Antigen avoidance in people with hypersensitivity pneumonitis: A scoping review

Background: Antigen avoidance (AA) is essential for people with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). An intervention programme to promote continuous AA in people with HP will be the focus of future research. Objectives: We systematically analysed the AA behaviour of people with HP, interventions of health-care providers to promote AA behaviour, clinical outcomes after AA, and evaluation methods after AA. Methods: We conducted a scoping review using six online databases and manual searches. Papers written in English or Japanese that reported cases on AA were selected. The extracted data were classified qualitatively. Results: In total 205 cases included in 109 eligible papers were examined. Conclusions: This review clarified the fundamental evidence of AA in people with HP. These people required the continuous support of health-care providers to continue appropriate AA. This review highlighted four aspects that require further research to design interventions for promoting effective and continuous AA in people with HP. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study systematically analyzed antigen avoidance behavior, interventions by health-care providers, clinical outcomes, and evaluation methods in people with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The findings suggest that continuous support from healthcare providers is crucial for effective and ongoing antigen avoidance in this population.