Dust mite allergy prevention

Secondary intervention studies are few. A study in Japan [240(Ib)] identified infants at high risk of house dust mite allergy and asthma postnatally, on the basis of early manifestations of atopy (i.e. eczema and food allergy). Children were enrolled during the 1st year of life and randomised to house dust mite prevention which resulted in a substantial reduction in house dust mite allergen levels. At the 1-year follow-up, children in the active treatment group had lower levels of IgE antibody, prevalence of positive skin prick test responses to house dust mite, and lower incidence of wheezing episodes. Follow-up is awaited. 

Pajno GB, Barberio G, De Luca F, Morabito L, Parmiani S Prevention of new sensitizations in asthmatic children monosensitized to house dust mite by specific immunotherapy. A six-year follow-up study. Clin Exp Allergy 2001 31 1392-1397. (Ila)... 

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