Efficacy of Air Cleaners in Asthmatics Allergic to Cat in ALYATEC Environmental Exposure Chamber

Efficacy of Air Cleaners in Asthmatics Allergic to Cat in ALYATEC Environmental Exposure Chamber

The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of Rowenta® "Intense Pure Air XL" air cleaner on the early and late bronchial response, in cat-allergic asthmatic patients during an allergen exposure in ALYATEC environmental chamber (EEC)

A monocentric, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study conducted outside of the pollen season. The study lasts 3 months for each patient, which includes a screening period, two exposure visits in the Alyatec Environmental Exposure Chamber (EEC) with active or placebo air cleaners, and a follow-up visit.

Patients with early asthmatic reaction during baseline exposure are randomly allocated to one of two sequences: active air cleaners /placebo or placebo/active air cleaners. Randomization is balanced (1:1) between the two sequences. There is a 3-week wash-out period between the two exposures.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Controlled intermittent asthma (step 1 treatment, according to GINA Guideline 2016) with or without association with cat allergy related rhino-conjunctivitis;
• Sensitization to cat allergen extract as defined by skin prick test for cat extract with a wheal diameter of ≥3 mm greater than negative control (ALK, HØrsholm, Denmark) and specific IgE anti Fel d 1 ≥ 0.7 kU/L ( ImmunoCAP, Thermofisher, Uppsala, Sweden);
• FEV1 ≥ 70% of the predicted value;
• No cat exposure at home or outside of the home during the study;
• Positive methacholine challenge test performed using an AeroDoseur DTF-Atomisor ATO-AD 12 (Saint-Etienne, France);
• Early asthmatic response during baseline cat allergen exposure.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Uncontrolled asthma, asthma control test inferior to 20 within the 4 weeks preceding the study.
• Uncontrolled asthma 2 weeks after stopping LABA treatment.
• LABA treatment within the 2 weeks preceding the study.
• Severe asthma (> GINA 2)
• Subject lives with a cat
• Cat desensibilisation within the 6 previous months.
• Active smoker