Neuronal markers in allergic rhinitis: expression and correlation with sensory testing

INTRODUCTION: Although the role of immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity reactions in allergic rhinitis is well known, the relative contribution of sensory nerves to the symptoms of rhinitis is uncertain. This study looked at the level of specific neuronal markers including the nerve marker protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), sensory and autonomic neuropeptides, the capsaicin/heat receptor TRPV1, and nerve growth factor (NGF) in patients with allergic rhinitis and controls and their correlation with nasal sensitivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients (23 controls, 17 rhinitis) having nasal surgery were recruited. Nasal sensitivity was tested using graded monofilaments. Inferior turbinate biopsies were collected and studied using immunohistology, with measurement of nerve fibers by direct observation or computerized image analysis. RESULTS: Nerve fibers (PGP 9.5) in the epithelium, subepithelium, and glandular/vascular regions were significantly increased in allergic rhinitis (P=.037, <.01, and .04, respectively), as were subepithelial and glandular/vascular fibers immunoreactive for neuropeptide substance P (P=.04 subepithelium; .02 glandular/vascular) and neuropeptide tyrosine (P<.01 glandular/vascular), markers for sensory and sympathetic nerves, respectively. TRPV1 epithelial fiber counts were higher in rhinitis, but this was not statistically significant. Epithelial NGF immunoreactivity (% area) was significantly increased in rhinitis (P=.027). Nasal sensitivity was correlated significantly with PGP 9.5 subepithelial innervation (control touch P=.023, irritation P=.046; rhinitis touch P=.042, irritation P=.043). A correlation was also observed between epithelial NGF and subepithelial PGP 9.5 innervation, which included all subjects (P=.044). CONCLUSION: The increased number and specific phenotypical changes of sensory nerves may play a role in nasal hypersensitivity and provide new targets for the treatment of rhinitis.     

Evaluation of olfactory function in children with allergic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis

ObjectivesAllergic rhinitis (AR) occurs when the symptoms of rhinitis arise as a result of allergen-induced nasal mucosal inflammation. In the presence of rhinitis symptoms without infection or an allergic reaction in the nose, non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) is considered. Adults with these diseases have increased frequency of olfactory dysfunction. The aim of the present study is to assess olfactory function in children with AR and NAR.MethodsA total of 77 children (aged six to 18 years) with AR and NAR were included in the study. The control group consisted of 45 healthy children. Sniffin' Sticks test was applied to both groups. The association between odor scores and demographic, clinical, and laboratory results was investigated.ResultsForty two patients had allergic rhinitis. No significant difference was observed between patients with rhinitis and healthy controls with respect to odor scores. No association was observed between odor scores and the severity of rhinitis and the laboratory results of the patient groups. Odor identification and total odor scores of the patients with rhinitis lasting for longer than three years were significantly lower than those in the patient group with rhinitis lasting for one to three years. In the AR and control groups, the odor scores were found to increase with age.ConclusionsWhen compared with healthy children, children with allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis were not found to have reduced olfactory function. The duration of rhinitis may be associated with the olfactory dysfunction in children with rhinitis.     

Oxymetazoline plus dexpanthenol in nasal congestion

Aims  To compare the efficacy and tolerability of Oxymetazoline 0.05 % plus Dexpanthanol 5% versus Xylometazoline 0.1 % nasal drops in patients with nasal congestion due to allergic rhinitis and following nasal surgery. Methods  An investigator-blind, randomized, controlled, phase IV clinical trial conducted in 100 patients with acute allergic rhinitis or patients post-nasal surgery. Patients received either Oxymetazoline 0.05% with Dexpanthanol 5% (OD) or Xylometazoline 0.1% (XO) nasal drops. Results  Relief from nasal congestion was significantly better in the OD group then in the XO group (mean nasal scores 1.24 vs 1.86). Significantly more improvement in sneezing and decrease in nasal discharge was seen in the OD group than the XO group. Nasal irritation in the OD group was significantly less as compared to XO group (0.38 v/s 1.12 on second day and 0.10 vs 0.36 on the fourth day). The recovery time for OD group was 1.08 hours, which was significantly (46 min) lesser than that of the XO group. Rebound congestion was significantly less in OD as compared to XO group (6.25% vs 82.98%). 93.75% of the physicians in the OD group and 51.28% in XO group reported response to therapy as good to excellent. 95.83% patients in the OD group and only 52.91% patients in the XO group rated tolerability to therapy as good to excellent. Conclusion  Oxymetazoline and dexpanthenol combination has a better efficacy, shorter recovery time, causes lesser rebound congestion and has better tolerability than xylometazoline.     

Impaired olfactory function in mice with allergic rhinitis

Objective

It has been reported that olfactory function is impaired in patients with allergic rhinitis. However, the mechanism of olfactory dysfunction in allergic rhinitis remains poorly understood. Because of difficulties in obtaining and analyzing human olfactory mucosa due to both technical and ethical issues, an animal model needs to be established to clarify the mechanism of olfactory dysfunction in allergic rhinitis. The purpose of this study was to study olfactory function and changes in olfactory mucosa using allergic rhinitis mice.

Methods

A model of allergic rhinitis mice with olfactory dysfunction was developed by sensitizing with ovalbumin (OVA), and intranasally challenging with the same allergen. Olfactory function of mice with or without allergic rhinitis was assessed by odor detection ability test with cycloheximide and local field potential (LFP) with 1-octanal. We also evaluated histological changes in the olfactory mucosa of allergic rhinitis mice by both light and electron microscopy.

Results

Both of odor detection ability test and LFP showed that olfactory function was impaired in mice with allergic rhinitis, but not in mice without allergic rhinitis. Histopathological findings showed prominent infiltration of eosinophils, plasma cells, neutrophils, mast cells, and macrophages in lamina propria of olfactory mucosa of mice with allergic rhinitis, although infiltration of these cells was not seen in control mice. Allergic rhinitis also increased the number and size of glands in olfactory mucosa, suggesting an elevated amount of mucin in olfactory mucosa.

Conclusion

This study showed for the first time that mice with allergic rhinitis have impaired olfactory function, increased size and number of olfactory glands, and infiltration of eosinophils, neutrophils, mast cells, plasma cells, and macrophages in the olfactory mucosa. This suggests that allergic reactions are seen in olfactory mucosa of mice with allergic rhinitis, and that greater olfactory gland activity is associated with olfactory dysfunction. Also, this mouse model could provide an expedient system for analyzing mechanisms of olfactory dysfunction.     

Point prevalence of allergic rhinitis among Saudi children

BACKGROUND: Study of allergic rhinitis (AR) has only recently started in Saudi Arabia. No estimate of the actual percent of the population suffering from AR, especially children, is available. OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of AR in children in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the association with hearing impairment (HI) and bronchial asthma. METHODS: An epidemiological survey was carried out using a modified "International study of asthma and allergies in childhood" (ISAAC) questionnaire for rhinitis phase1. The children with allergic history were subjected to allergy work up. Ten thousand children were surveyed and the clinical history of rhinitis (sneezing, rhinorrhea, irritation, nasal blockage) during the past 12 months was recorded. In total, 9540 children with complete data were interviewed. Demographic characteristics including age, sex, parents' relation, and family history were noted and an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) examination and hearing screening was performed. RESULTS: We identified 2529 children with rhinitis (prevalence 26.51%), 25.66% of them with physician diagnosed asthma. Laboratory tests were performed on blood samples from 304 children. A skin prick test with relevant allergens was performed on those aged 6 to 15 years: 61.8% had positive results to one or more allergens, compared to 23.75% in a non-rhinitis control group. HI was found in 450 (17.8%) of the rhinitis group compared to 791 (12.7%) among the non-rhinitis group. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with previous studies in Saudi Arabia, this survey showed higher rates of allergic disease. HI was also found to be higher among rhinitis children. This could be attributed to environmental, social or genetic factors.     

Comparison of the effects of nasal steroids and montelukast on olfactory functions in patients with allergic rhinitis

Objective

Olfactory dysfunction is one of the comorbidities associated with allergic rhinitis (AR) and AR is one of the common causes of olfactory problems. We aimed to evaluate by the Sniffin’ Sticks test the effects on olfactory functions of nasal steroids and leukotriene antagonists used for allergic rhinitis.

Acoustic rhinometric assessment of nasal obstruction after treatment with fluticasone propionate in patients with perennial rhinitis

Objective: To investigate the effect of fluticasone propionate (FP) on the symptom of nasal obstruction and to assess the correlation between the subjective visual analogue score (VAS) and the objective acoustic rhinometry (AR) measurements. Methods: A prospective study of 45 consecutive patients, 30 males and 15 females with a mean age of 27 years (range: 16–59 years), with moderate/severe symptoms of perennial rhinitis who were treated by FP nasal spray for 4 weeks. AR and VAS were used to evaluate, compare and correlate the efficacy of FP nasal sprays. Results: There was a significant improvement in the VAS post-treatment (3.9) compared with pre-treatment (6.3). There was also a significant increase in the nasal volume (V) and minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) after intranasal FP. Good correlation between the total MCA and total V was noted. Subjective improvements in symptoms did not correlate well with objective measurements as the correlation between VAS and AR was poor. Conclusion: Our study provides subjective and objective evidence on the efficacy of intranasal FP in improving nasal obstruction in perennial rhinitis. AR also proved to be a useful instrument in monitoring the effectiveness of medical therapy for perennial rhinitis.     

The prevalence of IgG1 and IgG4 autoantibodies to IgE in patients with allergic and non-allergic rhinitis

In this study we have compared the levels of IgG1 and IgG4 autoantibodies to IgE in the sera of patients with allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis. A group of patients undergoing cosmetic nasal surgery, but who did not have rhinitis or any history of atopy, acted as control. The frequency of positive titres of IgG1 and/or IgG4 anti-IgE was 70% (14/20) in patients with allergic rhinitis, 50% (10/20) in patients with non-allergic rhinitis and 20% (4/20) in the control group. The mean titres of IgG1 anti-IgE and IgG4 anti-IgE were in the order allergic rhinitis > non-allergic rhinitis > controls. In the allergic rhinitis group levels of IgG1 anti-IgE (P= 0.0055) and IgG4 anti-IgE (P= 0.0028) were significantly higher than those found in the control group. The non-allergic rhinitis group also showed significantly higher levels of IgG1 anti-IgE (P= 0.0182) and IgG4 anti-IgE (P= 0.0359) than the control group. The existence of IgG autoantibodies to IgE in both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis suggests a possible role for these antibodies in the disease process, particularly in patients whose symptoms are not due to an allergic trigger.     

复方色甘酸钠鼻喷雾剂治疗变应性鼻炎的疗效观察

目的观察复方色甘酸钠鼻喷剂(色甘酸钠与盐酸赛洛唑啉混合制剂)治疗变应性鼻炎的有效性和安全性。方法采用与已上市的同类有效药物立复汀鼻喷剂作为阳性对照,进行多中心、随机、双盲、平行对照的临床研究。根据病人症状和体征积分变化率进行疗效评估。结果入选病例240例,进入疗效分析229例,安全性分析230例。研究过程中未发生严重不良事件。症状积分变化率的疗效:试验组有效率92.3%,对照组有效率93.8%,经比较无统计学意义。体征积分变化率的疗效为:试验组有效率82.9%,对照组有效率88.4%,经比较无统计学意义。总体疗效:实验组有效率70.9%,对照组有效率78.6%,两组比较无统计学意义。结论复方色甘酸钠鼻喷雾剂,治疗变应性鼻炎安全有效,并与立复汀鼻喷剂等效。     

Nasal and Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Allergic Rhinitis

Objectives

The primary aim of this study was to assess whether one can use levels of nasal nitric oxide (nNO) and exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) as a means of evaluation in allergic rhinitis.

Methods

We used a chemiluminescence analyzer to measure nNO and eNO in normal controls (n=34) and allergic rhinitis patients (n=35), and compared these measurements with various parameters of clinical symptoms and laboratory data.

Results

Mean nNO (389±119 ppb) in allergic rhinitis patients was significantly higher than normal controls (276±88 ppb). Without asthma, mean eNO (64.8±55.9 ppb) in allergic rhinitis patients was significantly higher than normal controls (33.0±24.0 ppb). In the persistent allergic rhinitis group, eNO concentration was significantly higher, while nNO concentration was significantly lower than the intermittent group.

Conclusion

We can use nNO and eNO levels for evaluation of allergic rhinitis. However, we should consider the fact that nNO levels can be reduced, when symptoms are severe and long-lasting. Additionally, in allergic rhinitis, eNO can be elevated without asthma.     

Relationship between Toxocara seropositivity and allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is the most common chronic disease in the upper respiratory tract, requiring better diagnostic methodology to counteract its onslaught. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between Toxocara seropositivity and allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Sixty-four consecutive patients with allergic rhinitis and 61 healthy volunteers in the control group were included in this study. The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis was defined by positive epicutaneous prick test. The diagnosis of toxocariasis was established by IgG and specific IgE antibodies against Toxocara by ELISA method. All cases were examined for intestinal parasites also. The seropositive cases with Toxocara were reevaluated for symptoms and signs of toxocariasis. RESULTS: Higher toxocariasis seropositivity (ELISA IgG; 28.1%) rate was determined in the patients with allergic rhinitis and compared with the control groups (11.5%; p < 0.05). Specific IgE seropositivity (17.2%) was high for the patients with allergic rhinitis compared with the control group (3.3%; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results show that there was a possible causal relationship between Toxocara infection and allergic rhinitis. Patients with allergic rhinitis from a region with high prevalence for this parasitic infection should be evaluated for Toxocara infection.     

Patient preference survey on the lack of taste and odor of Nasonex nasal spray. Which impact on compliance to treatment?

In order to assess the acceptability of a new scent-free formulation of mometasone furoate (Nasonex) among allergic rhinitis patients, who already have been treated by the scented formulation of Nasonex, a phone survey was performed with a sample of 216 patients recruited by Nasonex GP's prescribers and pharmacists. The aim of this survey is to assess the diagnosis modalities, the allergic rhinitis characteristics and associated symptoms in one hand and in the other hand, the main reasons which led them to prefer a new scent-free formulation, in comparison with the only commercialized scented mometasone furoate (Nasonex) at the time when this survey was conducted. The impact of unscented Nasonex on patient's compliance to treatment was also assessed. This survey confirms that the GP is the key actor who usually establish the allergy diagnosis and the interrogatory is the principle method used. The prick test was more often and significantly used in 35% of the perennial rhinitis instead of 19% in seasonal allergic rhinitis (p < or = 0.05). When the diagnosis of allergy was established by an allergologist, 89% of them used a prick test. In this survey, asthma was associated in 24% of the patients, particularly in who suffering from perennial allergic rhinitis. 85% of patients rate their smell as globally good. 75% of the treated patients were interested by the new unscented formulation of Nasonex, regardless of the type of their rhinitis, seasonal or perennial. About 60% of patients stated that the lack of odor will led them to be more compliant to their treatment.     

扁桃体切除术对变应性鼻炎合并支气管哮喘的影响

目的 探讨变应性鼻炎行扁桃体切除后患者并发支气管哮喘的情况。方法 将解放军第401医院北院耳鼻咽喉头颈外科1990年至2000年有详细资料的变应性鼻炎患者分为扁桃体切除组和非扁桃体切除组, 采用问卷的方式调查变应性鼻炎的程度、并发支气管哮喘的首发年龄、支气管哮喘的发病程度及自行用药的控制程度等。结果 共调查变应性鼻炎患者1 249例, 其中扁桃体切除组128例, 46.88%的变应性鼻炎为轻度, 哮喘发生率为32.03%, 首发年龄为(32.40±7.63)岁, 中重度哮喘发病率为43.90%, 哮喘患者自行用药控制率达82.93%;非扁桃体切除组1 121例, 18.20%的变应性鼻炎为轻度, 哮喘发生率为47.55%, 首发年龄为(19.88±6.39)岁, 中重度哮喘发病率为43.90%, 哮喘患者自行用药控制率达68.10%。两组差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05 )。结论 扁桃体切除术对变应性鼻炎并发支气管哮喘有一定的治疗作用。     

Prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease in chronic rhinitis

A retrospective, controlled study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease in 111 adult patients with allergic (77) and nonallergic (34) rhinitis seen in a private ENT/allergy practice in the lower Hudson Valley, New York. The control group consisted of 101 patients with no history of chronic rhinitis. Autoimmune thyroid disease was found in 10.4% of the allergic rhinitis group, 14.7% of the nonallergic rhinitis group, and 9.9% of controls, with a trend toward higher prevalence in the nonallergic rhinitis group compared with controls. No statistically significant association was noted between the 3 groups. The female-to-male ratio in the nonallergic rhinitis group was approximately twice as high as in the control group.     

Proposed diagnostic standard using visual analogue scale and acoustic rhinometry in nasal provocation test in allergic patients

Objective

The authors aimed to analyze symptom change after nasal provocation and acoustic rhinometry results of a larger number of allergic rhinitis patients and also aimed to propose a new diagnostic threshold by investigating the difference between patients with allergic and non-allergic perennial rhinitis.

Methods

The authors checked symptom change and performed acoustic rhinometry before and after nasal provocation in 208 patients (114 males and 94 females, 19-58 years old) with allergic rhinitis and 222 patients (116 males and 106 females, 20-74 years old) clinically diagnosed with non-allergic perennial rhinitis (control group). Then the authors compared VAS (visual analogue scale), TNV (total nasal volume), MCA (minimal cross-sectional area), length of MCA and change of these values between allergic patients group and control group, to propose the new diagnostic standard.

Results

The change of symptom score and number of sneezing after nasal provocation were significantly different between allergic patient and control group. The basal TNV, MCA, length of MCA, and changes of these values were also significantly different. By drawing the ROC (receiver operator characteristic) curve and evaluating the sensitivity and specificity for each criteria, we could set the diagnostic criteria as follows: (1) symptom change: more than 2 points in the case of nasal obstruction and more than 1 point for the case of rhinorrhea or itching, (2) more than 24.5% change of the TNV, and (3) more than 20% change of the MCA.

Conclusion

VAS change and acoustic rhinometry in nasal provocation test could be a valuable tool in diagnosing allergic rhinitis with high sensitivity and specificity.     

变应性鼻炎患者生活质量调查

目的:获取变应性鼻炎患者生活质量资料,评价汉化版生活质量量表(SF36)在变应性鼻炎患者生活质量评估中的应用。方法:2004年5～7月诊断为变应性鼻炎患者150例(鼻炎组),其中轻度68例(轻度鼻炎组),中重度82例(中重度鼻炎组),采用问卷调查方式,内容包括一般资料、症状问卷量表和SF36,将其所得分数与健康对照组进行比较。结果:①轻度鼻炎组生活质量与健康对照组比较,在总体健康、情感职能和生理职能3个维度积分出现下降(P<0.05)。②中重度鼻炎组的生活质量受到严重影响,各个维度积分均有显著下降(均P<0.05),在总体健康、情感职能和社会功能等维度生活质量下降最为明显。结论:变应性鼻炎严重影响患者的生活质量。中文版SF36可用于中国变应性鼻炎患者的生活质量评估。     

Variance of melatonin and cortisol rhythm in patients with allergic rhinitis

Objective

Allergic rhinitis is an IgE-mediated inflammatory disease which effects 10%–50% of the normal population. The mechanism of its formation and the circadian rhythm of cortisol and melatonin in allergic rhinitis have not been investigated.

Study design

Salivary levels of melatonin and cortisol were measured by radioimmunoassay in 35 newly diagnosed allergic rhinitis patients and in 23 control subjects matched for age and gender.

Results

In the study group; amplitude, baseline and peak levels of salivary melatonin were significantly decreased compared with healty controls (p < 0.001). No differences were found in the acrophase and the peak duration of salivary melatonin between the study and control groups (p > 0.05).In the study subjects, the circadian rhythm of cortisol was flattened when compared with the control group. The amplitude and the 24 h mean levels of salivary cortisol in the study group were significantly lower than in the control group and the acrophase was delayed in patients compared with control subjects (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The circadian rhythms of salivary melatonin and cortisol were found to be disrupted in patients with allergic rhinitis. These results may also be contributive data to explain the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and also they can be applicable as adjunctive therapeutic tools in the future and melatonin drugs might be an alternative in the therapy of resistant allergic rhinitis patients or allergic rhinitis patients who cannot use cortisol drugs.     

变应性因素及变应性鼻炎与慢性鼻-鼻窦炎鼻息肉的相关性探讨

目的：探讨变应性因素及变应性鼻炎（AR）与慢性鼻-鼻窦炎鼻息肉的临床相关性。方法：将200例研究对象分为A、B组,A组诊断为AR（110例）,B组诊断为慢性鼻-鼻窦炎鼻息肉（90例）,通过欧蒙印迹法定量检测血清sIgE浓度并观察慢性鼻-鼻窦炎鼻息肉手术治疗后的复发率、AR并发慢性鼻-鼻窦炎鼻息肉的发生率。结果：A组sIgE总阳性率为89.09%,B组sIgE总阳性率为74.44%。B组中sIgE阳性者术后复发率为58.21%,sIgE阴性者术后复发率为8.70%。A组41例（37.27%）并发慢性鼻-鼻窦炎鼻息肉,血清sIgE阳性率为97.56%;69例（62.73%）未并发慢性鼻-鼻窦炎鼻息肉,血清sIgE阳性率为79.71%;组内slgE阳性率比较差异有统计学意义（χ2=6.96,P〈0.01）。结论：变应性因素及AR与慢性鼻-鼻窦炎鼻息肉的发生有一定的相关性,提示避免接触变应原、合理治疗AR能够有效控制慢性鼻-鼻窦炎鼻息肉的复发率。     

鼻内镜下Nd:YAG激光翼管神经凝固术治疗变应性鼻炎的临床研究

目的:探讨提高治疗变应性鼻炎有效方法。方法:对145例变应性鼻炎的病人,随机分为治疗组与对照组进行疗效观察,对治疗组85例采用在鼻内镜下Nd:YAG激光翼管神经凝固术治疗;对照组6O例采用微波治疗。结果:季节性变应性鼻炎治疗组有效率98.0％,与对照组(66.7％)比较P<0.01。常年性变应性鼻炎治疗组有效率94.3％,与对照组(70.0％)比较P<0.05。治疗组总有效率96.5％(82/85)。结论:鼻内镜下Nd:YAG激光翼管神经凝固术治疗变应性鼻炎,具有疗效显著,操作简单,治疗部位基本准确,创伤小,安全等优点,无鼻出血、眼干、上腭麻木、鼻孔撕裂及牙疼头疼等并发症,有较好的临床应用价值。