Table 1 Baseline subject characteristics

Age (years)

2.2 (1.9, 3.5)

3.1 (2.1, 3.9)

Male gender

4 (36.4 %)

3 (27.3 %)

Caucasian ethnicity^*

5 (45.5 %)

8 (72.7 %)

Asthma control (Asthma Quiz for Kidz [20]), score

1.00 (0.00, 3.00)

4.00 (0.00, 6.00)

Asthma classification: Persistent

5 (45.5 %)

8 (72.7 %)

         Episodic

6 (54.5 %)

3 (27.3 %)

Trigger of asthma:  Multitrigger

3 (27.3 %)

4 (36.4 %)

         Unitrigger

8 (72.7 %)

7 (63.6 %)

Eczema

8 (72.7 %)

2 (18.2 %)

Daycare attendance

9 (81.8 %)

11 (100 %)

Parent-reported URTIs in the past 12 months, number

6.0 (5.0, 12.0)

5.0 (4.0, 10.0)

Oral corticosteroid courses in the past 12 months, number

2.0 (1.0, 3.0)

2.0 (1.0, 3.0)

 Influenza vaccine received

5 (45.5 %)

5 (45.5 %)

Preventer asthma medication: Episodic ICS

2 (18.2 %)

2 (18.2 %)

  Daily ICS ± anti-leukotrienes

8 (72.7 %)

9 (81.8 %)