Comparison of budesonide and disodium cromoglycate for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis in children.
BACKGROUND
Budesonide and disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) are commonly used agents for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. The comparative efficacy, however, of these agents in the pediatric population has not been reported.


OBJECTIVE
The efficacy of nasally administered budesonide (400 micrograms/day, administered twice daily) was compared with that of DSCG (31.2 mg/day, administered six times per day) for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis in children.


METHODS
A single-blind parallel group study was carried out in 56 children (mean age 12 years) with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Treatment was for 3 weeks, during which patients assessed nasal symptoms, eye symptoms, and overall efficacy.


RESULTS
Over the 3-week period, mean scores for the nasal symptoms of blocked nose, itchy nose, and sneezing were significantly lower with budesonide therapy than with DSCG. P values were .021, .0032, and .0016, respectively. Both treatment groups reported reduced scores for runny nose and eye symptoms; no statistically significant difference was observed between budesonide and DSCG. The global efficacy assessment scores show significantly more patients benefited from budesonide therapy than from DSCG treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that nasally administered budesonide has greater efficacy than DSCG in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis in children.
Fisher
W G
WG
The Clinic, Fallin, Scotland, UK.
D000293:Adolescent; D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis; D019819:Budesonide; D002648:Child; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology; D011282:Pregnenediones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000485:Allergens; D011282:Pregnenediones; D019819:Budesonide; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium