A Comparative Study of Inhaled Ciclesonide Versus Placebo in Children (6-11 Years) With Asthma

PEF is the maximum speed of expiration. A portable electronic PEF meter was used for the home PEF readings. The patients recorded PEF daily, in the morning immediately after getting up. Readings were done preferably at least 4 hours after use of rescue medication and before inhalation of the study medication. At each measurement, three readings were obtained in the standing position. All three values were recorded in the diary; the highest value was used for evaluation. The higher change from Baseline values are the best. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model with the baseline value and age as covariates was used for analysis. Last observation carried forward.

Kaplan Meier Estimates of the probability of not experiencing LOE by Week 12 was measured. LOE was reached if any of the following criteria occurred during the treatment period: • asthma exacerbation (a worsening of asthma symptoms requiring a change in medication; • nocturnal awakenings due to asthma on any 4 or more nights during any 7-consecutive-day period; • use of more than 8 puffs/day of salbutamol on any 4 or more days during any 7-consecutive-day period; • decrease in morning PEF to <80% of randomization value on any 4 consecutive days during the treatment period.

Control of asthma was evaluated on a daily basis (24 hours) using the following variables: asthma symptoms, use of rescue medication, morning (am) PEF and PEF fluctuation. The median percentage of days with asthma control is presented.

Spirometry was performed according to local standards. FEV1 is the maximal amount of air forcefully exhaled from the lungs in one second. Higher change numbers indicate better lung function.

Spirometry was performed according to local standards. PEF is the maximum speed of expiration. Analysis was ANCOVA with factors value at Baseline, treatment, age, sex, center pool, ICS pretreatment, spacer use and asthma severity. Higher change numbers indicate better lung function.

PEF is the maximum speed of expiration. A portable electronic PEF meter was used for the home PEF readings. The patients recorded PEF daily, in the morning immediately after getting up. Readings were done preferably at least 4 hours after use of rescue medication and before inhalation of the study medication. At each measurement, three readings were obtained in the standing position. All three values were recorded in the diary; the highest value was used for evaluation. The higher change from Baseline values are the best. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model with the Baseline value and age as covariates was used for analysis.

PEF is the maximum speed of expiration. A portable electronic PEF meter was used for the home PEF readings. The patients recorded PEF daily, in the morning immediately after getting up. Readings were done preferably at least 4 hours after use of rescue medication and before inhalation of the study medication. At each measurement, three readings were obtained in the standing position. All three values were recorded in the diary; the highest value was used for evaluation. The higher change from Baseline values are the best. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model with the Baseline value and age as covariates was used for analysis.

PEF is the maximum speed of expiration. A portable electronic PEF meter was used for the home PEF readings. The patients recorded PEF daily, in the morning immediately after getting up. Readings were done preferably at least 4 hours after use of rescue medication and before inhalation of the study medication. At each measurement, three readings were obtained in the standing position. All three values were recorded in the diary; the highest value was used for evaluation. A negative change from Baseline indicates improvement. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model with the Baseline value and age as covariates was used for analysis.

Measurements of both nighttime and daytime asthma symptoms were assessed on a daily basis by the patient in the electronic diary, according to the following scales: Nighttime Asthma Score using a 5 point scale: 0=no asthma symptoms, slept through the night to 4=bad night, awake most of the night because of asthma. Daytime Asthma Score using a 5 point scale: 0=very well, no asthma symptoms to 4=asthma very bad, unable to carry out daily activities as usual. Total possible overall daily score range from 0(best) to 4 (worst). A negative change from Baseline indicated improvement.

The daily use of rescue medication (salbutamol) was recorded in the electronic diary in the morning and the evening. A negative change from Baseline indicates improvement.

Control of asthma was evaluated on a daily basis (24 hours) using the following variables: asthma symptoms, use of rescue medication, and morning (am) PEF. The median percentage of days with asthma control is presented.

PAQLQS is a disease specific instrument to assess the impact of asthma on the patient's quality of life. The PAQLQS consists of 23 items in 3 domains evaluating activity limitations, symptoms and emotional function. Patients answered each question using a 7-point scale from 1= maximum impairment to 7=no impairment) about their experience during the previous week. Total possible score ranging from 23 (worst) to 161(best). Higher change from Baseline scores are the best. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model with the baseline value and age as covariates was used for analysis.

PACQLQ assesses the impact of the child's asthma on the quality of life of the caregiver. The PACQLQ consists of 13 items in 2 domains evaluating activity limitations and emotional function. Caregivers answered each question using a 7-point scale from 1= maximum impairment to 7=no impairment about their experience during the previous week. Total possible score ranging from 13 (worst) to 91(best). Higher change from Baseline scores are the best. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model with the baseline value and age as covariates was used for analysis.