Beneficial effects of leukotriene receptor antagonists in the prevention of cedar pollinosis in a community setting.
BACKGROUND
In recent years, many countries have experienced an increase in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis. No effective approach is currently available to prevent the onset of symptoms in allergic individuals. Pranlukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist with a good safety and efficacy record for the management of allergic inflammation, may be appropriate for early intervention in the management of pollinosis.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy of pranlukast as an early intervention in the control of cedar pollinosis.


METHODS
In a double-blind comparative study, pranlukast (n = 102) or placebo (n = 91) was administered to cedar pollinosis patients immediately before the start of the dispersion season and continued for 4 weeks. Subsequently, pranlukast was administered to all patients for 2 weeks until the end of the cedar pollen dispersion season (mid-March). All patients were carefully monitored for severity of nasal symptoms, symptom scores, medication scores, symptom-medication scores, and quality of life (QOL).


RESULTS
Compared with placebo, therapy with pranlukast before and during the dispersion of cedar pollen in these patients significantly improved nasal symptoms (paroxysmal sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion), symptom scores, and symptom-medication scores. The drug also significantly reduced deterioration of QOL, and improved nasal symptoms and QOL throughout the dispersion period.


CONCLUSIONS
Administering pranlukast immediately before the beginning of cedar pollen dispersion is effective in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis throughout the dispersion period.
Yonekura
S
S
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
Okamoto
Y
Y
Okubo
K
K
Okawa
T
T
Gotoh
M
M
Suzuki
H
H
Kakuma
T
T
Horiguchi
S
S
Hanazawa
T
T
Konno
A
A
Okuda
M
M
D000328:Adult; D002867:Chromones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D032485:Cryptomeria / Q000276:immunology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology
D002867:Chromones; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists; C047681:pranlukast