TABLE IX.A.3.
Evidence of the effectiveness of pet avoidance and environmental controls
Study | Year | LOE | Study design | Study groups | Clinical endpoint | Conclusion |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wood et al.1148 | 1998 | 1b | RCT | Cat-sensitive adults:
|
Cat allergen levels (airborne and settled dust), symptom scores, medication scores, spirometry | HEPA filters are associated with reduced airborne but not settled dust, cat allergen levels without effect on disease activity. |
Sanchez et al.1146 | 2015 | 2b | Cohort Study | Patients with diagnosed allergy | Sensitization to household animals, compliance with avoidance recommendations and EC | Avoidance recommendations may be impractical with high rates of sensitization, indirect exposure, and low rates of compliance. |
Björnsdottir et al.1147 | 2003 | 2ba | RCT | Cat-allergic patients:
|
Environmental (settled dust) Fel d 1 levels, nasal inspiratory flow, nasal symptoms | Multimodality EC is associated with decreased allergen concentration and significant improvements in nasal inspiratory flow and patient symptoms. |
Follow-up <80% prevents 1b.
EC = environmental control; HEPA = high-efficiency particulate air; LOE = level of evidence; RCT = randomized controlled trial.