696 Aeroallergen sensitivities in children attending public Schools in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Abstracts

J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL VOLUME 105. NUMBER 1, PART 2

695

S235

Permethrin Treatment of Carpeted Floors as a Means to Reduce House Dust Mite Antigen Exposure Among Asthmatics

still had asthma, 58% had symptoms of rhinitis and 70% were skin test positive. The most common sensitivities were D. pteronissimus

Emmett

(47%). D farinae (46%), American Cockroach (41%) and Altemaria (34%). Sixty percent of the children with positive skin test had rhinitis symptoms and 46% still had asthma. Children that still had asthma had a similar chance of having a positive skin test as non-

Glass,

Zhaoyi

Bu. Pam Detillio.

Glen

Needham,

Donald

McNeil The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH Conventional methods for house dust mite elimination have not provided sustained reduction in populations in homes of dust mite sensitive asthmatics. A double-blinded placebo controlled study was designed to examine the effectiveness of a recently registered acaricide on maintaining active elimination of house dust mites and their antigens over a one-year period. The acaricide. a low dose synthetic pyrethroid. was applied to bedroom and living room carpets in the homes of 50 asthmatic patients after measuring baseline dust mite counts and antigen concentration. Conventional hot-water extraction of these areas was performed at month 4 of the study to remove dead mites and antigen. Clinical monitoring of patients was conducted to determine if using an acaricide would improve asthma outcomes. Parameter measured included physician assessment, spirometry, Borg Asthma Assessment Scale (BAAS), quality of life questionnaire, dust mite collection and antigen analysis (ELISA). The results indicated that mite population levels were significantly lower among the treatment group versus the placebo. The acaricide was effective in controlling mites but ineffective antigen removal by conventional hot-water extraction presented no improvement in patient health after 12 months.

696 Aeroallergen in San

Juan,

Sensitivities in Children Puerto Rico Sylvette

Attending Nazario*f,

Public

Schools

Jesus

Casal*.

asthmatic centages Altemaria

children (73% vs. 68%. p=O.88). There were similar perof patients with positive skin test to mites, cockroach or among asthmatics and non-asthmatics. Our result sug-

gests that allergen sensitivity in this population inner city populations where mites, cockroach important allergens. However, our population

is similar to other and Altemaria are presented a high

degree of aeroallergen sensitization even among subjects that were not asthmatics. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the high prevalence of asthma among Puerto Ricans and possible contribution of genetic and indoor environmental factors.

697 Integrated Levels

Approach in the Homes

to Reducing Dust Mite and Mold of Asthmatics Donald McNeil*,

Antigen Emmett

Glass*, Zhaoyi Bu*, Lorry Wilsont. Glen Needham*. Frank Eidelman? *The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH *Cleveland Clinic of Florida, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Previous research conducted at Ohio State University confirmed the need for immunologic was conducted

a holistic approach to reducing indoor antigens of importance. A double-blind placebo controlled study to determine the effectiveness of combining existing

William Rodriguez*, David Rosario*. Alan Delamaier$, Brooks Applegatef. Adam Wanner# *San Juan Veterans Administration Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico t+University of Miami School of

control strategies into an integrated management plan for indoor antigen reduction. The homes and vehicles of 10 asthmatic patients living in south Florida were subjected to environmental control techniques. The strategies employed included the following: acari-

Medicine, Miami, FL Puerto Rican children have one the highest asthma prevalence reported in the United States. To determine relationship between

tide and antimicrobial treatment of carpet, hypoallergenic cleaning of the home, installation of new mite and mold resistant bedding, use of HEPA vacuum cleaners, whole house air filters, and antimi-

sensitization to airborne allergens and reports of rhinitis symptoms and asthma diagnosis, we conducted skin testing to 11 aeroallergens in 5-7 year old children attending public schools in San Juan, Puer-

crobial treatment of automobile air conditioners. Mold and mite antigens were assessed pre and post-treatment followed at monthly intervals over a three-month period. Clinical monitoring of patients

to Rico. These children participated in a random survey of respiratory symptoms. Parents volunteering for further evaluation were interviewed. Rhinitis was defined as recurrent sneezing, itchy eyes,

was conducted to determine if an integrated approach impacted asthma outcomes. Preliminary results indicate that an integrated approach is better than previously accepted allergen reduction

throat or nasal congestion. Still asthma was defined as 2 or more episodes of wheezing, chest tightness or cough attacks in the last 2 months or medical contact for asthma in the last year. Skin testing

strategies. Antigen levels for both mold and dust mites in treatment group were lowered and maintained below sensitization thresholds for the duration of the study. Clinical improvement was not evident

was conducted by prick method using glycerinated extracts from Greer ( Statestville, S Carolina). Positive skin test was defined as a wheal and erythema equal or greater than histamine. Sixty two per-

due to the short duration of the study. Later studies will examine the clinical benefits of employing these techniques over a longer study period.

cent

of children

had ever asthma

diagnosed

by a physician,

44%