MULTIPLE-REGRESSION ANALYSIS OF AIRWAY RESPONSIVENESS IN ADULT ASTHMATIC-PATIENTS

The aim of this study was to determine which background variables exer t the most influence on airway responsiveness in adult asthmatic patie nts. The relationships between airway response and background variable s were investigated by multiple linear and logistic regression analysi s in 97 asthmatic patients, Airway responsiveness was measured by the oscillation technique during methacholine inhalation challenge. The re gression analyses revealed that modified Aas score ''one of asthma sev erity score,'' was the major factor contributing to airway hyperreacti vity. We conclude that the number of attacks during a previous year is the most important background factor related to airway hyperresponsiv eness on a clinical basis.