Résumé
Background: Few studies have been conducted to assess treatment options for patients with sensitivities to cypress pollens, important triggers of allergic rhinitis (AR) in the Mediterranean region.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of desloratadine, a second-generation antihistamine, on AR symptoms caused by cypress pollens native to France.
Methods: Adults (N=233) with symptomatic cypress pollen allergies were randomized to receive desloratadine, 5 mg, or placebo daily for 15 days during 2 consecutive cypress pollen seasons. The primary end point was the percentage change from baseline in morning total nasal symptom scores on day 14; secondary assessments included total symptom score, peak nasal inspiratory flow, the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, and global response to therapy.
Results: On day 14, the desloratadine group had a significantly greater percentage decrease in total nasal symptom score vs the placebo group (-40% vs -30%; P < .04). Similarly, on day 14, there was a 47% and 37% respective decrease in total symptom score (P=.01). Mean peak nasal inspiratory flow scores showed numeric, albeit not statistically significant, improvements from baseline through day 14 with desloratadine. A significantly greater improvement in Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire scores occurred with desloratadine vs placebo on day 14 (-1.4 vs -0.9; P=.004). The mean global response to therapy was better with desloratadine vs placebo (3.4 vs 3.9; P=.004). The adverse event rate was similar in both groups.
Conclusion: Desloratadine is efficacious and safe for the treatment of AR induced by cypress pollens; it also improved disease-related quality of life. Anti Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2009; 103:260-266.