Fitzpatrick AM, Bacharier LB, Jackson DJ, et al. - Researchers performed this inquiry in a large population of treatment-adherent children with mild to moderate asthma enrolled in clinical trials in order to identify latent classes as well as to ascertain if future lung function abnormalities and exacerbation rate could be predicted by latent class assignment. This analysis involved 2,593 participants aged 5 18 years. Experts found 5 latent classes with distinct demographic characteristics, asthma control, sensitization, type 2 inflammatory markers, and lung function. For class 1 (multiple sensitization with partially reversible airflow limitation), the exacerbation rate was found to be 1.30 ± 0.12, and for class 2 (multiple sensitization with reversible airflow limitation), class 3 (lesser sensitization with reversible airflow limitation), class 4 (multiple sensitization with normal lung function), and class 5 (lesser sensitization with normal lung function), the estimated exacerbation rates were 0.90 ± 0.05, 0.87 ± 0.08, 0.87 ± 0.05, and 0.71 ± 0.06, respectively. The persistence of lung function abnormalities in class 1 was reported at 12 months. Based on these findings, it was inferred that children with mild to moderate asthma represent a heterogeneous group. To recognize children carrying the greatest risk for future exacerbation, allergic sensitization as well as lung function may be specifically useful.