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PubMed1997

[Successful repair of combined cardiac rupture and septal perforation after myocardial infarction].

A 78-year-old woman was operated on with a diagnosis of oozing-type cardiac rupture after an acute anteroseptal myocardial infarction. Pericardial drainage was performed and hemostasis was obtained by dressing with local hemostatics. As hemodynamics improved, elevation of pulmonary artery pressure and a step-up in oxygen concentration in the pulmonary artery from a Swan-Ganz catheter sample appeared. A left-to-right shunt was observed in the operative field with color Doppler echocardiography and a diagnosis of ventricular septal perforation (VSP) was made. Subsequently, intracavitary repair with two sheets of equine pericardial patch, sutured using interrupted mattress sutures with felt pledgets, was performed. Her early course after operation was satisfactory in spite of a small residual shunt. However, thirty-one days later she was returned to surgery because of an increasing residual shunt. Looseness of several interrupted mattress sutures and thrombus adherent to the internal surface of the pericardial patch were observed. The thrombus was removed and the patch was reattached using both interrupted mattress sutures with felt pledgets and continuous suture. She had an uneventful recovery thereafter. As double rupture is not a rare complication after myocardial infarction, a careful hemodynamic examination is necessary and important in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac rupture. We consider that interrupted mattress sutures are a better technique for early repair of the VSP to reduce a risk of residual shunt due to the weakness and unclear border of infarcted myocardial tissue, and continuous suture is acceptable to repair the VSP 3 to 4 weeks later after infarction. Long-term anticoagulant therapy is necessary after intracavitary repair using equine pericardial patch.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of Microstop-treated anti-mite bedding on children with mite-sensitive asthma.

Seventy-one children with mite-sensitive asthma were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 was comprised of 28 patients who were provided with new Microstop-treated bedding including matresses, quilts, pillows, bed linens and quilt covers. The Microstop mattresses and pillows were made of impermeable Polyurethane coated nylon ticking. Group 2 included 28 patients who were provided with new, conventional, mat Polyurethane mattresses, quilts, pillows, bed linens and quilt covers made of cotton and polyester which had not been Microstop treated. Group 3 included 15 patients who used their old bedding. Mite counts were performed on samples of dust collected from the old mattresses, pillows and quilts before the bedding was changed. After changing the bedding, mite counts were performed on dust from the same three bed sites at the end of months 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12. Morning and evening peak expiratory flow, asthma symptom scores, were recorded by each patient at least 1 month before entering the study and every month during the one-year study period. Mattress mite counts were significantly reduced in Group 1 but not in Groups 2 or 3. However, quilt mite counts were significantly reduced in both Group 1 and Group 2 throughout the 12-monthstudy while mite counts in Group 3 quilts remained unchanged. The results provide evidence that the PU-coated nylon material was effective in reducing house dust mites, but do not demonstrate that the Microstop treatment had an obvious anti-mite effect. One-year follow-up of asthma symptom scores showed significant improvement in Group 1, but not in Groups 2 or 3. This suggests that the Microstop-treated bedding, as a system, was effective in asthma prevention.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

House dust mite allergen accumulation on sheepskins.

AIM: Sheepskins, which are often used as infant bedding in New Zealand, are known to harbour large quantities of house dust mites and their allergens. In this study we determined the rate of accumulation of the house dust mite allergen, Der p 1 on new sheepskins, and the effects of washing and dry cleaning on its removal. METHODS: New sheepskins were placed on living-room floors (n = 6) and mattresses (n = 6) in six domestic dwellings in Wellington. Sheepskin dust samples were collected by vacuuming before placement, and at two, four and six weeks, after which they were warm-washed. They were replaced for a further six weeks, then dry-cleaned. Dust samples were collected before and after washing and dry-cleaning, and from mattresses and living-room floors. Dust samples were analysed for Der p 1 by double monoclonal antibody ELISA. RESULTS: Der p 1 levels rapidly increased in sheepskins placed on living-room floors and mattresses to a geometric mean level (range) of 9.0 micrograms/g (1.1-102.2) and 29.4 micrograms/g (5.3-131.1) at six weeks, respectively. After warm-water washing and replacement for a further six weeks, these levels were higher at 75.5 micrograms/g (50.1-260.4) and 31.9 micrograms/g (11.1-75.2), respectively. Sheepskin Der p 1 accumulation correlated with mattress (r = 0.78), and living-room floor Der p 1 levels (r = 0.94). Warm water washing and dry-cleaning reduced sheepskins Der p 1 levels by a mean of 79.2% and 95.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sheepskins rapidly accumulate house dust mite allergens from the domestic environment. Due to very high levels and rapid accumulation of Der p 1, sheepskins as infant bedding should be discouraged for infants at risk of sensitisation to house dust mites. If they are to be used then it is important that they are washed or dry-cleaned regularly.

Allergens↗

PubMed1999

[House dust mite allergens and mite allergy in Copenhagen dwellings. A cross-sectional study].

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of various environmental factors on occurrence of house dust mite allergens and the influence of allergen exposure on mite allergy. Ninety-two persons from a population study filled in a questionnaire, were skin prick and lung function tested and dust samples were collected from their mattresses for analyses. Two out of five patients with asthma had a positive skin reaction to house dust mite allergen in contrast to five out of 87 non-asthmatics. Fifty-nine per cent of the dust samples contained (group 1) mite allergen > 2 micrograms/g dust. Such mattresses were older (median 7 years, range 1-22) than mattresses with less allergen (median 4 years, range 1-20). In the six bedrooms reported to be humid or mouldy, mattresses contained high concentration of mite allergens. No other parameter investigated could predict the allergen contents. In almost all cases dust analyses are crucial to be able to advise patients with house dust mite allergy.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

PubMed1986

Suture technique in preventing dehiscence of prosthetic mitral valves.

To evaluate suture techniques for mitral valve replacement, 60 fresh porcine hearts were used to determine suture holding strength. Using four techniques (simple interrupted, figure-of-eight, and horizontal without and with pledgets), the anterior leaflet, the posterior leaflet, and the commissures were sutured. The free ends of the sutures were then attached to a force transducer, and tension was increased until disruption occurred. In the anterior leaflet, horizontal mattress sutures disrupted with significantly less force than the other techniques. Pledgets increased the holding strength of mattress sutures, but figure-of-eight and simple interrupted sutures had greater holding strength than sutures with pledgets, suggesting that the direction of the suture vs that of tissue fibers is critical. Histologic studies confirmed this point. The posterior leaflet exhibited less holding strength than the anterior leaflet for all suture techniques but did not demonstrate a superiority for any specific technique. The posterior leaflet is the problem area for suture disruption from the mitral anulus. We secure mitral prostheses with horizontal mattress sutures with pledgets around the entire anulus, placing them from the atrial side.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Cot-nursing versus incubator care for preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: An optimal thermal environment is desirable for preterm infants. These infants are usually nursed in incubators, but cot-nursing may provide an alternative. Measures to assist the maintenance of body temperature for smaller infants in open cots include extra clothing/bedding, warming up the nursery and heating the cot mattress. Recently a heated water-filled mattress has been developed to maintain the temperature of a cot-nursed preterm infant. While there may be benefits of nursing preterm infants in open cots, there may be potential risks such as nosocomial infection caused by more handling due to easier access. OBJECTIVES: Among preterm infants allocated to cot-nursing vs incubator care in neonatal period, to assess effects on their temperature control and weight gain. SEARCH STRATEGY: The standard search strategy of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group was used. This included searches of electronic databases: Oxford Database of Perinatal Trials; Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Cochrane Library Issue 4 2001); MEDLINE (1966-2001); and CINAHL (1982-2001), previous reviews including cross references. SELECTION CRITERIA: All trials using random or quasi-random patient allocation in which infants receiving care in standard newborn cots were compared to infants managed in a conventional air heated incubator. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data for the primary outcomes of temperature control and weight gain. Meta-analysis was conducted using a fixed effects model. Results are presented as relative risk (RR) for categorical data and mean difference (MD) and weighted mean differences (WMD) for data measured on a continuous scale. MAIN RESULTS: Nine potential studies were identified of which four, involving 173 babies, were included in this review. When compared to incubator care, cot-nursing resulted in a statistically significantly higher mean body temperature (MD 0.30 degrees C; 95% CI 0.10, 0.50, one trial) and a decrease in proportion of infants not breast feeding at hospital discharge (RR 0.52; 95% CI 0.28, 0.94, two trials, 77 infants). No statistically significant difference was shown in weight gain, reported by two trials involving 69 infants. The comparison of cot-nursing using a heated water-filled mattress versus incubator care, which included four trials and a total of 149 infants, produced similar results. Cot-nursing with warming of the nursery resulted in statistically significantly smaller weight gain during week one compared to the incubator group in one trial that involved 49 infants (MD -5.90 g/kg/day; 95% CI -11.13, -0.67) with no significant difference found for weeks two and three. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Due to the small numbers of trials included and infants studied, and the resulting imprecision in the measures of effect for all outcomes, the review does not give a clear indication for the role of cot-nursing for preterm infants. Further assessment of the role of cot nursing for preterm infants using randomised controlled trials is necessary.

Beds↗

PubMed2005

Interventions to prevent hypothermia at birth in preterm and/or low birthweight babies.

BACKGROUND: Hypothermia incurred during routine postnatal resuscitation is a world-wide issue (across all climates), with associated morbidity and mortality. Keeping vulnerable preterm infants warm is problematic even when recommended routine thermal care guidelines are followed in the delivery suite. OBJECTIVES: To assess efficacy and safety of interventions, designed for prevention of hypothermia in preterm and/or low birthweight infants, applied within 10 minutes after birth in the delivery suite compared with routine thermal care. SEARCH STRATEGY: The standard search strategy of The Cochrane Collaboration was followed. Electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE (1966 to May Week 4 2004 ), CINAHL (1982 to May Week 4 2004), EMBASE (1974 to 09/07/04), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2004), Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE 1994 to July 2004), conference/symposia proceedings using ZETOC (1993 to July 2004), ISI proceedings (1990 to 09/07/2004) and OCLC WorldCat (July 2004). Identified articles were cross-referenced. No language restrictions were imposed. SELECTION CRITERIA: All trials using randomised or quasi-randomised allocations to test a specific intervention designed to prevent hypothermia, (apart from 'routine' thermal care) applied within 10 minutes after birth in the delivery suite to infants of < 37 weeks' gestational age or birthweight </=2500 g. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Methodological quality was assessed and data were extracted for important clinical outcomes including adverse effects of the intervention by at least three independent reviewers. Authors were contacted for missing data. Data were analysed using RevMan 4.2.5. Relative risk (RR), risk difference (RD) and number needed to treat (NNT) with 95% confidence limits were calculated for each dichotomous outcome and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence limits for continuous outcomes. MAIN RESULTS: Six studies giving a total of 304 infants randomised and 295 completing the studies were included. Four comparisons to 'routine care' were undertaken within two categories: 1) barriers to heat loss (four studies): plastic wrap or bag (three), stockinet caps (one) and 2) external heat sources (two studies): skin-to-skin (one), transwarmer mattress (one). Plastic barriers were effective in reducing heat losses in infants < 28 weeks' gestation (three studies, n = 159; WMD 0.76 degrees C; 95% CI 0.49, 1.03) but not in the 28 to 31 week group. There was insufficient evidence to suggest that plastic wrap reduces the risk of death within hospital stay (three studies, n = 161; typical RR 0.63; 95% CI 0.32, 1.22; typical RD -0.09; 95% CI -0.20, 0.03). There was no evidence of a significant difference in major brain injury, mean duration of oxygen therapy or hospitalisation for infants < 29 weeks' gestation. Stockinet caps were not effective (borderline significant for infants < 2000 g birthweight) in reducing heat losses.Skin-to-skin care was shown to be effective in reducing the risk of hypothermia when compared to conventional incubator care for infants 1200 to 2199 g birthweight (one study, n = 31; RR 0.09; 95% CI 0.01, 0.64; NNT 2; 2 to 4). The transwarmer mattress significantly kept infants </=1500 g warmer and reduced the incidence of hypothermia on admission to NICU (one study, n = 24; RR 0.30; 95% CI 0.11, 0.83; NNT 2 range 2 to 4). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Plastic wraps or bags, skin-to-skin care and transwarmer mattresses all keep preterm infants warmer, leading to higher temperatures on admission to neonatal units and less hypothermia. Given the low NNT, consideration should be given to using these interventions in the delivery suite. However, the small numbers of infants and studies and the absence of long term follow-up mean that firm recommendations for clinical practice cannot be given. There is a need to conduct large, high quality randomised controlled trials looking at long-term outcomes.

Humans↗

PubMed1993

Haemostasis after partial hepatectomy using argon beam coagulation.

The argon beam coagulator is a new device for haemostasis during and after surgery on parenchymatous organs. No data are available on its efficacy and tissue effect following hepatic resection. Blood loss, the time needed to achieve adequate haemostasis and histological findings after liver resection were assessed in 12 pigs using argon beam coagulation or suture ligation only, the mattress suture technique and tissue glue application. The treatment was randomly assigned to each of the four liver lobes in each pig. Median blood loss following argon beam coagulation was 13 (range 2-47) ml and after simple suture ligation 55 (range 2-260) ml (P < 0.02). The median time needed for adequate haemostasis following argon beam coagulation was 3 (range 2-7) min versus 14 (range 2-48) min in the control group (P < 0.005). There was no difference between argon beam coagulation and tissue glue, which were both superior to the use of mattress sutures. Argon beam coagulation resulted in less tissue damage than tissue glue or mattress suturing. The argon beam coagulator is an efficient device for achieving haemostasis following partial hepatectomy in the pig. It causes only a moderate tissue reaction.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Exposure assessment of indoor allergens, endotoxin, and airborne fungi for homes in southern Taiwan.

This study was undertaken to examine the seasonal variations of domestic Der p 1, Der p 2, and endotoxin on mattress and airborne fungal concentrations in homes of asthmatic and nonasthmatic children in southern Taiwan, where temperature and relative humidity are usually high throughout the year. A group of asthmatic children (10-12 years old) were selected randomly based on a citywide questionnaire survey. The nonasthmatic children were chosen to be in the comparison group by matching in age, gender, and proximity of residence. Environmental sampling of domestic microbes was conducted once a month for a year. Twelve calendar months were grouped into spring, summer, fall, and winter according to weather data (mainly average temperature and humidity) from the Central Weather Bureau. Dust samples from a child's mattress and airborne samples from a child's bedroom were collected and analyzed for allergens of Der p 1 and Der p 2, endotoxin, and fungi respectively. Results show that about 65% of children's mattresses in our region have Der p 1 levels greater than 2 microg/g. It is also apparent that most airborne fungal concentrations found in homes of either asthmatic or nonasthmatic children are higher than the recommended levels of concern. The predominant genera are Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, and yeast. In addition, seasonal effects seem to be a critical factor for the concentrations and distributions of domestic endotoxin in these study homes. The implication of long-term exposure to these high levels of environmental microbes and how their effects vary with seasons remain to be further characterized.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

PubMed1996

Infant behaviour in response to a change in body position from side to prone during sleep.

UNLABELLED: The consequences of provoking a change in the sleeping position from side to prone during quiet (non-REM) and active (REM) sleep in young infants were studied in terms of ability to turn the face away from the mattress within 3 min, and in terms of ventilatory and heart rate responses in those who remained face down. Twenty-six infants were exposed to repeated tilts from the side to prone at 2.5 months, and 20 at 5 months of age. Eighteen infants were tested on both occasions. A computer-aided multichannel system was used for polysomnographic recordings. Approximately 66% of the infants did not rotate the face away from the mattress on at least one occasion. There were no significant differences in the rate of face down outcome between sleep states or ages, and no consistent pattern of final face position following repeated tilts. The face to side position was commonly accomplished after considerable difficulties involving vigorous body movements, particularly if the arm became positioned between the body and the mattress or alongside the trunk after the tilt. Apnoeas of 3-14 s in immediate response to the tilt were observed in 75% of the infants monitored electronically. In 13% of the infants, all in a face down position, the test was terminated because of increases in heart and respiratory rates, drop in oxygen saturation, or marked pallor. CONCLUSIONS: The observed difficulties of obtaining a face to side position when suddenly exposed to the prone position during sleep, may render some young infants at risk of sudden infant death (SID).

Apnea↗

PubMed1979

Radial buckling of posterior retinal tears.

We devised a method for safely placing mattress sutures for radial scleral buckling of posterior retinal holes. The ability to pass the needle in the anteroposterior direction, as well as the ability to tie the posterior ends of the mattress suture anteriorly where they are easily accessible, makes this method of placing the mattress suture safe and effective for posterior radial buckles.

Humans↗

PubMed1986

Prevalence of house dust mites in nursing homes in southwest Ohio.

Dermatophagoides spp house dust mites were found to be prevalent in geriatric nursing homes in southwestern Ohio. Mite density was lower in nursing homes than in private homes in comparable dust-sampling areas and at similar times of the year. Generally, fewer mattresses, floors, and articles of furniture were mite positive in nursing homes by comparison to private homes. Lower institutional mite levels were attributed to frequent linen and mattress cover changes and rigorous cleaning practices, coupled with the lack of a favorable mite environment provided by high ambient temperatures, low relative humidity, tiled or vinyl-covered floors and furniture, and covered or encased mattresses.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Comparative study of different tendon grasping techniques for arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff.

BACKGROUND: One cause of early failure of rotator cuff repairs is the pull out of the suture through the tendon. The aims of this study were to investigate the initial strength and failure mode of different tendon grasping techniques and to evaluate an alternative stitch proposed for arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tendons. METHODS: Four different stitches were investigated: simple stitch, Mattress, modified Mason-Allen and simple stitch closed over a horizontal loop. The last stitch was proposed as an alternative to the modified Mason-Allen stitch since the former is simpler to sew arthroscopically than the latter. The experimental procedure was designed to assess the mechanical behaviour of the stitches. Tests were performed using sheep infraspinatus tendons. Two different non-absorbable sutures were used. Each specimen was preloaded with about 30 N and then loaded to failure. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in compliance among the four investigated stitches. Conversely, the tensile strength of the simple stitch and Mattress was lower than the tensile strength of the other two stitches, while no significant difference was observed between the modified Mason-Allen and the simple stitch closed over a horizontal loop. The maximum grasping power of these two 'reinforced' stitches was achieved only with the high-strength suture. INTERPRETATION: The simple stitch closed over a horizontal loop seems to be an attractive alternative to the modified Mason-Allen for arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff and it seems recommendable instead of simple or Mattress stitches. The use of a high-strength suture would increase the tensile strength of the grasping in the case of good quality tendon tissue.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Distribution and determinants of house dust mite allergens in Europe: the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II.

BACKGROUND: Several studies in European homes have described allergen levels from the house dust mite species Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and to a lesser extent Dermatophagoides farinae, but geographic comparisons of exposure levels and risk factors have been hampered by a lack of standardized methods. OBJECTIVE: To study the distribution and determinants of the major house dust mite allergens Der p 1 and Der f 1 in 10 European countries using a common protocol. METHODS: During home visits with 3580 participants of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II from 22 study centers, mattress dust was sampled and analyzed for Der p 1, Der f 1, and Der 2 allergen. Information on housing characteristics was obtained by both observations and interview. RESULTS: Der 1 and Der 2 allergens were detectable (>/=0.1 mug/g) in 68% and 53% of the samples, respectively. Large differences in allergen levels between study centers were observed, and geographic patterns for Der p 1 and Der f 1 were different. Low winter temperatures reduced Der p 1 rather than Der f 1. Important risk factors for high allergen levels included an older mattress, a lower floor level of the bedroom, limited ventilation of the bedroom, and dampness for Der p 1 but not for Der f 1. CONCLUSION: There are large qualitative and quantitative differences of house dust mite allergen levels in Europe, which can partly be explained by geographic and housing characteristics. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Mite allergen exposure may be reduced by replacing the mattress regularly and increasing ventilation of the bedroom, particularly in winter.

Allergens↗

PubMed2006

Cat allergen level: its determinants and relationship to specific IgE to cat across European centers.

BACKGROUND: Cat allergen level in settled house dust and its determinants in Europe are unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to quantify the level of cat allergens in mattress dust, to study its determinants, and to analyze the relationship with cat specific IgE on community level across European centers. METHODS: Trained field workers collected dust from approximately 3000 mattresses during home visits in 22 European Community Respiratory Health Survey II centers. Sieved dust extracts were assayed for cat allergen using a mAb ELISA assay. RESULTS: The overall geometric mean cat allergen was 0.94 microg/g, ranging from 0.12 microg/g in Huelva, Spain, to 3.76 microg/g in Antwerp, Belgium. Current cat owners' homes showed substantially higher levels than past cat owners' and never cat owners' homes (geometric mean and 95% CI, 61.4 microg/g [48.4-77.9] vs 1.37 microg/g [0.97-1.9] vs 0.29 microg/g [0.27-0.31]). Community prevalence of cat ownership was moderately correlated with cat allergen levels in noncat owners (r(s) = 0.50), but not for past or current cat owners. The multilevel model identified community prevalence of cat keeping as the only statistically significant determinant of mattress cat allergen levels for noncat owners. However, averaged cat allergen levels per center were not related to community prevalence of detectable specific IgE to cat. CONCLUSION: Not having a cat in the home is associated with substantially lower Fel d 1 concentration, but does not protect against high Fel d 1 exposure in communities where cat ownership is common. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: People (including patients with cat allergy) who do not own cats may be exposed to high levels of cat allergen in their home, particularly if they live in communities with high levels of cat ownership.

Allergens↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Sudden infant death syndrome: a possible primary cause.

The hypothesis that poisoning by phosphines, arsines and stibines might be the primary cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) was investigated. Most mattress materials contain phosphorus or antimony compounds as fire retardant additives. Mattress materials in areas affected by the warmth and perspiration of the sleeping infant were found to be naturally infected by the fungus Scopulariopsis brevicaulis which is thought to be capable of generating phosphines, arsines and stibines from materials containing phosphorus, arsenic or antimony compounds. These gases may cause anticholinesterase poisoning and cardiac failure in infants, but contributory factors include the prone sleeping position and overwrapping. In England and Wales, the progressive increase in SIDS between 1951 and 1988 seems to be related to increasing use of phosphorus and antimony compounds as fire retardents in cot mattresses.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed1987

No-incision pubovaginal suspension for stress incontinence.

We describe a modified needle suspension for urinary incontinence that eliminates all incisions. The anterior vaginal wall is suspended from the rectus fascia with 2 heavy nonabsorbable monofilament mattress sutures. The sutures pass down through and back up through the full thickness of the vaginal wall, and are tied suprapubically to bury the knot into the fat in the suprapubic puncture site. The technique is based on our laboratory observation that in rats and guinea pigs monofilament mattress sutures that are tied under tension to include the outside abdominal skin will cut through the skin, and become internalized and accepted without any residual inflammation if the knot is buried initially. The simplified technique makes routine use of outpatient surgery and allows for the use of local anesthesia only in selected patients. At 2 1/2 years the continence rate in the first 38 patients exceeded 87 per cent. There were no failures among the last 14 patients after the technique was modified to include an extra full thickness pass of the mattress suture through the vaginal wall. There have been no significant complications.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Distribution variations of multi allergens at asthmatic children's homes.

Increasing asthma prevalence is evident in many countries and childhood asthma has also become one of the most common chronic diseases in children. Exposure to indoor allergens has been be attributed to a significant increase in asthma occurrence. Meanwhile, allergen distribution varies widely among different countries. This brief investigation reports the distribution of common indoor allergens, such as mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Der p 1 and Der p 2), cat (Felis domesticus, Fel d 1), and German cockroach allergens (Blattella germanica, Bla g 1) at different sites of asthmatic children in Taiwan. Approximately 40 asthmatic children's homes participated in this study and the cohort was followed prospectively for approximately 6 months, starting in December until the following May. Dust samples were collected from each child's mattress, and bedroom and living room floors. All samples were analyzed with monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical difference of Der p 1 concen trations is observed among those on the mattress, bedroom and living room floor, except for in May. Seasonal variation in Der p 1 levels on the mattress and bedroom floor is also significant (P < 0.025 and 0.001, respectively). Distributional variation seems to be significant for most allergens among sites within homes in most seasons. Therefore, if only one sample is to be taken, the month of May would be a more ideal choice of study period, and detailed sampling across sites appears to be necessary should the true environmental exposure of allergens be desired.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗