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Efficacy of allergen-blocker mechanical barrier gel on symptoms and quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis

  • Rhinology
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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

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.

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not for-profit sectors.

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Correspondence to Seda Sirin Kose.

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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

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