House dust mite control measures for asthma: systematic review

Peter C. Gøtzsche, Helle Krogh Johansen

125 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

The major allergen in house dust comes from mites. We performed a systematic review of the randomized trials that had assessed the effects of reducing exposure to house dust mite antigens in the homes of people with mite-sensitive asthma, and had compared active interventions with placebo or no treatment. Fifty-four trials (3002 patients) were included. Thirty-six trials assessed physical methods (26 mattress covers), 10 chemical methods and eight a combination of chemical and physical methods. Despite the fact that many trials were of poor quality and would be expected to exaggerate the reported effect, we did not find an effect of the interventions. For the most frequently reported outcome, peak flow in the morning (1565 patients), the standardized mean difference was 0.00 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.10 to 0.10). There were no statistically significant differences in number of patients improved (relative risk 1.01, 95% CI 0.80-1.27), asthma symptom scores (standardized mean difference -0.04, 95% CI -0.15 to 0.07) or in medication usage (standardized mean difference -0.06, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.07). Chemical and physical methods aimed at reducing exposure to house dust mite allergens cannot be recommended
Udgivelsesdato: 2008/6
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftAllergy. European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Vol/bind63
Udgave nummer6
Sider (fra-til)646-659
Antal sider13
ISSN0105-4538
StatusUdgivet - 2008

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