House dust mite hyposensitization.

A double-blind controlled trial of house dust mite hyposensitization was carried out in 14 patients with asthma, who were hypersensitive on skin testing to the house dust mite alone. Measurements were made, using a Wright's peak flowmeter, during the 15-month trial period. Precautions were taken in the home to reduce the mite population. At the end of the trial, no clinical improvement was noted subjectively or objectively, despite a reduced bronchial sensitivity to allergen in the treated group. The role of the house dust mite as a cause of asthma is discussed.