I. Dreyfus

How to prescribe antihistamines for chronic idiopathic urticaria: desloratadine daily vs PRN and quality of life

Background:  Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) impairs quality of life (QoL). Currently, no consensus exists regarding how second‐generation H1‐antihistamines (proven to control CIU symptoms) should be taken long‐term: as daily treatment or only when symptoms return (PRN). We sought to determine which regimen improves or better maintains QoL in CIU: desloratadine (DL) daily or PRN.

Efficacy and safety of desloratadine in adults with chronic idiopathic urticaria: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial.

AbstractBackground and objective: Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), a condition characterized by pruritus and wheals, can cause patients physical and psychological distress. Desloratadine, a second-generation histamine H1 receptor antagonist (antihistamine), is a first-line treatment option for CIU. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-daily desloratadine 5mg versus placebo for the treatment of CIU symptoms and disease severity in adults. Methods: This was a randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial of 137 adult patients with active CIU who received oral once-daily desloratadine 5mg or placebo for 6 weeks. Outcome measures included pruritus severity, number of wheals, and the size of the largest wheal. Patients assessed signs and symptoms on a four-point scale twice daily. The overall therapeutic response at the end of the 6-week treatment period was also rated. Results: Desloratadine treatment was associated with significant improvements compared with placebo in pruritus scores and in the size of the largest wheals as early as day 1. These improvements continued through to the end of the trial. The mean score for the number of wheals was significantly lower in the desloratadine group than in the placebo group on days 14 and 42 (p ≤ 0.016). Overall improvement in CIU (complete, marked, or moderate therapeutic response) was also greater at the end of the study in the desloratadine group compared with placebo (p < 0.001). Adverse events occurred with similar frequency among desloratadine- and placebo-treated patients. Conclusion: Once-daily desloratadine 5mg is well tolerated and superior to placebo in reducing pruritus and wheals associated with CIU. Desloratadine provided rapid and sustained relief of CIU symptoms as early as after the first dose and maintained this effect until the end of the 6-week treatment period.

Desloratadine improves quality of life and symptom severity in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Background:  Desloratadine is associated with decreased signs and symptoms and improved nasal airflow in multiple clinical trials in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). The effect of desloratadine on quality of life (QOL) in AR has not been widely reported to date. We compared the effects of desloratadine and placebo on QOL in seasonal AR using validated, disease‐specific measures.

Quality of life in adults with chronic idiopathic urticaria receiving desloratadine: a randomized, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled study

Objective  To assess the effect of desloratadine on quality of life (QoL) in chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU).

Desloratadine relieves nasal congestion and improves quality-of-life in persistent allergic rhinitis.

Background:  Symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR), particularly nasal congestion, can impair quality‐of‐life (QoL). However, only a modest correlation exists between these symptoms and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) scores, suggesting that both be evaluated for a complete assessment of health.

Desloratadine for the treatment of cypress pollen–induced allergic rhinitis

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.