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PubMed1999

Etiology and incidence of pressure ulcers in surgical patients.

This experimental study was designed to identify the etiology of pressure ulcers in a surgical sample and to evaluate a special OR mattress overlay in preventing pressure ulcer development. Surgical patients (N = 413) were randomized to receive "usual perioperative care" or the new mattress overlay. Over six postoperative days, 89 patients (21.5%) developed pressure ulcers, primarily stage I. Only 2% developed stage II or IV ulcers. Patients with ulcers were statistically older, had diabetes, were smaller in body mass, had lower Braden Scale scores on admission, and used the new mattress overlay (P < .02). Pressure ulcers that presented as "burns" or ecchymosis did not deteriorate to stage III or IV ulcers during the study. The mattress overlay was not effective in preventing pressure ulcer development.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1996

Double-blind controlled trial of effect of housedust-mite allergen avoidance on atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: The role of housedust-mite (HDM) allergen (Der p1) in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis is controversial. We tested the hypothesis that atopic dermatitis improves if amounts of HDM allergen in the home are reduced. METHODS: Active treatment comprised Goretex bedcovers (placebo, cotton covers), benzyltannate spray (placebo, water), and a high-filtration vacuum cleaner (placebo, a conventional domestic vacuum cleaner). Dust was sampled monthly from the mattress covers and bedroom and living-room carpets. 48 patients (24 adults [mean age 30] and 24 children [mean age 10]) completed the 6-month study. 28 were in the active treatment group and 20 in the placebo group. FINDINGS: The weight of dust collected from Goretex-covered mattresses had fallen by 98% at 1 month (from 386 to 9 mg/m2) with no change thereafter. Placebo covers caused a smaller reduction in dust load (361 to 269 mg/m2); the difference between active and placebo covers at 6 months was highly significant (p = 0.002). Both active and placebo treatments caused significant reductions in Der p1 concentrations in bedroom and living-room carpets and the differences between the treatments were not significant. The severity of eczema decreased in both groups, but the active group showed significantly greater improvements in severity score (difference between mean final scores 4.3 units, p = 0.006) and area affected (difference between mean final areas 10%, p = 0.006) in analysis of covariance with initial mattress dust weights and bedroom carpet Der p1 load as covariates. Reported analysis with final values for the covariates showed that most of the treatment effect was due to the reduction in mattress dust and carpet Der p1. INTERPRETATION: The activity of atopic dermatitis can be greatly reduced by effective HDM avoidance. Methods to identify individuals who will benefit most from such measures are needed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Normothermia is protective during infrarenal aortic surgery.

PURPOSE: Mild hypothermia has been suggested to be protective against tissue ischemia during aortic operations. However, recent studies have documented detrimental cardiac effects of hypothermia during a variety of operative procedures. The influence of different warming methods and the impact of hypothermia during standard aortic procedures was assessed. METHODS: One hundred patients who underwent repair of infrarenal aortic aneurysms or aortoiliac occlusive disease were prospectively randomized into 2 groups, receiving either a circulating water mattress or a forced air warming blanket. Adjuvant warming methods were standardized. The day before surgery, 48-hour Holter monitors were applied and interpreted by a cardiologist blinded to the treatment. Randomization resulted in equivalent groups with regard to patient history, indications for surgery, body mass index, length of surgery, and fluid requirements. RESULTS: Core temperatures were significantly warmer during surgery (36.3 degrees C +/- 0.7 degrees C vs 35.4 +/- 0.8 degrees C) and after surgery (36.4 degrees C +/- 0.7 degrees C vs 35.6 degrees C +/- 0.9 degrees C) in patients with forced air warming (P <.001). The circulating water mattress group had significantly more metabolic acidosis perioperatively (P =.03). Postoperative length of stay, cardiac complications, and death rates were not significantly different. Subgroup analysis of 83 aneurysm patients comparing normothermia with hypothermia (temperature less than 36 degrees C) on arrival to the recovery room identified decreased cardiac output (P =.02), thrombocytopenia (P =.02), elevated prothrombin time (P =.04), and inferior Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores (P <.001) in the hypothermic group. Holter analysis revealed more sinus tachycardia (ST) segment changes and ventricular tachycardia in hypothermic aneurysm patients (P =.05). CONCLUSION: Patients treated with forced air blankets had significantly less metabolic acidosis and were kept significantly warmer than those treated with circulating water mattresses. Patients with aneurysms that were kept normothermic had a significantly improved clinical profile, with fewer cardiac events on the Holter recordings. We therefore conclude that (1) normothermia is protective for infrarenal aortic surgical patients; and (2) forced air warming blankets provide improved temperature maintenance compared with circulating water mattresses.

Acidosis, Lactic↗

PubMed2000

Should weaker study designs ever be preferred over randomised controlled trials.

Randomised controlled trials are typically cited as the 'best' form of study design to be used when comparing the efficacy or effectiveness of different devices such as pressure-redistributing beds and mattresses. This article presents a RCT that compared two forms of alternating pressure air mattress. No statistically significant differences were found between the incidence of sores upon the two mattresses. However the study was under-powered, and so was unlikely to identify differences in efficacy should they have existed. In discussion it is suggested that randomised controlled trials may be less useful to those purchasing mattresses than 'weaker' study designs that capture the experience of the users of such devices.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Decay of house-dust mite allergen Der f 1 at indoor climatic conditions.

BACKGROUND: The decay of house-dust mite allergens is important for the outcome of avoidance measures for house-dust mite-allergic patients. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the stability of Der f 1 from mattress dust when exposed to domestic conditions. METHODS: Three samples of mattress dust were individually homogenized and divided into 64 subsamples. Mites were killed by freezing for 48 hours at -30 degrees C. The subsamples were exposed in eight homes, three storerooms, and one greenhouse, where temperature and relative humidity were recorded. Der f 1 was determined in extracts of subsamples (enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay) at 0, 3, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: In the three samples of mattress dust, the initial concentrations of Der f 1 (mean +/- standard deviation; STD) were: 169 (12), 3.9 (0.4), and 31 (2.6) microg/g, respectively. Median half-life of Der f 1 in the mattress dust samples was 10 years in the exposure homes, 18 years in the store rooms, and 1.0 year in the greenhouse. No correlations among preserved Der f 1 and temperature, relative humidity, and absolute humidity in homes were found (Spearman rank correlation test). CONCLUSION: Natural decay of Der f 1, with an estimated half-life of 10 years at housing conditions, has no practical consequence in reducing allergen exposure. Therefore, avoidance measures should include an active removal of the allergens.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

PubMed1996

Effect of application of benzyl benzoate on house dust mite allergen levels.

BACKGROUND: Several acaricides have become available for reducing house dust mite allergen levels. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess whether the use of benzyl benzoate (Acarosan) provides additional benefit to the usual mite control measures including encasement of mattress and pillows with vinyl covers. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was carried out in 26 homes (14 control versus 12 treatment) of asthmatic patients in two cities (Vancouver and Winnipeg). The control group had the usual house dust mite control measures including the use of vinyl covers for mattresses and pillows while the treatment group had application of benzyl benzoate to mattresses and carpets in the bedroom and the most commonly used room, in addition to the above control measures. Mite allergen levels were measured 3 months and immediately before, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months after the application of house dust mite control measures. Patients kept diary cards on asthma symptoms and peak expiratory flow rates morning and evening one month before and three months after the onset of mite allergen control measures. RESULTS: A reduction of mite allergen level was found in mattress samples in both groups, statistically significant at all times in the treatment group and at one and three months in the control group. Mite allergen levels on floor carpets also showed progressive reduction in both groups, but were significantly different in the treatment group (compared with controls) at 1 week, and were lower compared with baseline in the treatment group up to 3 months. No significant changes in asthma symptoms, peak expiratory flow rates, spirometric measurements, or bronchial hyperresponsiveness were observed among treatment or control group subjects. CONCLUSION: The addition of benzyl benzoate to conventional house dust mite control measures resulted in a significant reduction in floor carpet dust mite levels that persisted for 3 months. The results of this study should be confirmed in a larger and longer study.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Allergens in house-dust samples in Germany: results of an East-West German comparison.

The background of this study is the finding of several studies that the frequency of respiratory allergies was significantly higher in the former West Germany than the former East Germany. The present study investigated the levels of allergens of house-dust mite (Der p 1 and Der f 1), cat (Fel d 1), and cockroach (Bla g 2) in the household dust of 201 homes in Hamburg (West Germany) and 204 homes in Erfurt (East Germany), and examined the factors that affect these levels. The characteristics of homes were assessed by a questionnaire. The allergen levels were studied in dust from living rooms (LR), bedrooms (BR), and mattresses (MA). We detected in samples from Hamburg significantly higher allergen concentrations than in Erfurt: three times higher Der p 1, five times higher Der f 1, and three times higher Fel d 1. For Bla g 2, no comparison was possible because the concentrations were below the detection limit in 93% of the samples. Most of the differences could be explained by differences in housing and living characteristics between both cities. The mean ratio of Der p 1 levels in mattress dust between Hamburg and Erfurt decreased from 4.1 to 1.54 (NS) after adjustment for season, building material, age of the house, story of the dwelling, type of heating, age of carpet/mattress, presence of dogs, and indoor climate (temperature, humidity). The mean ratio of Der f 1 levels decreased from 6.9 to 2.78 (P<0.05) after adjustment for these factors. The mean ratio for Fel d 1 in mattress dust decreased fom 4.03 to 1.65 (P<0.05) after adjustment for season, building material, story of dwelling, size of dwelling, ventilation, cleaning routines, and pets. A similar reduction was seen for floor dust (LR plus BR). Our results indicate that the differences between the concentrations of mite and cat allergens found in Hamburg and Erfurt are explicable mainly, but not completely, by different building characteristics (age of houses, building material, story, and size of the dwelling) which affected the indoor climate, as well as by differences in other individual living habits (keeping of pets, age of carpets or mattresses, and cleaning routines).

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

PubMed2000

Distribution of dust-mite allergens (Lep d 2, Der p 1, Der f 1, Der 2) in pig-farming environments and sensitization of the respective farmers.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to determine the distribution of mite allergens in pig-farming environments in comparison to urban homes and the relationship between exposure to mite allergens and sensitization to the respective allergens in 100 pig farmers with work-related respiratory symptoms. METHODS: The concentration of storage mite (Lep d 2) and house-dust-mite (Der p 1, Der f 1, and Der 2) allergens in dust collected from five different sampling sites (floor, wall, grain mill, transit area between confinement house and farmer's kitchen, and farmers' mattresses) was studied in relationship to the respective sensitization rates. Allergen concentrations in the mattresses were compared to those determined in mattresses from 22 urban dwellers. RESULTS: Median concentrations of Der p 1 and Der 2 in the mattresses of the farmers were significantly higher than in the urban dwellers' samples (53.4 microg/g dust vs 1.05 microg/g dust, P=0.001; 19.6 microg/g dust vs 2.2 microg/g dust, P<0.0001, respectively). Allergen concentrations in the transit areas were strongly related to bedroom exposure. In a multiple logistic regression model, a weak but significant relationship between Der p 1 exposure and sensitization to Der p 1 was found. Despite these findings, the prevalence of sensitization to mite allergens in the farmers (18%) was comparable to the prevalence in the general population. CONCLUSIONS: Allergen exposure at the workplace is strongly related to the concentration of allergens in farmers' beds. Exposure to domestic mite allergens should be taken into account when assessing occupational exposure to allergens and the respiratory health of farmers.

Allergens↗

PubMed2002

Predictors of high house dust mite allergen concentrations in residential homes in Sydney.

BACKGROUND: In parts of coastal Australia, house dust mite allergen concentrations in homes are often very high with at least 80% of homes in Sydney exceeding concentrations of 10 microg of allergen per gram of fine dust. In this study, we report the relation between characteristics of the home environment and house dust mite allergen concentrations at three sites in Sydney homes. METHODS: A total of 616 families were recruited as part of the Childhood Asthma Prevention Study (CAPS). Information about the home environment and structural aspects of the home was collected using a questionnaire. Samples of dust were collected from the parents' bed, the bedroom floor and the living room floor and assayed for Der p 1. RESULTS: A total of 68% of participants' beds, 65% of bedroom floors and 56% of living room floors had Der p 1 concentrations above 10 microg/g, with the highest concentrations of allergen in the bed. The most significant predictor of high Der p 1 concentrations in the bed and floors was the age of the home. We also found that beds with mattresses over two years old and with woollen or synthetic blankets or synthetic quilts had higher Der p 1 concentrations. Carpeted floors had higher Der p 1 concentrations than hard floors. CONCLUSION: The finding that high Der p 1 allergen concentrations in homes with carpets and older mattresses indicates that control strategies directed at these sources are likely to be effective in reducing exposure. Alternatives such as the use of house dust mite impermeable mattress encasings on older mattresses may also be effective in reducing exposure.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

PubMed1998

Indoor environment of residential homes in Hong Kong--relevance to asthma and allergic disease.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of asthma and allergic disease has been increasing in Hong Kong and environmental factors are thought to play a major role. AIM: To define the distribution of common inhaled allergens and air pollutants inside residential homes in Hong Kong. METHODS: Forty randomly selected residential homes were visited and surveyed. Dust samples were collected from mattress, bedroom floor, lounge room floor and kitchen floor for assays of Der p 1, Fel d 1, and Bla g 2. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels were measured by stationary samplers left in the bedroom, lounge room and kitchen over a 1-week period. RESULT: All 40 homes were apartments in high-rise buildings and the mean age of the homes was 7.6 +/- 4.8 years. Visible dampness and mould patches were present in 27.5% of homes and the main fuel for cooking was gas (97.5%). Der p 1, Fel d 1 and Bla g 2 were detectable in at least 1 niche in over 85% of homes. In particular, all dust samples from mattress and bedroom floor contained Der p 1, and over 50% had levels > or = 2 microg/g. The (geometric) mean Der p 1 level in mattress dust was 8.8 (0.3-157.8) microg/g. Fel d 1 and Bla g 2 were present in low levels throughout the homes with respective (geometric) means of 0.3 (0-3.7) microg/g and 0.1 (0-1.1) Unit/g in mattress dust. NO2 was readily detected in all niches but the highest level was in the kitchen with mean exposure of 48.7 ppb which was 1.5 times higher than that in the bedroom and lounge room. CONCLUSION: Major allergens of mite, cat and cockroach, and NO2 are present in varying quantities in residential homes in Hong Kong. Exposure to these environmental factors could be important in the development of asthma and allergic diseases in susceptible individuals.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

PubMed2004

Resistance to disruption and gapping of peripheral nerve repairs: an in vitro biomechanical assessment of techniques.

One potential cause of suboptimal results after nerve repair is disruption or gapping of the neurorrhaphy in the postoperative period. This study assesses the biomechanical strength of five nerve repair techniques: fibrin glue, simple epineurial sutures, and three other novel neurorrhaphy methods. Fifty rabbit sciatic nerve segments were divided and repaired utilizing one of five different methods, producing five groups of ten specimens. Fibrin glue and four epineurial suture techniques (simple, horizontal mattress, "Tajima," "Bunnell") were employed. Repaired nerve segments were ramp-loaded to failure on an Instron 8300 materials-testing machine at a displacement rate of 5 mm/min. Gapping at the repair site was captured using high-resolution video. Differences among the five groups were assessed for significance using ANOVA and Fisher's protected least squares differences post-hoc testing. The mean force to produce disruption was higher for mattress suture repairs relative to simple repairs, but not significantly so (p = 0.31). Both were significantly stronger than fibrin glue repairs (p < 0.0001). "Tajima" and "Bunnell" repairs were both statistically stronger than glue (p < 0.0001), simple (p < 0.0001), or mattress (p = 0.0004) repairs, but not significantly different from one another (p = 0.48). Data for gapping at the repair site were similar with all suture techniques outperforming fibrin glue (p = 0.003). "Bunnell" repairs demonstrated the most resistance to gapping, compared to glue (p < 0.0001), simple (p = 0.0001), mattress (p = 0.007) and "Tajima" repairs (p = 0.01). These data demonstrate that repairs done utilizing fibrin glue are significantly weaker than all types of suture repairs. Two novel techniques for nerve repair (epineurial "Tajima" and "Bunnell") are significantly more resistant to disruption and gapping. Further evaluation to assess the effect of these repair techniques on function is required.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Factors potentiating the risk of sudden infant death syndrome associated with the prone position.

BACKGROUND: In several studies the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has been significantly associated with sleeping in the prone position. It is not known how the prone position increases the risk of SIDS. METHODS: We analyzed data from a case-control study (58 infants with SIDS and 120 control infants) and a prospective cohort study (22 infants with SIDS and 213 control infants) in Tasmania. Interactions were examined in matched analyses with a multiplicative model of interaction. RESULTS: In the case-control study, SIDS was significantly associated with sleeping in the prone position, as compared with other positions (unadjusted odds ratio, 4.5; 95 percent confidence interval, 2.1 to 9.6). The strength of this association was increased among infants who slept on natural-fiber mattresses (P = 0.05), infants who were swaddled (P = 0.09), infants who slept in heated rooms (P = 0.006), and infants who had had a recent illness (P = 0.02). These variables had no significant effect on infants who did not sleep in the prone position. A history of recent illness was significantly associated with SIDS among infants who slept prone (odds ratio, 5.7; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.8 to 19) but not among infants who slept in other positions (odds ratio, 0.83). In the cohort study, the risk of SIDS was greater among infants who slept prone on natural-fiber mattresses (odds ratio, 6.6; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.3 to 33) than among infants who slept prone on other types of mattresses (odds ratio, 1.8). CONCLUSIONS: When infants sleep prone, the elevated risk of SIDS is increased by each of four factors: the use of natural-fiber mattresses, swaddling, recent illness, and the use of heating in bedrooms.

Bedding and Linens↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Respiratory effects of spinal immobilization.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of whole-body spinal immobilization on respiration. METHODS: This was a randomized, crossover laboratory study with 39 human volunteer subjects (20 males; 19 females) ranging in age from 7 to 85 years. Respiratory function was measured three times: at baseline (seated or lying), immobilized with a Philadelphia collar on a hard wooden backboard, and on a Scandinavian vacuum mattress with a vacuum collar. The comfort levels of each of the two methods were assessed on a forced Likert scale. RESULTS: Both immobilization methods restricted respiration, 15% on the average. The effects were similar under the two immobilization conditions, although the FEV1 was lower on the vacuum mattress. Respiratory restriction was more pronounced at the extremes of age. The vacuum mattress was significantly more comfortable. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the previously reported respiratory restriction caused by spinal immobilization. Vacuum mattresses are more comfortable than wooden backboards.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Biomechanical properties under cyclic loading of seven meniscus repair techniques.

The purpose of the current study was to obtain additional information about the biomechanical behavior of different fixation techniques for meniscus repair using recently developed biodegradable implants and suture repair techniques. The posterior horns of human menisci were used to investigate the meniscus repair construct of the Arrow, Screw, Stinger, Fastener, T-fix, and horizontal and vertical mattress suture. A 20 mm-longitudinal incision was made in the meniscus, similar to a bucket handle lesion, 3 mm from the meniscosynovial rim and was repaired. One hundred cycles between 5 N and 15 N were done using a tension load machine with a loading rate of 10 N/second. The stiffness, displacement, and pullout strength were examined. The significantly highest stiffness was found for the vertical mattress suture (17.1 N/mm) and Stinger (15 N/mm) followed by the Arrow (13.7 N/mm), T-fix (10.5 N/mm), and horizontal mattress suture (10 N/mm). Superior load to failure was obtained for the suture repair in comparison with the biodegradable implants. Despite the lower pullout strength of biodegradable implants, similar stiffnesses were found for the Stinger and Arrow in comparison with the mattress suture technique. These techniques provide the most rigid fixation that is essential for tissue healing.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

PubMed2003

Randomized clinical trial comparing 2 support surfaces: results of the Prevention of Pressure Ulcers Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a viscoelastic polymer (energy absorbing) foam mattress was superior to a standard hospital mattress for pressure ulcer prevention and to analyze the cost-effectiveness in comparison with standard hospital mattresses. DESIGN: Unblinded, randomized, prospective trial. SETTING: Elderly acute care, rehabilitation, and orthopedic wards at 3 hospitals in the United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS: 1168 patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers (Waterlow score, 15 to 20), with a median age of 83 years (25th to 75th percentile range, 79-87). INTERVENTIONS: Participants were allocated to either the experimental equipment (CONFOR-Med mattress/cushion combination) or a standard mattress/cushion combination; all were given standard nursing care. Pressure areas were observed daily. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Development of nonblanching erythema. RESULTS: A significant decrease in the incidence of blanching erythema (26.3% to 19.9%; P =.004) and a nonsignificant decrease in the incidence of nonblanching erythema occurred in participants allocated to the experimental equipment. However, when the survival curve plots were analyzed at 7 days, both categories showed statistically significant decreases (P =.0015 and P =.042, respectively). Participants on standard equipment had a relative odds ratio of 1.36 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-1.69) for developing blanching erythema or worse and 1.46 (95% CI, 0.90-1.82) for developing nonblanching erythema or worse. To prevent nonblanching erythema, the number needed to treat (NNT) was 41.9 (95% CI, -82.6-15.3). To prevent any erythema (blanching or nonblanching), the NNT was 11.5 (95% CI, 41.6-9.3). Participants with blanching or nonblanching erythema were significantly less mobile than participants with normal skin and more likely to have worsening mobility (P <.001). For participants with similar pressure ulcer status, mattress type was not associated with difference in mobility. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of prevention routine, pressure ulcers occur. In this study, the experimental equipment showed statistical significance to standard equipment for prevention of blanching erythema; significance was not achieved for nonblanching erythema. Trend and survival analysis show that a larger study is required to determine whether this nonsignificant difference is genuine.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

Evaluation of three types of support surfaces for preventing pressure ulcers in patients in a surgical intensive care unit.

Because critical care nurses recognize that many of their patients are at risk for pressure ulcer development, they provide them with support surfaces that can reduce this risk. Few reported studies, however, are available to help these nurses choose these surfaces wisely. This project was a new-product evaluation that compared the clinical effectiveness of three types of support surfaces: two dynamic mattress replacement surfaces and a static foam mattress replacement. Members of a convenience sample of 110 patients admitted to a surgical intensive care unit each used one of the three support surfaces. When each patient was placed on one of the three surfaces, the evaluators rated likelihood of pressure ulcer development (Braden Scale score) and assessed the skin for pressure ulcers. The evaluators repeated the Braden Scale score weekly and the skin assessment three times each week. Nine patients (8%), three patients on each support surface, acquired pressure ulcers. The log-rank test did not find a statistically significant difference between the three types of support surfaces with respect to the risk of pressure ulcer development. Stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression revealed a statistically significant relationship between the risk of developing a pressure ulcer, the averaged total Braden Scale score, and the averaged score for the sensory perception subscale of the Braden Scale. Although these three surfaces were comparable in effectiveness, they were not comparable in cost. Both dynamic mattress replacement surfaces cost approximately $2000 each, whereas the cost of the static foam mattress replacement was only $240 each. The results of this product evaluation should encourage other nurses to evaluate patient care products carefully before making recommendations.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1977

Results of a controlled trial of the acaricide paragerm on Dermatophagoides spp. in dwelling houses.

The effect of Paragerm spray from either a hand pressurized can or from a general room mist device (MCR device) on mattress mite populations was compared with the effect of a control spray. After 1 month a reduction in mite population due to the cleaning procedures was evident in the control treated mattresses; Paragerm treated mattresses had significantly fewer mites, notably those treated with the aerosol can spray, nine out of fifteen of which were mite free. Dissection of the mattresses showed that some mites survive and they could form the nucleus from which reinfestation could occur.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

House dust acarofauna and Der p I equivalent in Australia: the relative importance of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Euroglyphus maynei.

The acarofauna and Der p I allergen concentrations in dust samples from mattresses and lounge room carpets obtained from 20 homes from two coastal cities. Perth and Bunbury, were determined. All samples were shown to contain mites and the geometric mean numbers of total mites/g of mattress and carpet dust for Perth and Bunbury were 480 and 263, and 585 and 992, respectively. Carpets from both centres had a significantly (P less than 0.02) greater mean number of mite species (Perth 9.1, Bunbury 9.0) than mattresses (Perth 5.2, Bunbury 5.7). The predominant mite species were D. pteronyssinus, E. maynei and Tarsonemus spp. D. farinae was found to be absent from all dust samples examined. E. maynei was present in the 10 Bunbury homes and in 50% of the Perth homes, ranging from 0 to 81% of mites identified. The arithmetic mean Der p I concentrations in the mattresses and carpets in Perth and Bunbury were 4.2 and 4.1, and 3.8 and 9.2 micrograms/per gram of fine dust, respectively, and Der p I concentration correlated with mite counts (r = 0.75; P less than 0.001). The concentration of Der p I equivalent per 100 mites was 1.5 micrograms. The data are consistent with the view that asthmatic patients in Western Australia have significant exposure to a variety of house dust mites and that E. maynei may be clinically significant.

Allergens↗