A comparison of the effects of botulinum toxin A and steroid injection on nasal allergy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) with intranasal steroid injections on nasal symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).


METHODS
A randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded clinical trial (patients were blinded).


METHODS
Thirty-nine patients were included in the study. AR was diagnosed by means of history, clinical examination, and skin prick test. Patients were randomly divided into three subgroups as follows: in group A, 25 units of BTX-A were injected into each inferior turbinate (total 50 units); in group B, 1 cc (20 mg/mL) of triamcinolone was injected into each inferior turbinate; and in group C, 1 cc of isotonic saline was injected as placebo. The symptoms of AR were scored by the patient on a six-point scale.


RESULTS
At all time points, group A was significantly better than group C. In the nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea scores, group A was significantly better than group B after 8 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
BTX-A may provide better AR symptom relief in terms of duration and degree than a steroid injection.
Yang
Tae Yong
TY
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inha University, College of Medicine, Jung-Gu, Incheon, Korea. mansatong2@naver.com
Jung
Yoon Gun
YG
Kim
Young Hyo
YH
Jang
Tae Young
TY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide