Nasal decongestion test in allergic rhinitis: definition of responder.
BACKGROUND
Nasal airflow, as measured by rhinomanometry, is frequently impaired in allergic rhinitis (AR). The decongestion test evaluates whether the application of an intranasal vasoconstrictor drug increases nasal airflow.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to define the characteristics of decongestion test responders.


METHODS
123 subjects (112 males and 11 females, mean age 22.9+/-5.7 years) with AR were studied. Nasal eosinophils, rhinomanometry, and decongestion test were assessed in all subjects.


RESULTS
The optimal cut-off for % variation of nasal airflow and nasal eosinophils >5 was = 34.4, with sensibility = 82.7% (95%CI 73.7-89.6) and specificity = 80% (95%CI 59.3-93.1).


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical relevance of this study is that non-responders may have a likely moderate-severe allergic inflammation that should be adequately evaluated and treated.
Ciprandi
Giorgio
G
Dipartimento Medicina Interna, Semeiotica Medica I- Padiglione 3, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
Cirillo
Ignazio
I
Klersy
Catherine
C
Castellazzi
Anna Maria
AM
Barberi
Salvatore
S
Marseglia
Gian Luigi
GL
D000328:Adult; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology
D014663:Nasal Decongestants