SELECTED ARTICLES FROM THE RECENT LITERATURE 2008

9/13/2008

Are HEPA filters effective in reducing inhalant allergen exposure symptoms and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthmatics allergic to cat and dog?

Summary
The investigators of this article originating from Berlin, Germany, designed a randomized controlled trial involving 36 asthmatic children sensitized to cat and/or dog, having significant exposure to these allergens. Significant exposure was defined as FEL d 1 and/or CAN f 1 > 500 ng/g of carpet dust.

They wished to assess the effect of placing HEPA air cleaners in the living room and bedroom on bronchial hyperreactivity and exposure to animal allergens. The HEPA filters were compared with sham air cleaners.

The authors measured pulmonary function, cold air bronchial challenge, serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), specific IgE to seven aeroallergens, and carpet dust samples and filter samples for FEL d 1 and CAN f 1. The only change noted was an improvement in bronchial hyperresponsiveness in the HEPA filter versus the sham filter group.

They concluded that even though the HEPA air cleaners did retain airborne pet allergens, there was no effect on disease activity or allergen concentrations in bulk dust samples, and that the only change noted in the patients was in bronchial hyperreactivity favoring the active treatment group.

Reference
Sulser C, et al. Can the use of HEPA cleaners in homes of asthmatic children and adolescents sensitize to cat and dog allergens, decrease bronchial hyperresponsiveness and allergen contents in solid dust? International Archives of Allergy and Immunology 2009 (E-pub ahead of print); 148(1).

 

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