The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · Apr 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialSputum eosinophil counts predict asthma control after discontinuation of inhaled corticosteroids.
Although inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are effective in preventing deterioration in asthma control, at least half of subjects with mild-to-moderate asthma will remain stable when these agents are discontinued. ⋯ On the basis of a model treatment strategy, we estimate that allocating subjects to ICS therapy on the basis of changes in sputum eosinophil counts after a trial discontinuation could allow 48% of subjects with mild-to-moderate asthma to discontinue ICS therapy without an increased risk of asthma deterioration over a period of at least 14 weeks.