Asthma control in a random sample of New Zealand adolescent asthmatics.
Asthma control, defined by asthma symptoms and lung function, and asthma medication use, was assessed in 123 adolescent asthmatics. Sputum eosinophilia (>or= 2.5% eosinophils) and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) to hypertonic saline were also measured to assess whether these additional objective parameters might aid in determining asthma control; 54.5% of subjects had adequately controlled asthma; 50.4% of all subjects reported inhaled corticosteroid use in the preceding 12 months; however, only 22.3% reported regular use. Although BHR and median eosinophil numbers were significantly higher in the inadequately controlled asthmatics, BHR and sputum eosinophilia had poor sensitivity for detecting inadequate asthma control.
van Dalen
C J
CJ
Centre for Public Health Research, Research School of Public Health, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand. c.j.vandalen@massey.ac.nz
Harding
E
E
Parkin
J
J
Blakey
K
K
Cheng
S
S
Pearce
N E
NE
Douwes
J
J
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004363:Drug Utilization; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012135:Respiratory Sounds; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013183:Sputum
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids