TABLE 1.
Characteristics of the study patients and lung function from spirometry showing the highest reversibility at the diagnostic phase in steroid-naïve patients
| Characteristics | Study patients (N=219) |
| Age, years | 47±15 |
| Age of asthma onset, years | 47±15 |
| Female | 126 (57.5%) |
| BMI, kg·m-2 | 27.1 (24.0–30.4) |
| Height, cm | 170±10 |
| Smoking history | 113 (51.6%) |
| Current smokers | 45 (20.5%) |
| Pack-years# | 15 (5–22) |
| Atopy¶ | 67 (34.3%) |
| Blood eosinophils ×109 per L | 0.25 (0.17–0.40) |
| Total IgE, kU·L−1 | 80 (34–170) |
| Pre-BD FEV1, L | 2.77±0.89 |
| Pre-BD FEV1, % predicted | 78±17 |
| Post-BD FEV1, L | 3.06±0.95 |
| Post-BD FEV1, % predicted | 86±17 |
| Pre-BD FVC, L | 3.74±1.11 |
| Pre-BD FVC, % predicted | 87±16 |
| Post-BD FVC, L | 3.95±1.12 |
| Post-BD FVC, % predicted | 92±16 |
| Pre-BD FEV1/FVC | 0.75 (0.68–0.81) |
| Post-BD FEV1/FVC | 0.79 (0.72–0.84) |
Data are presented as mean±sd, n (%) or median (interquartile range). BMI: body mass index; Ig: immunoglobulin; FEV1: forced expiratory volume in 1 s; BD: bronchodilator; FVC: forced vital capacity. #: Among those with any smoking history. ¶: At least one positive skin prick test for common allergens.