Teolinda Mendoza de Morales1, Francis Sánchez. 1. From the 1Instituto de Otorrinolaringologia San Bernardino, Caracas, Venezuela; and 2Policlinica Metropolitana, Caracas, Venezuela.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: : Allergic rhinitis is a highly prevalent condition, particularly among children, whose schoolwork and quality of life may be impaired by its symptoms. METHODS: : In this prospective, multicenter study, children between 6 and 12 years old with a diagnosis of severe perennial allergic rhinitis received a combination of the nonsedating antihistamine loratadine and the corticosteroid betamethasone in an oral solution for 5 days. RESULTS: : The total nasal and ocular symptom score was significantly reduced from 11.4 (±2.1) before treatment to 2.9 (±2.4) after treatment (P < 0.01). Significant reductions (P < 0.01) were also observed for sneezing, nasal pruritus, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, postnasal drip, and ocular erythema and pruritus. No adverse events were reported, and no subject discontinued treatment. CONCLUSIONS: : The combination of loratadine and betamethasone in an oral solution was safe and effective as initial short-term treatment for symptoms of severe perennial allergic rhinitis in school-aged children.
BACKGROUND: : Allergic rhinitis is a highly prevalent condition, particularly among children, whose schoolwork and quality of life may be impaired by its symptoms. METHODS: : In this prospective, multicenter study, children between 6 and 12 years old with a diagnosis of severe perennial allergic rhinitis received a combination of the nonsedating antihistamine loratadine and the corticosteroid betamethasone in an oral solution for 5 days. RESULTS: : The total nasal and ocular symptom score was significantly reduced from 11.4 (±2.1) before treatment to 2.9 (±2.4) after treatment (P < 0.01). Significant reductions (P < 0.01) were also observed for sneezing, nasal pruritus, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, postnasal drip, and ocular erythema and pruritus. No adverse events were reported, and no subject discontinued treatment. CONCLUSIONS: : The combination of loratadine and betamethasone in an oral solution was safe and effective as initial short-term treatment for symptoms of severe perennial allergic rhinitis in school-aged children.
Authors: P H Ratner; J H van Bavel; B G Martin; F C Hampel; W C Howland; P R Rogenes; R E Westlund; B W Bowers; C K Cook Journal: J Fam Pract Date: 1998-08 Impact factor: 0.493
Authors: H-C Tillmann; B A Stuck; M Feuring; K Rossol-Haseroth; B M Tran; R Lösel; B M Schmidt; K Hörmann; M Wehling; A Schultz Journal: Eur J Clin Invest Date: 2004-01 Impact factor: 4.686