Table 2– Analysis of patients’ baseline characteristics in relation to the difference in time to first severe asthma exacerbation
Parameterp-value
PEF % PN after bronchodilation0.01
PEF % PN before bronchodilation0.03
FEV1 % PN after bronchodilation0.07
FEV1 % PN before bronchodilation0.20
Smoking0.26
ICS baseline dose0.30
 ICS above/below 1,000 μg·day−1 at baseline0.40
BMI kg·m−20.38
Sex0.44
Awakenings0.45
ACQ-50.47
Exacerbations 1 yr before0.50
Number of as-needed inhalations0.61
Time with asthma yrs0.77
Day-time symptoms0.86
Age yrs0.96

  • PEF: peak expiratory flow; PN: predicted normal; FEV1: forced expiratory volume in 1 s; ICS: inhaled corticosteroids; BMI: body mass index; ACQ-5: five-question Asthma Control Questionnaire.