The Efficacy of a Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist and a Second-generation Anti-histamine in the Treatment for Children with Moderate to Severe Persistent Allergic Rhinitis

An, Hye Sung; Kang, Tae Gon; Kim, Ji Eun; Lee, Young Seok; Lee, Ju Suk; Jung, Jin A

Abstract

PURPOSE
We evaluated the efficacy of leukotriene receptor antagonist and second generation anti-histamine in children with moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis.
METHODS
Twenty eight patients who were treated with second generation anti-histamine for 4 weeks (Zyrtec syrup(R), Group A) and 58 patients who were treated with leukotriene receptor antagonist for 4 weeks (Singulair(R), Group B) were enrolled in this study. Control group (n=22) was received only first generation anti-histamine (Hydroxyzine) intermittently. Efficacy were evaluated by nasal scores in nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, nasal itching, sneezing and total nasal symptom score (a sum of patient ratings of nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, nasal itching, sneezing) before treatment and at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment.
RESULTS
There were no difference in the total IgE and total eosinophil count of 3 groups. There were also no significant difference in the initial symptom scores. For nasal congestion, group A and B showed significant improvement at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment compared with controls (each P=0.006, P=0.000, P=0.023, P=0.001). For sneezing, group A and B showed significant improvement at 2 weeks after treatment compared with controls (each P=0.048, P=0.011) and group B also showed significant improvement at 4 weeks after treatment compared with controls (P=0.041). In total nasal symptom score (TNSS), group A and B showed significant improvement at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment compared with controls (each P=0.014, P=0.005, P=0.008, P=0.005).
CONCLUSION
In the moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis, leukotriene receptor antagonist or second generation anti-histamine is effective in nasal congestion and sneezing.