Biomedical subjects
J M DeMasi
Publications and source records attributed to J M DeMasi.
A double-blind study of the effectiveness of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in the treatment of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis and asthma.
This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in alleviating allergic respiratory symptoms. Thirty-two patients were studied who had symptomatic perennial rhinitis and/or asthma during the fall and winter months and had a positive skin test with house dust or house dust--mite extract. An ENVIRACAIRE room air cleaner was placed in the bedroom for 8 weeks. In a random manner, the active filter was used for 4 weeks and a blank filter for 4 weeks. There was an average 70% reduction in the particulate matter greater than or equal to 0.3 micron with the HEPA filter. In a double-blind design, results were assessed by analysis of the patients' symptom/medication scores and subjective evaluation. For the total study, there was no difference in the total symptom/medication scores or individual symptom scores during the placebo and active-filter periods. Analysis of the last 2 weeks of each filter period in which respiratory infection was absent demonstrated definite differences in total and individual symptoms, suggesting active-filter benefit. Patients' subjective responses also suggested benefit from the filter. The overall impression is that the HEPA filter can reduce allergic respiratory symptoms.
Relationship of serum venom-specific IgE titers to clinical aspects of stinging insect allergy.
Fifty patients were randomly selected who had markedly elevated titers of serum venom-specific IgE (range 100-340 IU, mean 144 IU), and compared with 50 patients with low titers (range 0-50 IU, mean 25 IU). At the time serum was obtained, none of the patients had received venom immunotherapy (VIT). Analysis of the demographic data showed more children in the high-RAST group, and comparable matching of the groups for sex, presence of atopy, and culprit insect identification. The nature of the reaction preceding evaluation was similar in both groups. In the high-RAST group, there were 12 local, 15 mild systemic, and 23 severe systemic reactions. In the low-RAST group, there were 8 local, 15 mild systemic, and 27 severe systemic reactions. Other prior local reactions had occurred in 4 high-RAST and 4 low-RAST patients, and other prior systemic reactions had occurred in 3 high-RAST and 8 low-RAST patients. The incidence of systemic and local reactions following VIT was low in both groups. All but 1 patient in each group reached maintenance venom doses. Following initiation of VIT, 10 of 28 patients in the high-RAST group and 5 of 29 patients in the low-RAST group had a further rise in antibody titers. Patients in both groups showed a decrease in titers over a period of time, with or without VIT. Serum venom-specific IgG was greater in the high-RAST group (mean 9.4 U) than in the low-RAST group (mean 3.8 U). The absolute titers of serum venom-specific IgE appear unrelated to any specific feature of stinging insect sensitivity.