https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Index en-au 5 https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:46500 low) and high VFA (VFA^high) groups. Relationships between VFA and clinical and inflammatory features of asthma were analyzed by using correlation analysis. Univariate and multivariable negative binomial regression analyses were performed to investigate the association of VFA with exacerbations within a 12-month follow-up period. Results: The patients in the VFA^high group were older and had a longer asthma duration. Interleukin (IL) 6 and IL-8 in sputum were higher, whereas fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and blood eosinophils were lower in the VFA^high group. Gender-differentiated correlations of VFA with clinical and inflammatory variables were observed in age, FeNO, immunoglobulin E, blood total white cells and neutrophils, and sputum IL-1β and IL-8. Furthermore, compared with the VFA^low group, the VFA^high group was at significantly increased risk of moderate-to-severe exacerbations (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.55 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.06‐2.28; p = 0.025), severe exacerbations (adjusted IRR 2.25 [95% CI, 1.26‐4.04]; p = 0.007), and emergency visits (adjusted IRR 5.33 [95% CI, 1.78‐17.16]; p = 0.003). Conclusion: The level of VFA was associated with specific clinical and inflammatory characteristics of asthma. Furthermore, VFA, as an independent risk factor, was associated with an increased risk of exacerbations. It indicated that VFA would provide more potential clinical implications for asthma management.]]> Thu 01 Dec 2022 15:34:59 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:20919 Sat 24 Mar 2018 08:06:10 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:47551 Mon 23 Jan 2023 12:29:49 AEDT ]]>