ABSTRACT
Forty children with moderate to severe asthma were enrolled in an asthma camp. Changes in peak flow meter (PFM) and metered-dose inhaler (MDI) technique, health care utilization, and school absenteeism were evaluated. The mean post-PFM score at the end of camp (8.9 +/- 0.3) was significantly higher (p < .0001) than the pre PFM score (6.0 +/- 3.4). The mean post-MDI score (6.5 +/- 1.5) was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than the pre-MDI score (4.1 +/- 1.8). Emergency room visits decreased by 59%, hospitalizations decreased by 83%, and school absenteeism decreased from 266 to 188 days. Health care savings totaled $2014 per child enrolled.
Subject(s)
Asthma/rehabilitation , Camping , Absenteeism , Anti-Asthmatic Agents/therapeutic use , Asthma/therapy , Child , Health Care Costs , Health Services/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Morbidity , Nebulizers and Vaporizers , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Patient Education as Topic , Self CareABSTRACT
We prospectively examined 80 children referred to a university allergy/immunology clinic for evaluation for inhalant allergies to determine the prevalence of latex hypersensitivity in this group. All children were skin tested with a Multi-test device to 35 inhalant allergens and a latex glove extract. Only one child gave a questionable history of latex sensitivity, but her skin test was negative. Three of 44 (6.8%) atopic children had a positive latex skin test (wheal greater than 4 mm); none of the 36 nonatopic children had a positive latex skin test. Two of the three children had a history of two or more surgical procedures but denied any clinical hypersensitivity reactions during surgery. Previous reports have demonstrated a personal history of atopy and of surgical procedures as risk factors for the development of latex hypersensitivity. This study helps verify these risk factors and should increase the awareness of this possible health hazard in this select group of children.
