[House dust mite allergens and COPD in children; a case-control study].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between mite allergen (Der p I) concentrations in house dust and presence of chronic respiratory symptoms in children.


METHODS
Case control study.


METHODS
The provinces of Gelderland and North-Holland in the Netherlands.


METHODS
Questionnaires were handed to pupils of 38 schools to take home; about 6000 were returned (80% response). A home visit was paid to 259 children with chronic respiratory symptoms ('cases') and to 257 symptom-free 'control' children. Using an enzyme immunoassay the Der p I concentrations of living room floor dust, bedroom floor dust and mattress dust were determined. Specific IgE was determined in serum.


RESULTS
Der p I concentrations higher than 2000 ng/g were found in 86% of the dwellings and concentrations higher than 10,000 ng/g in 55%. Cases were exposed to lower Der p I concentrations than controls. However, cases sensitised to dust mites were exposed to higher Der p I concentrations than non-sensitised cases, both living in homes where no allergen avoidance measures had been taken in the past.


CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to Der p I in the home was associated with sensitisation to dust mites in children with chronic respiratory symptoms living in homes where no allergen avoidance measures had been taken.
van Strien
R T
RT
Landbouwuniversiteit, vakgroep Humane Epidemiologie en Gezondheidsleer, Wageningen.
Verhoeff
A P
AP
van Wijnen
J H
JH
Brunekreef
B
B
D000485:Allergens / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000302:isolation & purification; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008925:Mites / Q000276:immunology
D000485:Allergens; D000941:Antigens; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D004391:Dust; D006023:Glycoproteins
Huisstofmijtallergeen en CARA bij kinderen; een patiënt-controleonderzoek.