Asthma intervention program successful in decreasing prevalence,
from the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology

MILWAUKEE - An asthma intervention program resulted in a 60% decrease in persistent asthma in children at two years of age, according to a study featured in the April 2004 Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI). The JACI is the peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).

Allan Becker, MD, University of Manitoba and colleagues, enrolled 545 high risk infants on the basis of an immediate family history of asthma into a multifaceted intervention program. The children were randomized into intervention and control groups. Intervention measures included avoiding house dust mites, pets and second hand smoke. Mothers in the intervention group breast-fed longer and delayed introduction of solid food. Also, significantly fewer children in the intervention group were in day care.

The study found that significantly fewer of the children in the intervention group developed asthma compared to the control group (16.3% vs. 23.0%) at two years of age. Also, the intervention resulted in a 60% decrease in persistent asthma. Researchers also noted that significantly fewer children had recurrent wheezing in the intervention group.

Researchers concluded that an intervention focused on decreasing exposure to inhalant and ingested allergens, and tobacco smoke was effective in significantly reducing the incidence of asthma at two years of age.

The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. The AAAAI serves as an advocate to the public by providing educational information and a physician referral directory through its Web site at www.aaaai.org.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: This study was published in the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, but does not necessarily reflect the policies or the opinions of the Academy. To receive a copy of the study, please contact John Gardner (jgardner@aaaai.org) at (414) 272-6071. For more information and access to summaries of articles featured in the April JACI, visit the JACI Highlights feature in the Media Center of the AAAAI Web site, www.aaaai.org.