| Sub-title | |
| Authors | J Pullicino A Custovic C Vella S Montefort |
| Abstract | Exposure to dust mite allergens is associated with asthma severity in sensitized patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dust mite allergen levels in mattress dust and respiratory health in Maltese children. Thirty-one children with a history of wheeze were randomly recruited from a paediatric outpatient clinic: - 16 were persistent wheezers, 15 were wheezers ever. Dust samples were collected in autumn and spring by vacuuming the childs mattress. Der p 1 allergen was determined by ELISA. Persistent wheezers kept symptom diaries for 2 weeks and measured the peak expiratory flow (PEF) twice daily. Der p 1 mean concentrations were 2.61 ?g/g (95% CI 1.19-5.74) in autumn and 5.38 ?g/g (95% CI 2.49-11.64) in spring (p=0.006). There was no difference in Der p 1 levels measured in mattresses of persistent wheezers and wheezers ever in autumn 0.84 ?g/g (95% CI 0.183.84, p=0.817) and spring 1.05 ?g/g (95%CI 0.225.09, p=0.946). A positive relationship (r=0.696; p=0.003) between Der p 1 levels in mattress dust and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) variability was obtained in autumn but not spring (r=0.207; p=0.455). Exposure to dust mite allergens may be an important risk factor for persistence of wheeze and asthma in Maltese children. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | Volume 15 (suppl) |
| Pages | - |
| Date | |
| Link to journal | |
| Key words | house dust mite, allergens, mattress dust, respiratory health, children, persistent wheezing, paediatrics |