Daily versus as-needed inhaled corticosteroid for mild persistent asthma (The Helsinki early intervention childhood asthma study)

This study compared the effect of inhaled budesonide given daily or as-needed in 176 children with mild persistent asthma. The primary endpoint was morning PEF; secondary endpoints were FEV1, asthma exacerbations, asthma-free days, and rescue medication use. In-clinic lung function testing was undertaken using a Vitalograph spirometer with Spirotrac software. Treatment compliance was recorded using the Vitalograph In2itive e-Diary, which recorded the PIF each time a dose of the drug was taken.