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Encasement of bedding does not improve asthma in atopic adult asthmatics

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 18:25 authored by Dharmage, S, Eugene WaltersEugene Walters, Thien, F, Bailey, M, Raven, J, Wharton, C, Rolland, J, Light, L, Freezer, N, Abramson, M
Aim: We evaluated the impact of impermeable bed covers on asthma in asthmatics with clinically relevant house dust mite (HDM) sensitization. Methods: The study included 32 HDM-sensitized asthmatics in whom HDM allergy was considered as a significant factor in their asthma. They were randomized into either an intervention group whose bedding was encased with impermeable covers, or a control group who received cotton covers. Before and 3 and 6 months after encasement, dust samples were collected from the bedding and assayed for Der p 1. Clinical outcomes included quality of life, lung function, bronchial reactivity to methacholine, symptoms, medications and peak flow rates. Results: Baseline Der p 1 levels in both the active and the placebo groups were comparable and high (19.2 vs 18.9 μg/g of dust). There was a significant reduction in Der p 1 levels in the active group after 6 months, but not in the placebo group (7.3 vs 21.9 μg/g of dust). Quality of life improved significantly in both the intervention and control groups, but there was no significant difference in the improvements between the groups. There was no significant change in lung function, symptoms, and requirements for medications. Conclusions: Encasement of bedding significantly reduced the Der p 1 levels. However, this was not sufficient to produce worthwhile clinical improvement in those in whom dust mite avoidance might well have been recommended as part of their clinical management. Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG.

History

Publication title

International Archives of Allergy and Immunology

Volume

139

Pagination

132-138

ISSN

1018-2438

Department/School

Tasmanian School of Medicine

Publisher

KARGER,

Place of publication

SWITZERLAND

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Clinical health not elsewhere classified

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