Effects of Age and Disease Severity on Systemic Corticosteroid Responses in Asthma

Abstract

One in five patients with SA exhibit greater than or equal to 10% improvement in FEV₁ with parenteral corticosteroid. Those likely to respond had greater bronchodilator responsiveness and fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels. In adults, differences in airflow obstruction and symptoms between SA and NONSA persist after parenteral corticosteroids, suggesting a component of corticosteroid nonresponsive pathobiology in adults with SA that may differ in children. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 01606826).