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Research: MIHRSHAHI and colleagues,
Listed in Issue 92
Abstract
MIHRSHAHI and colleagues, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, The Children's Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia, report on the eighteen months outcomes of house dust mite avoidance and dietary fatty acid modification in childhood asthma prevention.
Background
The hypothesis driving this study was that avoidance of house dust mites or supplementation with n-3 fatty acids or both together could reduce the incidence of asthma and allergy in children, as suggested by observational evidence.
Methodology
In this randomized controlled trial, 616 pregnant women were randomized to either house dust mite avoidance (i.e. the use of impermeable mattress covers and an agaricide) or control, and use of an oil supplement high in n-3 fatty acids or control. Allergy was assessed by skin prick testing. Symptoms, diagnoses, and medication histories were obtained in parental interviews.
Results
The diet resulted in a nearly 10% reduction of wheezing (p = 0.02) but had no effect on serum IgE (an indicator for allergic reactions), atopy, or doctor's diagnosis of asthma. The house dust mites avoidance was associated with a lower use of oral steroids but did not otherwise affect the outcomes.
Conclusion
Increasing dietary n-3 fatty acids may have a beneficial effect on the prevalence of wheezing in the first 18 months of life. Follow-up to 5 years is under way.
References
Mihrshahi S, Peat JK, Marks GB, Mellis CM, Tovey ER, Webb K, Britton WJ, Leeder SR. Eighteen-month outcomes of house dust mite avoidance and dietary fatty acid modification in the Childhood Asthma Prevention Study (CAPS). The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 111 (1): 162-168, Jan 2003.
Comment
Due to the restrictions placed on researchers, it is regrettable that a more wholistic research study couldn't have been conducted, investigating more than simply 2 approaches – dust mite avoidance and n-3 supplements. I, for one, would applaud a comprehensive study applying homeopathy, breathing/yoga techniques, diet and nutritional supplements based on non-IgE allergic testing, etc.
