Table 1

Clinical characteristics of children with difficult asthma and non-asthmatic control group

Asthmatic Non-asthmatic
Number4835
Age (y)10.9 (4–17)9.6 (5–15)1-150
FEV1 (% predicted) (n = 45)79 (44–104)
Inhaled budesonide (mg/day) (n = 15)2.0 (0.8–3.2)
Inhaled fluticasone (mg/day) (n = 32)1.6 (1.0–3.0)
Inhaled beclomethasone (mg/day) (n = 1)1.5
Number on long acting β2agonists40/48
Number on oral prednisolone18/48
Other drugs (currently used or previously tried)Theophylline11/48
Montelukast7/48
Cyclosporin2/48
CSIT1-151 2/48
Cromoglycate1/48
IVIG1-152 1/48

  • Data are expressed as mean (range) or proportions (out of 48).

  • ↵1-150 Not significant.

  • ↵1-151 Continuous subcutaneous infusion of terbutaline.

  • ↵1-152 Intravenous immunogobulin.