Mild asthma is not mild: risk factors and predictive biomarkers for severe acute exacerbations and progression in mild asthma

Figures & data

Figure 1. Possible risk factors for severe acute exacerbations and progression of mild asthma. These factors include genetic predisposition, older age, female sex, co-existing conditions, uncontrolled inflammation, airway remodelling, respiratory infections, persistent airflow limitation, poor medication adherence, and so forth. BAS: Basophils; EOS: Eosinophils; NEU: Neutrophils; SABA: Short-acting beta-agonists; ICS: Inhaled corticosteroids.

Figure 2. Potential biomarkers for predicting severe acute exacerbations and progression in mild asthma. ALPL: Alkaline phosphatase, liver/bone/kidney; AX: Area of reactance; BAS: Basophil; CPA3: Carboxypeptidase A3; CTLA-4: Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4; CXCR2: chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 2; DNASEIL3: Deoxyribonuclease I‐like3; EOS: Eosinophils; FEV1: Forced expiratory volume in the first second; FEF 25–75%: The mid-expiratory flow rate; H₂S: Hydrogen sulfide; IOS: Impulse oscillometry; LBP: Lipopolysaccharide binding protein; MBNW: Multiple nitrogen washout; NEU: Neutrophils; PFTs: Pulmonary function tests; R5: The resistance at 5 Hz; R20: The resistance at 20 Hz; sCD: Soluble cluster of differentiation; sST2: Soluble growth stimulation expressed gene 2; TGFB1: Transforming growth factor beta 1; X5: Respiratory system impedance at 5 Hz.