Effect of desloratadine therapy on symptom scores and measures of nasal patency in seasonal allergic rhinitis: results of a single-center, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundDesloratadine reduces symptoms and maintains nasal airflow in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) during experimental allergen exposure.ObjectiveTo compare the effects of desloratadine and placebo on symptom scores, quality of life (QOL), and nasal airway patency in patients with SAR during the allergy season.MethodsAdults with symptomatic SAR were randomized in a double-blind manner to receive desloratadine, 5 mg, or placebo for 14 days. Patient-rated SAR symptoms were recorded twice daily (morning and evening). On days 1 and 15, SAR symptoms were scored jointly (investigator and patient), nasal airflow was measured using 4-phase rhinomanometry, and QOL and the overall condition of SAR were rated. Overall treatment response was scored on day 15. Adverse events were recorded.ResultsAt day 15, total symptom (P = .03) and total nasal symptom (P = .02) scores and patient morning-rated individual nasal symptom scores (except nasal stuffiness) (P ≤ .04) decreased significantly from baseline with desloratadine vs placebo. Flow in the descending expiratory nasal airflow phase was significantly greater (P = .046) and the percentage increase in total inspiratory nasal airway resistance was less (P = .03) in the desloratadine group vs the placebo group. The overall condition of SAR was less severe (P = .045), the therapeutic response was greater (P = .004), and the nasal symptom domain of the QOL score was significantly better (P = .03) in the desloratadine group. Adverse event rates were similar in both groups.ConclusionDesloratadine treatment for 14 days improved nasal airflow and resistance as well as symptom and QOL scores in patients with symptomatic SAR during the allergy season.