Long-term cetirizine treatment reduces allergic symptoms and drug prescriptions in children with mite allergy

Citation
G. Ciprandi et al., Long-term cetirizine treatment reduces allergic symptoms and drug prescriptions in children with mite allergy, ANN ALLER A, 87(3), 2001, pp. 222-226
Citations number
16
Categorie Soggetti
Clinical Immunolgy & Infectious Disease
Journal title
ANNALS OF ALLERGY ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY
ISSN journal
10811206 → ACNP
Volume
87
Issue
3
Year of publication
2001
Pages
222 - 226
Database
ISI
SICI code
1081-1206(200109)87:3<222:LCTRAS>2.0.ZU;2-1
Abstract
Background: Experimental data demonstrate that incite allergy is characteri zed by persistent chronic inflammation, even during asymptomatic periods. T his suggests that long-term continuous treatment be included in the global strategy of allergy treatment. Objective: We conducted a study to evaluate whether regularly administered cetirizine reduces allergic symptoms and drug prescriptions in children wit h mite allergy. Methods: In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, two pa rallel groups of 10 children with mite allergy (mean age: 6.5 years) receiv ed either cetirizine or placebo daily for 6 months. Participants were allow ed to take rescue medications for rhinitis and/or mild asthma. The symptoms (nasal itching, sneezing, obstruction, rhinorrhea, conjunctival itching, l acrimation, conjunctival hyperemia, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness) w ere recorded on a diary card. The intake of cetirizine (as additional sympt omatic treatment), antibiotics, acetaminophen, beta (2)- agonists, inhaled and systemic corticosteroids was also recorded. Results: Symptom scores and drug consumption were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the cetrizine-treated group versus the placebo group. The greatest reductions were in cetirizine itself, inhaled corticosteroids, <beta>(2)-a gonists, and antibiotics. No side effects were reported in either group. Conclusions: In mite-allergic children, cetirizine administered daily for p rolonged periods decreases symptoms of and drug prescriptions for allergic rhinitis and asthma compared with symptomatic treatment.