Cluster analysis and clinical asthma phenotypes.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Heterogeneity in asthma expression is multidimensional, including variability in clinical, physiologic, and pathologic parameters. Classification requires consideration of these disparate domains in a unified model.

Objectives

To explore the application of a multivariate mathematical technique, k-means cluster analysis, for identifying distinct phenotypic groups.

Methods

We performed k-means cluster analysis in three independent asthma populations. Clusters of a population managed in primary care (n = 184) with predominantly mild to moderate disease, were compared with a refractory asthma population managed in secondary care (n = 187). We then compared differences in asthma outcomes (exacerbation frequency and change in corticosteroid dose at 12 mo) between

SUBMITTER: Haldar P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3992366 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature