Environmental exposure unit: a sensitive, specific, and reproducible methodology for allergen challenge

Ellis, Anne K.; North, Michelle L.; Walker, Terry; Steacy, Lisa M.

doi:10.1016/j.anai.2013.07.019

Cited by 50 publications

(61 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…The EEU has proven effective in multiple studies evaluating various aspects of seasonal allergic rhinitis and its treatments [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. Previous studies conducted in the EEU using ragweed pollen have shown 3500 grains/m 3 ± 500 to be an optimal concentration to produce symptoms similar to those experienced in the outdoor environment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clinical Validation of Controlled Grass Pollen Challenge in the Environmental Exposure Unit (EEU)

Ellis

Steacy

Walker

2012

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clinical Validation of Controlled Grass Pollen Challenge in the Environmental Exposure Unit (EEU)

Ellis

Steacy

Walker

2012

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

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“…Logistical problems are presented by traditional studies that are scheduled to coincide with peak pollen season, as levels can be influenced by weather, highly variable between sites and consecutive seasons, significantly impacting the apparent efficacy of treatment [21]. Furthermore, individual participants' exposures are affected by lifestyle [22], adherence to scheduled administration of study medication, and symptom recording cannot always be ensured [6,23]. CACFs were developed to address these variables, while recapitulating many characteristics of an outdoor allergy study [2••, 6, 23].…”

Section: Advantages Of the Cacf Modelmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Rotorod samplers, distributed at seven locations, collect pollen at 30-min intervals, which correspond to the participant symptom scoring times [6]. The EEU employs slightly negative pressure to minimize pollen loss to the rest of the hospital, and the ventilation system uses high efficiency filtered outdoor air, with temperature and humidity control, exhausted directly back into the outdoors [6]. The Atlanta Allergen Exposure Unit similarly employs filtered outdoor air and Rotorod samplers [2••, 9].…”

Section: Brief Technical Overview and Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Modified Burkard pollen traps are employed to monitor allergen levels [2••, 3••]. The EEU employs a laser-aided pollen dispersion system and directional fans to propel the pollen over the participant seating area [6]. Rotorod samplers, distributed at seven locations, collect pollen at 30-min intervals, which correspond to the participant symptom scoring times [6].…”

Section: Brief Technical Overview and Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The EEU employs a laser-aided pollen dispersion system and directional fans to propel the pollen over the participant seating area [6]. Rotorod samplers, distributed at seven locations, collect pollen at 30-min intervals, which correspond to the participant symptom scoring times [6]. The EEU employs slightly negative pressure to minimize pollen loss to the rest of the hospital, and the ventilation system uses high efficiency filtered outdoor air, with temperature and humidity control, exhausted directly back into the outdoors [6].…”

Section: Brief Technical Overview and Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Controlled Allergen Challenge Facilities and Their Unique Contributions to Allergic Rhinitis Research

North

Soliman

Walker

et al. 2015

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep

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The aim of this study is to review advances in basic and clinical allergic rhinitis (AR) research over the past decade that have been conducted using controlled allergen challenge facility (CACF) models of allergen challenge. Databases, including PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science were searched for articles employing an ambient pollen exposure in a controlled facility to study AR, published between 2004 and the present date, using the terms as follows: CACF, Environmental Exposure Unit (EEU), Vienna Challenge Chamber (VCC), Fraunhofer Institute Environmental Challenge Chamber, Atlanta Allergen Exposure Unit, Biogenics Research Chamber, Allergen BioCube, Chiba and Osaka Environmental Challenge Chamber, exposure unit, challenge chamber, or environmental exposure chamber. Articles were then selected for relevance to the goals of the present review, including important contributions toward clinical and/or basic science allergy research. CACFs offer sensitive, specific, and reproducible methodology for allergen challenge. They have been employed since the 1980s and offer distinct advantages over traditional in-season multicentre trials when evaluating new treatments for AR. They have provided clinically applicable efficacy and pharmacologic information about important allergy medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, antileukotrienes, immunotherapies, and nasal steroids. CACF models have also contributed to basic science and novel/experimental therapy research. To date, no direct studies have been conducted comparing outcomes from one CACF to another. Over the past decade, CACF models have played an essential role in investigating the pathophysiology of AR and evaluating new therapies. The future opportunities for this model continue to expand.

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Skin testing for inhalant allergy

Fornadley

2014

Int Forum Allergy Rhinol

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Skin testing remains a valid and in some cases superior means of identifying inhalant allergy. Skin-prick testing and intradermal testing are the primary categories, although different formats exist for each. Caution must be taken to avoid creating a serious systemic reaction by injecting an injudicious amount of antigen into the skin, or in skin testing a patient whose medication profile puts them at increased risk.

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Environmental exposure unit: a sensitive, specific, and reproducible methodology for allergen challenge

Cited by 50 publications

References 43 publications

Clinical Validation of Controlled Grass Pollen Challenge in the Environmental Exposure Unit (EEU)

Clinical Validation of Controlled Grass Pollen Challenge in the Environmental Exposure Unit (EEU)

Controlled Allergen Challenge Facilities and Their Unique Contributions to Allergic Rhinitis Research

Skin testing for inhalant allergy

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