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Published on: April 13, 2010
Mouse Sensitivity is an Independent Risk Factor for Rhinitis in Children with Asthma
Ahmad R Sedaghat1, Elizabeth C Matsui2, Sachin N Baxi3
1Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Mass; Department of Otolaryngology and Communications Enhancement, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
Background:
Although mouse and cockroach allergy is known to be important in urban children with asthma, the independent association of mouse and cockroach sensitization with rhinitis in these children is unknown.
Objective:
To determine the association of mouse and cockroach sensitization with rhinitis in urban children with asthma.
Methods:
As part of the Mouse Allergen and Asthma Intervention Trial, 499 urban children (5-17 years) with persistent asthma underwent spirometry, skin prick testing to 14 common environmental allergens, and serology for mouse-specific IgE. In 269 subjects, cockroach-specific IgE serology was also obtained. Patient/parent-reported rhinitis in the last 2 weeks and the last 1 year was the primary outcome measure. Mouse/cockroach exposure was measured by reported frequency of sightings. Mouse allergen-settled bedroom dust samples were also measured in mouse-sensitized children.
Results:
Rhinitis was reported in 49.9% and 70.2% of the participants within the last 2 weeks and the last 1 year, respectively. Serum mouse IgE level of 0.35 IU/mL or more was associated with rhinitis in the past 2 weeks (adjusted odds ratio, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.02-4.54; P = .04) and the past 1 year (adjusted odds ratio, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.12-5.1; P = .02) after controlling for age, race, sex, the presence of any smokers at home, primary caregiver education level, number of allergen sensitivities, cockroach IgE level of 0.35 IU/mL or more, and study site (Boston or Baltimore). Measures of home mouse exposure were not associated with rhinitis, regardless of mouse sensitivity. Cockroach sensitivity was not associated with rhinitis regardless of sensitization to other allergens.
Conclusions:
In urban children with asthma, increased mouse IgE, but not cockroach IgE, in the sera (mouse IgE ≥ 0.35 IU/mL) may be associated independently with rhinitis.
Insights
Elevated mouse immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, but not cockroach IgE, are linked to rhinitis in urban children with asthma. This finding highlights mouse allergy as a significant factor in respiratory symptoms for this population.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pediatric Asthma Research
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Mouse and cockroach allergies are significant concerns for urban children with asthma.
- The independent association between sensitization to these allergens and rhinitis remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent association of mouse and cockroach sensitization with rhinitis in urban children diagnosed with persistent asthma.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 499 urban children (ages 5-17) with asthma underwent allergy testing (skin prick and IgE serology for mouse and cockroach allergens).
- Rhinitis was assessed via patient/parent-reported symptoms over the past two weeks and year.
- Home exposure to mouse allergen was quantified through dust samples and reported sightings.
Main Results:
- Rhinitis was prevalent, reported by 49.9% (2 weeks) and 70.2% (1 year) of participants.
- Increased mouse-specific IgE (≥ 0.35 IU/mL) was independently associated with rhinitis (aOR 2.15-2.40, P=.02-.04).
- Neither home mouse exposure nor cockroach sensitization showed a significant association with rhinitis.
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum mouse IgE levels (≥ 0.35 IU/mL) are independently associated with rhinitis in urban children with asthma.
- Cockroach sensitization was not found to be independently associated with rhinitis in this cohort.
- Findings suggest mouse allergy is a key factor in rhinitis development among asthmatic urban children.
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