Do Baseline Asthma and Allergic Sensitization Characteristics Predict Responsiveness to Mouse Allergen Reduction

Abstract Background Mouse allergen reduction is associated with improvements in asthma among sensitized and exposed children, but whether clinical characteristics predict responsiveness to allergen reduction is unclear. Objective To examine the effects of clinical characteristics on relationships between mouse allergen reduction and asthma outcomes. Methods We performed a secondary analysis of data from a randomized, clinical trial of a mouse allergen intervention, examining the effects of atopy, demographics, lung function, asthma control, and asthma severity on relationships between mouse allergen reduction and asthma outcomes. Results Participants were predominantly low-income and minority (78% Black, 22% Hispanic), and had persistent asthma. Among less atopic participants ( 0.05). The interactions between atopic status and mouse allergen reduction were statistically significant for all symptom outcomes; however, there was no evidence that atopic status influenced the effect of mouse allergen reduction on exacerbation-related outcomes. Older children (≥9 years) tended to experience greater improvement in some asthma outcomes with reduction of mouse allergen exposure than younger children. There was no evidence that either mouse-specific IgE or lung function influenced the effect of mouse allergen reduction on any asthma outcomes. Conclusion Although there may be variability in the clinical response to mouse allergen reduction among low-income, minority children with asthma, there were no clinical characteristics that clearly identified a subgroup to whom the intervention should be targeted.