Abstract
Propose
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a very common, chronic and global health problem. In the last two decades, the efficiency of barrier-enforcing measures in AR has been investigated. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of allergen-blocker mechanical barrier gel (MBG) (AlerjiSTOP®) treatment on symptoms and quality of life score (QoLS) in patients with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.
Methods
A single-center, prospective study was conducted between January 2017 and May 2018. Patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis with a visual analogue scale (VAS) of 5 or higher (moderate/severe) were enrolled in the study. Patients were evaluated in terms of VAS, nasal symptom score (NSS), ocular symptom score (OSS), total symptom score (TSS) and QoLS at baseline, 1 week and 1 month of MBG treatment.
Results
A total of 83 patients with AR were enrolled in the study. Clinical and laboratory examinations showed that 50 (60.2%) patients were mono-sensitized. Allergen-blocker mechanical barrier gel treatment was performed as monotherapy in 22 (26.5%) patients. Median VAS, NSS, OSS and TSS decreased from 7 to 4, 8 to 3, 4 to 0 and 12 to 4, respectively (p < 0.0001). Correlation analysis revealed positive correlations between lower pediatric rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire scores for patients under 12 years of age and decrease in VAS, NSS and TSS (r = 0.380, p = 0.008; r = 0.544, p < 0.0001; r = 0.543, p < 0.0001). Positive correlations were detected between lower rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (self-administered) scores for patients ≥ 12 years of age and decrease in VAS, NSS, OSS and TSS (r = 0.703, p < 0.0001; r = 0.465, p = 0.005; r = 0.526, p = 0.001; r = 0.624, p < 0.0001).
Conclusion
In conclusion, we found significant decrease in all symptom scores and improvement in QoLS of patients treated with MBG as monotherapy and combination therapy.
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Acknowledgements
This study was presented as an oral presentation at the Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Meeting (PAAM) 2017 at London, United Kingdom, on October 26, 2017.
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This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not for-profit sectors.
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Sirin Kose, S., Atakul, G., Asilsoy, S. et al. Efficacy of allergen-blocker mechanical barrier gel on symptoms and quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 276, 729–734 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-018-5251-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-018-5251-6