[The use of lipid containing nasal ointment for allergic rhinitis--a therapeutic option? A bicentric, prospective, open, randomised, controlled clinical study].
BACKGROUND
Some 10-20% of the population suffer from allergic rhinitis. A recently discussed and interesting, albeit disputed therapy option is the use of a lipid-based nasal ointment.


METHODS
To test the efficacy of this nasal ointment as an adjuvant therapy for allergic rhinitis, a two-centre, prospective, open, randomized, controlled clinical study was carried out.


RESULTS
In the study, 17 patients using the test agent were compared with 16 who did not. For the group using the test agent, before and after comparisons showed a significant (about 40%) improvement in the medium, relative total range of symptoms (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U-test, P<0.01) based on the individual parameters of sneezing attacks, nasal itching, nasal secretion and nasal obstruction. In the control group, non-use of the test agent meant that the total range of symptoms remained unchanged. No side effects were recorded.


CONCLUSIONS
The test agent used in our study contains a lipid fraction, in this case in the form of high purity, long chain hydrocarbons. By local application, a significant improvement of the total symptomatology was shown. The mechanism has not been clarified. Owing to the efficacy and low risk of side effects, this seems to be a promising adjuvant therapy for allergic rhinitis. The probetoric use of this nasal ointment as a supportive therapeutic option should be reviewed in further clinical studies.
Geisthoff
U W
UW
Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Homburg. urban.geisthoff@uniklinik-saarland.de
Rupp-Classen
M
M
Blum
A
A
Plinkert
P K
PK
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008055:Lipids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments / Q000008:administration & dosage; D020127:Recovery of Function; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D008055:Lipids; D009824:Ointments