yr) | 53.32 ± 17.13 | 38.16 ± 9.65 | |
| Sex, M:F (% of female) | 46/61 (57.0) | 8:11 (57.9) | |
| NS/ES | 72/35 | 19/0 | |
| Duration of asthma (mon) | 44.96 ± 49.40 | - | |
| FEV1 (% predicted) | 85.19 ± 24.09 | - | |
| FVC (% predicted) | 91.80 ± 15.49 | - | |
| Bronchodilator response (mL) | 235.86 ± 220.27 | - | |
| Bronchodilator response (%) | 10.97 ± 10.40 | - | |
| FEV1/FVC ratio | 71.26 ± 12.04 | - | |
| Methacholine PC20 (mg/mL) | 6.08 ± 6.25 | - | |
| IgE (IU/mL) | 453.25 ± 559.72 | - | |
| Blood eosinophils (%) | 5.67 ± 6.48 | - | |
| Sputum eosinophils (%) | 15.85 ± 23.95 | - | |
| Atopy | 51/73 (69.9) | - | |
| Medication | - | ||
| SABA monotherapy | 6 (5.6) | ||
| LTRA monotherapy | 6 (5.6) | ||
| ICS* | 14 (13.1) | ||
| ICS + LABA* | 75 (70.1) | ||
| ICS + LABA + LAMA* | 6 (5.6) | ||
Values are presented as mean ± standard deviation or number (%).Ex-smokers with fewer than 10 pack-years were included.
FEV1, forced expiratory volume in 1 second; FVC, forced vital capacity; ICS, inhaled corticosteroid; IgG, immunoglobulin G; LABA, long-acting beta-agonist; LAMA, long-acting muscarinic antagonist; LTRA, leukotriene receptor antagonist; NS, nonsmoker; ES, ex-smoker; SABA, short-acting beta-2 agonist.
*Patients receiving ICS monotherapy or ICS + LABA ± LAMA combination therapy may have taken both drugs in free combination, or in combination with other controller medications such as methylxanthines or LTRA.