Comparison of outcome measures in allergic rhinitis in children, adolescents and adults

Concurrent validity, cut-offs and ability to change of patient-reported outcome measures for rhinitis and asthma in MASK-air®

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used to assess a patient's health status at a particular point in time. They are essential in the development of person-centred care. This paper reviews studies performed on PROMs for assessing AR and asthma control, in particular VAS scales that are included in the app MASK-air® (Mobile Airways Sentinel networK) for asthma and rhinitis. VASs were initially developed on paper and pencil and tested for their criterion validity, cut-offs and responsiveness. Then, a multicentric, multinational, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised control trial (DB-PC-RCT) using an electronic VAS form was carried out. Finally, with the development of MASK-air® in 2015, previously validated VAS questions were adapted to the digital format and further methodologic evaluations were performed. VAS for asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, work and EQ-5D are included in the app. Additionally, two control-medication scores for allergic symptoms of asthma (e-DASTHMA) were validated for their criterion validity, cut-offs and responsiveness.

A novel dose-adjustment protocol for interrupted subcutaneous immunotherapy in children with allergic rhinitis

Aim: To assess the effectiveness and safety of a new protocol for adjusting doses during interrupted subcutaneous immunotherapy maintenance, exceeding an 8-week interval, with mite allergen injections in children with allergic rhinitis.Patients & methods: 194 children with allergic rhinitis who underwent subcutaneous immunotherapy and experienced interruptions lasting more than 8 weeks during maintenance were enrolled. Following the adoption of a novel dose-adjustment protocol, a real-world study was conducted.Results: After 3 years of subcutaneous immunotherapy, the novel group exhibited a significant reduction in allergy symptoms compared with baseline. Systemic reactions related to the novel protocol did not significantly increase.Conclusion: The novel protocol was deemed safe and effective, offering advantages of time savings and reduced burdens.

The effect of home environment modification nursing intervention on symptom control, quality of life, and number of triggers in children with allergic rhinitis: A randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of a nursing intervention aimed at home environment modification on symptom control, quality of life, and the number of triggers in children with allergic rhinitis.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This one-to-one, parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial was conducted with a pre-test/post-test design. The study used stratified sampling method. A total of 52 participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 26) and the control group (n = 26). The intervention group received education on home environment modification and the child was provided with anti-allergic bedding set. The control group continued with routine practices. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

After the nursing intervention for home environment modification, a significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the number of home environment triggers (p < 0.05). According to the mean scores of the Pediatric Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, no significant difference was found between the groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the mean scores for nasal discharge, nasal congestion, sneezing, nasal itching, and eye itching (p > 0.05) after the nursing intervention for home environment modification.

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate that the nursing intervention for home environment modification is an effective method in reducing the number of triggers in the home environment. However, no significant impact was observed on symptom control and quality of life.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Awareness can be increased by educating children with allergic rhinitis and their families about triggers in the home environment.

Efficacy of a Non-Pharmacological Intervention in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms

BACKGROUND

Patients suffering from allergic rhinitis seek for several therapeutic symptomatic options, including nonconventional treatments, to control their symptoms.

OBJECTIVES

Through the present proof-of-concept study, we prospectively investigated the potential role of Puressentiel® nasal protection spray (SNPA) in patients suffering from cypress pollen allergic rhinitis.

METHODS

In 15 adults, we performed two nasal provocation tests, with a cypress pollen extract, with a 15-day interval, with and without previous randomized administration of SNPA, and evaluated a nasal symptom score, the nasal inspiratory peak flow, and the concentration of inflammatory cytokines in the nasal lavage after the procedures.

RESULTS

Comparing results in patients challenged with and without the SNPA spray before the nasal challenge, we found a 57% mean decrease in symptoms, and a 62% average difference in inspiratory peak flow, after the use of the spray.

CONCLUSIONS

Puressentiel® SNPA is effective in reducing nasal symptoms, as assessed by nasal symptoms score and nasal inspiratory peak flow, and could be a valid natural non-pharmacological option in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis.

International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: Allergic rhinitis - 2023

BACKGROUND

In the 5 years that have passed since the publication of the 2018 International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis (ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2018), the literature has expanded substantially. The ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 update presents 144 individual topics on allergic rhinitis (AR), expanded by over 40 topics from the 2018 document. Originally presented topics from 2018 have also been reviewed and updated. The executive summary highlights key evidence-based findings and recommendation from the full document.

METHODS

ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 employed established evidence-based review with recommendation (EBRR) methodology to individually evaluate each topic. Stepwise iterative peer review and consensus was performed for each topic. The final document was then collated and includes the results of this work.

RESULTS

ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 includes 10 major content areas and 144 individual topics related to AR. For a substantial proportion of topics included, an aggregate grade of evidence is presented, which is determined by collating the levels of evidence for each available study identified in the literature. For topics in which a diagnostic or therapeutic intervention is considered, a recommendation summary is presented, which considers the aggregate grade of evidence, benefit, harm, and cost.

CONCLUSION

The ICAR-Allergic Rhinitis 2023 update provides a comprehensive evaluation of AR and the currently available evidence. It is this evidence that contributes to our current knowledge base and recommendations for patient evaluation and treatment.

The Role of Nasal Cytology and Serum Atopic Biomarkers in Paediatric Rhinitis

A Nasal Provocation Test allows the differentiation of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, but it is difficult and expensive. Therefore, nasal cytology is taking hold as an alternative. We carried out a cross-sectional study, including 29 patients with persistent rhinitis according to ARIA definition and negative skin prick tests. Nasal symptoms were scored from 0 to 5 using a visual analogue scale, and patients underwent blood tests to investigate blood cell count (particularly eosinophilia and basophilia), to analyze serum total and specific IgE and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and to perform nasal cytology. We performed a univariate logistical analysis to evaluate the association between total serum IgE, serum eosinophilia, basophils, and ECP and the presence of eosinophils in the nasal mucosa, and a multivariate logistic model in order to weight the single variable on the presence of eosinophils to level of the nasal mucosa. A statistically significant association between serum total IgE levels and the severity of nasal eosinophilic inflammation was found (confidence interval C.I. 1.08-4.65, odds ratio OR 2.24, p value 0.03). For this reason, we imagine a therapeutic trial with nasal steroids and oral antihistamines in patients with suspected LAR and increased total IgE levels, reserving nasal cytology and NPT to non-responders to the first-line therapy.

Herbal medicine for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a disease with a high prevalence and a high socioeconomic burden. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive systematic review to update the evidence on the use of herbal medicine (HM) for CRS treatment.

Methods: A total of 14 electronic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of HM on the treatment of CRS were searched for articles published before July 2021. The primary outcome was CRS severity post-treatment, measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Total Effective Rate (TER). The risk of bias of the included studies and the quality of evidence of the main findings were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations tool.

Results: A total of 80 RCTs were included. Compared to placebo, HM significantly improved CRS severity as measured by TER and VAS. When HM was compared with conventional treatment (CT) as monotherapy or adjuvant therapy, CRS severity measured by TER and VAS, quality of life, Lund-Kennedy endoscopy score, Lund-Mackay computed tomography score, and nasal mucociliary function were significantly improved in the HM group. No serious adverse events associated with HM were reported. The risk of bias was generally unclear, and the quality of evidence ranged from moderate to low.

Conclusion: This review found some limited clinical evidence that HM or HM combined with CT may be more effective and safer than CT alone in treating CRS. However, the methodological quality of the included studies was generally low, and the quality of the evidence needs to be improved.

Effects of Surgical Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis on Sleep and Mental Health in Adolescents

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic condition that is usually treated medically. Adolescents form a unique population in which AR-associated symptoms are greater than those in adults or children, and are closely related to sleep and mental disorders. In the current study, a retrospective analysis was performed to illustrate the surgical effects of AR symptoms on sleep and mental disorders in adolescents. In 81 adolescents with AR symptoms refractory to medical management, the severity of the AR symptoms was correlated with that of sleep or mental disorders. As a standard surgical procedure, submucosal bony resection of inferior turbinates with posterior nasal neurectomy was performed and half of the subjects underwent septoplasty due to severe deviation of the nasal septum. The degree of improvement in AR-associated symptoms by surgical treatment was correlated with that of mental disorders in adolescent patients who had sleep and mental disorders preoperatively. Considering the impact of AR symptoms on the quality of life of adolescents, surgical treatment can be a potent option for the treatment of AR refractory to medical management in this population.

Psychosocial impact of ocular surface allergic inflammatory disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is one of the most common ocular surface allergic inflammatory conditions seen in primary care that impacts patient's quality of life. Allergic conjunctivitis is increasingly being recognized as its own symptom complex that negatively impacts patient's quality of life separate from allergic rhinitis. This article reviews the psychosocial impact of ocular surface allergic inflammatory disorders (namely seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, ocular allergy, perennial allergic conjunctivitis, and atopic keratoconjunctivitis) on adult and pediatric populations.

RECENT FINDINGS

Despite the perception that allergic conjunctivitis is a trivial condition, it imposes a burden on numerous psychosocial aspects of life for adolescents and adults. Several questionnaires specific to rhinoconjunctivitis have been found to be effective tools at gauging quality of life (QoL) and communicating impairments in specific behavioral domains for adult and pediatric populations. An emerging focus on the role of hormone fluctuations and age on ocular surface allergic inflammation underscores the importance of nuancing the physiologic effects on ocular allergy and QoL at every decade of life.

SUMMARY

Further exploration and research of symptoms by age would greatly improve our understanding of age's impact on QoL in these patients and contribute to improved management of allergic conjunctivitis.

Concordance of Skin Prick Test, Intradermal Testing, Serum IgE Levels and Symptoms in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis

Background: Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is achieved by a combination of patient history and different screening tools, followed by specific provocation testing. Screening tools usually involve a skin prick test (SPT), specific serum IgE or a combination of both. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation of SPT, intradermal testing and specific serum IgE testing in certain allergens and to evaluate sensitization rates, symptom patterns and time of symptoms in a cohort of patients with suspected allergic rhinitis. Methods: Data on 4653 patients with suspected allergic rhinitis were included and divided into five groups: spring bloomers (birch, hazel, etc.), summer bloomers (grasses and rye), autumn bloomers (ribwort and mugwort), mites and mold. Correlation of SPT, intradermal testing and specific IgE test results using Cohen’s kappa and logistic regression were carried out to evaluate the probability of symptoms. Results: Comparison of SPT and specific serum IgE led to kappa coefficients between 0.33 and 0.47, corresponding to a minor to moderate concordance. Comparing the symptoms reported by patients with sensitization diagnosed by SPT, a correlation was only found for spring and summer bloomers with an odds ratio of 1.5 and 2.1, respectively. The most prevalent symptom in the study cohort was rhinitis, followed by others such as asthma, sense of smell and atopic dermatitis. Conclusions: SPT seems to be more sensitive than specific IgE for detection of sensitization. Patients’ symptoms as well as the timing of symptoms, especially for perennial allergies, are not always very pronounced.

Patient needs and benefits of sublingual immunotherapy for grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis: an observational study

Aim: Clinical efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy for grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) needs to translate into patient benefit. Patients & methods: Patients received Oralair (Stallergenes, Antony, France) in real-life medical practice. Patient-relevant treatment benefits were measured with the AR-specific Patient Benefit Index. Subgroups were analyzed regarding distinct patient characteristics. Results: Data of 883 patients (children, adolescents, and adults) were analyzed. The highest-ranked patient needs referred to having less AR-symptoms, being able to go outdoors, and being free in the choice of leisure activities. Most patients (89.2-94.6%) attained at least minimally relevant benefit. All subgroups reported relevant benefits, with significantly higher scores in some subgroups. Conclusion: Treatment with Oralair was associated with considerable patient-relevant benefit in all age groups.

Ear Acupressure for Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

The treatment effects and safety of ear acupressure (EAP) for patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) have yet to be clarified.

Objective

To evaluate the effects and safety of EAP in AR patients.

Design

Systematic review of published studies.

Methods

A total of 24 English and Chinese databases (PubMed, EMBASE (Excerpta Medical Database), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Informit, ScienceDirect, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences), ProQuest, AMED, Blackwell Synergy, PsycINFO, Panteleimon, AcuBriefs, KoreaMed, IndMed, Ingenta, mRCT, ISI Web of Knowledge, ERIC, VIP Information (http://www.cqvip.com), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (http://www.cnki.net), Cochrane Library, Chinese Cochrane Centre Controlled Trials Register Platform, and Wanfang Chinese Digital Periodical and Conference Database) were searched from their respective inceptions to August 2020 to collect randomized controlled trials of ear acupressure for allergic rhinitis. We performed literature inclusion, data extraction, and trial quality evaluations. Methodological quality was assessed according to the Cochrane Handbook. Revman5.3 was used for all analyses.

Results

A total of 203 trials were identified and eleven studies involved 1094 participants aged 3–70 years. EAP was better than control group interventions in terms of effectiveness (risk ratio (RR): 0.51; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.36–0.70; P < 0.0001). EAP was superior to sham EAP in terms of improvement of the total nasal symptom score (RR: −0.50; 95% CI: −0.96–0.05; P = 0.03), sneezing score (RR: −0.36; 95% CI: −0.59–0.12; P = 0.003), global QoL score (RR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.04–0.08; P = 0.03), and eye symptom score (RR: −0.36; 95% CI: −0.67–0.05; P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Despite the positive results, it is premature to confirm the efficacy of EAP for treating AR. More high-quality studies are needed to confirm safety and efficacy.

Predicting health-related quality of life in Spanish adolescents with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and bronchial asthma

This study analyzed the predictive power of sociodemographic (age, sex) and medical variables (months since diagnosis and in treatment, immunotherapy, number of environmental allergens, food allergies or atopic dermatitistypes) on the quality of life of patients with rhinoconjunctivitis and bronchial asthma, using models based on comparative qualitative fuzzy analysis to compare them according to the pathology(s).Retrospective cross-sectional design.Sixty-four adolescents (65.60% boys) diagnosed with rhinoconjunctivitis and/or bronchial asthma aged between 12 and 16 years old (M= 14.02; SD = 1.45).The data were collected between February 2019 and January 2020 using the Brief Disease Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ), the Adolescent Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (AdolRQoLQ) and the Respiratory Disease Questionnaire Self-administered and Standardized Chronicle (CRQ-SAS). Qualitative comparative analysis models (QCA) were used.In the QCA models, the various combinations indicated that the variables that predicted a higher quality of life for both rhinocojuntivitis symptoms and respiratory symptoms were receiving longer-term immunotherapy and a perceived lower threat of the disease. The consistencies of the models vary between 23-29%. In conclusion, the patients' QoL was explained by the presence of longer-term immunotherapy and a less threatening perception of the disease.Therefore, early multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment is important.

[Interest of environmental exposure chambers in the evaluation of allergic conjunctivitis]

Allergic conjunctivitis affects 15 to 20% of the general population. It is currently evaluated by the Conjunctival Provocation Test (CPT), which is considered as the gold standard. In the investigation of allergic rhinitis and asthma, environmental exposure chambers (EEC) are increasingly utilised. For allergic conjunctivitis, EEC might be a valid alternative to the CPT. However, evaluation of the allergen response in individual provocation tests or in EECs is still in discussion due to the multiplicity of symptom scores. Indeed, there are many scores used to evaluate allergic conjunctivitis. The main criteria used were described by Abelson in 1990 and include redness, itching, tearing, and swelling. In clinical studies, the specifically ocular score most used is the Total Ocular Symptom Score (TOSS). Few treatments have been evaluated by EEC, including cold compresses, epinastine and N-acetyl aspartyl glutamic acid. Moreover, early data shows good correlation between ocular symptoms induced in an EEC and those assessed during natural exposure. EEC might be a valid alternative to CPT and correlate with natural seasonal allergen exposure. Finally, EEC might be useful in other fields as well, such as in the study of dry eye disease.

The influence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis on migraine disability in children

OBJECTIVE

Migraine is a common condition in the pediatric population and causes a significant impact on the quality of life. Atopic disorders are some of the migraine comorbidities. We hypothesized that allergic rhinitis could aggravate migraine in the pediatric population.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study consecutively evaluated 90 pediatric outpatients (46 children 6-12 years of age; 44 adolescents up to 18 years of age) who sought medical assistance because of migraine at a general neurology clinic in Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil. They, and their parents, were given three questionnaires, to evaluate the diagnosis of current allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and seasonal allergic rhinitis, as well as the disability caused by headache (ISAAC - International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood; CARATkids - Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test for Children; PedMIDAS - Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment). The study was approved by the local ethics committee.

RESULTS

According to the ISAAC questionnaire, children with current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in the last year showed higher scores on the PedMIDAS than those patients without atopy (median and interquartile range 26 [10-58] vs. 5 [1-13], p = 0.008). A significant positive correlation of CARATkids scores with PedMIDAS scores was found (p = 0.007, rho = 0.39). After including other putative predictors of migraine disability (age, body mass index, time since onset of migraine) in a multiple regression analysis, only the scores on the CARATkids remained a significant independent variable correlated with PedMIDAS scores (p = 0.001; R = 0.55; R2 = 0.30).

CONCLUSIONS

Current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is related to enhanced disability caused by headache in childhood migraine.

Multimorbidities of Pediatric Allergic Rhinitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Most children and adolescents with allergic rhinitis (AR) present extra-nasal multimorbid conditions, including conjunctivitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, rhinosinusitis, or seromucous otitis. Additionally, they may present nasal obstructive disorders, such as septal deformity, turbinate enlargement, and adenoidal hyperplasia, which worsen nasal symptoms, especially nasal obstruction. This is a narrative review on the current state of the concomitant presence of AR and one or more multimorbidities.

RECENT FINDINGS

The presence of AR and one or more accompanying multimorbidities is associated to a higher severity and duration of the disease, a negative impact on quality of life, with worse control and lack of improvement with medical treatment. Therefore, AR needs to be managed with a multidisciplinary collaborative approach. Pediatric AR needs to be considered in the context of a systemic disease, which requires a coordinated therapeutic strategy.

Validation of Patient-Reported Outcomes for Clinical Trials in Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review

Although regulatory authorities have recently recommended the use of a combined symptom-medication score as a primary efficacy end point, none has been psychometrically validated. Here, we sought to determine to what extent allergic rhinitis (AR)-related patient-reported outcomes (symptom scores, medication scores, disease control scores, and satisfaction or quality-of-life scales) have been assessed for construct, content, and/or criterion validity, reliability, responsiveness, and the minimal clinically important difference. We searched the PubMed database from January 1997 to June 2018 with logical combinations of key words related to validation, AR, and patient-rated outcomes and scales. From a total of 1705 potentially relevant publications, 55 were reviewed. Despite the current emphasis on a combined symptom-medication score for evaluating the efficacy of allergen immunotherapy in AR, symptom scores have not been extensively validated, and we did not find any publications describing the validation of a medication score. Disease control scales (mainly the Rhinitis Control Assessment Test, the Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test, and the Allergic Rhinitis Control Test) and health-related quality-of-life scales (mainly the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire [RQLQ] and the mini-RQLQ) have been extensively validated in AR but have some practical disadvantages as primary efficacy criteria in clinical trials.

Minimal clinically important difference for the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire in allergic rhinitis in Thai population

Background

Clinical measurement of the severity of allergic rhinitis (AR) can be assessed by symptoms score and patient quality of life (QoL). The magnitude of change in both symptoms and patient QoL should be considered in the management of AR.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in AR in Thai population.

Methods

This prospective study recruited AR patients that attended our clinic during September 2011 to February 2012. The Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life (Rcq-36) questionnaire was used to evaluate patient QoL. The Global Rating of Change Scale (GRCS) was used to assess improvement or deterioration in condition. The MCID was determined using an anchor-based method based on the GRCS, which was compared to the MCID determined by a distribution-based method based on the standard deviation (SD).

Results

Three hundred seventy-two patients with chronic rhinitis were recruited. Eighty-four of those had positive skin prick test and be diagnosed as AR. Of those, 79 completed the study and were included in the final analysis. A change of 2 points on the GRCS yielded an MCID for overall QoL of 0.21 ± 0.57. When applying the distribution-based method, an SD of 1.5 SD yielded an MCID for QoL of 0.27. For the rhinitis symptoms domain, the MCID was 0.42 ± 0.72.

Conclusions

The MCID for overall QoL and rhinitis symptoms in Thai AR patients was found to be 0.21 ± 0.57 and 0.42 ± 0.72, respectively. MCID can be applied for determining the clinical significance of treatment efficacy in AR.

The burden of allergic rhinitis and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis on adolescents: A literature review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the literature regarding the burden of allergic rhinitis (AR) and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) in adolescents (aged 10-19 years).

DATA SOURCES

Searches were performed in MEDLINE, Embase, Health Technology Assessment Database, and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database for studies that evaluated concepts of symptoms, quality of life (QOL), daily activities, sleep, examination performance, school absenteeism and presenteeism, and treatment burden in adolescents with AR or ARC.

STUDY SELECTIONS

English-language journal articles indexed in the last 15 years describing noninterventional, population-based studies. Records were assessed by 2 independent reviewers.

RESULTS

A total of 27 articles were identified; outcomes evaluated were symptoms (n = 6 studies), QOL (n = 9), daily activities (n = 5), emotional aspects (n = 3), sleep (n = 6), education (n = 7), and treatment burden (n = 2). AR symptoms rated most bothersome were rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes. QOL was worse in adolescents with AR vs controls regardless of QOL instrument used. Nasal symptoms and nasal obstruction were more likely to be associated with poor QOL in adolescents than in adults or younger children, respectively. Daily functioning and sleep were also negatively affected by AR. In addition, a detrimental effect on absenteeism, school productivity, and academic performance was reported.

CONCLUSION

Although AR and ARC are sometimes perceived as trivial conditions, this review indicates that their effect on adolescent life is negative and far-reaching. It is critical that clinicians gain a greater understanding of the unique burden of AR and ARC in adolescents to ensure they receive prompt and appropriate care and treatment to improve clinical and academic outcomes.

International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Critical examination of the quality and validity of available allergic rhinitis (AR) literature is necessary to improve understanding and to appropriately translate this knowledge to clinical care of the AR patient. To evaluate the existing AR literature, international multidisciplinary experts with an interest in AR have produced the International Consensus statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis (ICAR:AR).

METHODS

Using previously described methodology, specific topics were developed relating to AR. Each topic was assigned a literature review, evidence-based review (EBR), or evidence-based review with recommendations (EBRR) format as dictated by available evidence and purpose within the ICAR:AR document. Following iterative reviews of each topic, the ICAR:AR document was synthesized and reviewed by all authors for consensus.

RESULTS

The ICAR:AR document addresses over 100 individual topics related to AR, including diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, disease burden, risk factors for the development of AR, allergy testing modalities, treatment, and other conditions/comorbidities associated with AR.

CONCLUSION

This critical review of the AR literature has identified several strengths; providers can be confident that treatment decisions are supported by rigorous studies. However, there are also substantial gaps in the AR literature. These knowledge gaps should be viewed as opportunities for improvement, as often the things that we teach and the medicine that we practice are not based on the best quality evidence. This document aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the AR literature to identify areas for future AR research and improved understanding.

Validation of the MASK-rhinitis visual analogue scale on smartphone screens to assess allergic rhinitis control

BACKGROUND

Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a validated tool to assess control in allergic rhinitis patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to validate the use of VAS in the MASK-rhinitis (MACVIA-ARIA Sentinel NetworK for allergic rhinitis) app (Allergy Diary) on smartphones screens to evaluate allergic rhinitis symptoms and disease control.

METHODS

Each user filled 4 different VAS measuring overall, nasal, ocular, and asthma symptoms at least once. Following COSMIN guidelines, we evaluated internal consistency, (Cronbach's alpha coefficient and test-retest), reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients), sensitivity, and acceptability of the MASK-Rhinitis VAS.

RESULTS

Between 1 August 2015 and 31 July 2016, the app was used 14 612 times in 15 countries. A total of 1225 users used it more than once, during the evaluated period. The tool resulted to be statistically satisfactory, showing excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's test > 0.84, test-retest > 0.7), reliability (>0.9), and acceptability. In addition, the tool had a good sensitivity when users (n = 521) answered the VAS twice in less than 3 hours.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The MASK-rhinitis VAS is a reliable and valid tool to assess allergic control on smartphone screens, at the population level.

Nasal obstructive disorders impair health-related quality of life in adolescents with persistent allergic rhinitis: A real-life study

BACKGROUND

We previously reported a higher prevalence of nasal obstructive disorders (NOD) in pediatric patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (PER) not responding to medical treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of NOD on quality of life (QoL) in this population.

METHODS

Real-life prospective study including 142 patients (41 children, 6-11 years old and 101 adolescents, 12-17 years old) with moderate and severe PER. After 2 months of medical treatment (intranasal steroids and antihistamines), patients were asked whether their symptoms had improved (yes/no) and classified accordingly in R, responders and NR, non-responders. Nasal symptoms (visual analog scale, VAS), NOD (nasal endoscopy), and QoL (PRQLQ, AdolQRLQ) were also assessed.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine adolescents and 24 children were included in the NR group. NR presented worse QoL overall scores in adolescents (3.16±1.1 vs 1.63±0.99; P=.00001) and children (2.19±0.82 vs 1.51±0.77, P=.02). Medical treatment failure was associated with worse outcomes in QoL (adolescents OR: 1.6, P<.0001; children OR: 1.04, P=.036). Female adolescents presented worse QoL scores than males (3.19 vs 2.36, P=.001). The presence of obstructive septal deviation (OR: 1.02, P=.005), obstructive turbinate hyperplasia (OR: 1.03, P=.0006), and coexistence of both (OR=2.06, P=.001) was associated with worse QoL in adolescents. A strong and highly significant correlation was found between nasal symptoms VAS and QoL.

CONCLUSION

The presence of NOD, particularly in adolescents, is associated with poor QoL outcomes. Assessment of NOD in pediatric PER should be considered an essential approach to determine the response to treatment and its impact on patient's QoL.

Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test for Children (CARATKids): Validation in Brazil and cutoff values

BACKGROUND

The Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test for Children (CARATKids) assesses asthma and allergic rhinitis control in children younger than 12 years.

OBJECTIVE

To validate the Brazilian Portuguese version of the CARATKids and to define the cutoff values for identifying uncontrolled disease.

METHODS

Children aged 6 to 12 years with asthma and allergic rhinitis were studied (n = 102). CARATKids, childhood Asthma Control Test (cACT), total nasal symptom score (TNSS), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were obtained at baseline and after 4 to 6 weeks. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, responsiveness, and validity of the Brazilian CARATKids were assessed according to the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurements Instruments checklist. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was evaluated using distribution and anchor methods. Spearman correlations were used to compare CARATKids scores with external measures of control. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to establish cutoff values.

RESULTS

Fifty children completed both visits. The Cronbach α and intraclass correlation coefficient of CARATKids were 0.81 and 0.85, respectively. The Guyatt responsiveness index was -1.34, and within-patient change in clinically unstable patients (n = 31) was significant (P = .02). As for cross-sectional and longitudinal validity, correlation coefficients ranged from 0.58 to 0.77 (P < .001) and 0.30 to 0.57 (P < .05), respectively. The estimated MCID for CARATKids was 3. The optimal cutoffs (sensitivity and specificity) to exclude uncontrolled and controlled disease were 3 or less (97% and 67%) and 6 or greater (56% and 96%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

CARATKids is a reliable and valid tool to assess asthma and allergic rhinitis control in Brazilian children. A score of 6 or higher on CARATKids identifies uncontrolled disease, and a score of 3 or lower excludes poor disease control.

Sleep disorders in children with moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis

Introduction

Allergic rhinitis is associated with several complications, including sleep disorders. The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire has been recently translated and validated in Portuguese for the evaluation of sleep disorders in children.

Objective

To assess sleep disorders in children with moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis and to correlate the findings with disease severity markers.

Methods

We evaluated 167 children (4–10 years), 112 with allergic rhinitis and 55 controls. Parents/guardians of the children answered the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, consisting of 33 questions divided into eight subscales, which refers to the previous week. Patients with rhinitis were also evaluated regarding the score of nasal and extra-nasal symptoms related to the previous week and the peak nasal inspiratory flow.

Results

There were no significant differences between groups of different age. All patients with rhinitis were being treated with nasal topical corticosteroids. The total Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire score was significantly higher among children with rhinitis than in controls (median 48 vs. 43, p < 0.001). Significantly higher values were also observed for the parasomnia (9 vs. 8), respiratory disorders (4 vs. 3) and daytime sleepiness (14 vs. 12) subscales. Among the patients with rhinitis, no significant correlation was observed between the total Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire score and disease activity variables, but moderate correlations were observed for the respiratory distress subscale vs. nasal symptom score (r = 0.32) and vs. extra-nasal symptom score (r = 0.32).

Conclusion

Children with moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis, even when submitted to regular treatment, have a higher frequency of sleep disorders than controls, particularly concerning nocturnal breathing disorders, daytime sleepiness, and parasomnias. The intensity of sleep disorders found in some subscales was correlated with objective markers of allergic rhinitis severity.