Treating acute rhinosinusitis: comparing efficacy and safety of mometasone furoate nasal spray, amoxicillin, and placebo

BACKGROUND: Intranasal corticosteroids used with antibiotics are known to improve rhinosinusitis symptoms compared with antibiotic therapy alone. However, the efficacy of intranasal corticosteroid monotherapy for acute, uncomplicated rhinosinusitis is not established. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate efficacy and safety of mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS) versus amoxicillin and placebo in patients with acute, uncomplicated rhinosinusitis. METHODS: In this double-blind, double-dummy trial, subjects (> or =12 years; N = 981) were randomized to MFNS 200 microg once daily or twice daily for 15 days, amoxicillin 500 mg 3 times daily for 10 days, or respective placebo. Follow-up was 14 days. The primary efficacy endpoint was mean am/pm major symptom score over the treatment phase. Secondary efficacy endpoints included total symptom score. Safety assessments included disease recurrence during follow-up and adverse event monitoring. RESULTS: Mometasone furoate nasal spray 200 microg twice daily was significantly superior to placebo (P < .001) and amoxicillin (P = .002) at improving major symptom score. Starting on day 2, MFNS 200 microg twice daily improved total symptom score throughout treatment versus amoxicillin (P = .012) and placebo (P < .001). Global response to treatment was significantly greater with MFNS 200 microg twice daily versus amoxicillin (P = .013) and placebo (P = .001). Although significantly superior to placebo, MFNS 200 microg once daily was not superior to amoxicillin for the primary or secondary efficacy endpoints. All treatments were well tolerated with a similar incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSION: In patients with acute, uncomplicated rhinosinusitis, MFNS 200 microg twice daily produced significant symptom improvements versus amoxicillin and placebo, without predisposing the patient to disease recurrence or bacterial infection.     

Effective dose range of mometasone furoate nasal spray in the treatment of acute rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS) 400 microg, twice daily, as adjunctive treatment with oral antibiotic significantly improved symptoms of recurrent rhinosinusitis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of MFNS 200 microg, twice daily, and 400 microg, twice daily, compared with placebo as adjunctive treatment with oral antibiotic for acute rhinosinusitis. METHODS: In this multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 967 outpatients with computed tomographic scan-confirmed moderate to severe rhinosinusitis received amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium (Augmentin, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC) 875 mg, twice daily, for 21 days with adjunctive twice daily MFNS 200 microg, MFNS 400 microg, or placebo nasal spray. Patients recorded scores of six rhinosinusitis symptoms and any adverse events twice daily. Pre- and postcosyntropin-stimulation plasma cortisol levels were measured in a subset of patients at selected study sites. RESULTS: Treatment with MFNS 200 microg or 400 microg, twice daily, produced significantly greater improvements in total symptoms score (primary efficacy variable) day 1 to day 15 average (50% and 51%, respectively) than placebo (44%, P < or = 0.017). Both doses of MFNS produced significant total symptoms score improvement over placebo by day 4, and maintained efficacy over the entire 21-day study. Relief of individual symptoms showed a similar pattern. Both doses of MFNS were well tolerated, and adverse events were similar to that of placebo. Cosyntropin stimulation showed no evidence of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression. CONCLUSIONS: As adjunctive therapy to oral antibiotic treatment, MFNS at doses of 200 microg or 400 microg, twice daily, was well tolerated and significantly more effective in reducing the symptoms of rhinosinusitis than antibiotic therapy alone.     

Assessment of lipoprotein profiles study (ALPS) and antioxidant activity in healthy subjects treated with AGI-1067

BackgroundAGI-1067 (succinobucol) is a phenolic derivative of probucol that inhibits the vascular oxidative-inflammatory cascade and is intended to have an improved clinical profile.ObjectiveThe Assessment of Lipoprotein Profiles (ALPS) study evaluated the effects of AGI-1067 on lipid, antioxidant, antiinflammatory and safety profiles in healthy subjects.MethodsThis was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week, multicenter trial. Eligible subjects, aged 18 to 65 years, had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ≤ 190 mg/dL, triglyceride (TG) ≤ 600 mg/dL and Framingham risk <10%. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to oral 300 mg AGI-1067 (n = 127) or matching placebo (n = 127) once daily.ResultsAGI-1067 and placebo treatment had small changes (mean) in: LDL-C (+2.98 vs −1.52 mg/dL, respectively; P = 0.057), apolipoprotein B (+1.48 vs −1.91 mg/dL; P = 0.267), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) [−3.69 vs −0.29 mg/dL; P < 0.001], and apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I (−10.43 vs −6.14 mg/dL; P = 0.021). Subjects with baseline LDL-C > 130 mg/dL showed the largest decreases in HDL-C and ApoA-I, while subjects with LDL-C ≤130 mg/dL had insignificant changes in both parameters. Changes in cholesteryl ester transfer protein mass were significantly correlated (P < 0.0001) with LDL-C changes, but not HDL-C. Paraoxonase activity increased with AGI-1067 vs little change in placebo (+1.78 vs +0.15 U/L, respectively; P = 0.077). HDL particles isolated from AGI-1067 treated subjects showed significant antioxidant potency vs HDL particles from placebo subjects (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in a LDL oxidation assay decreased −25.88% vs +7.88, respectively; P = 0.011).ConclusionThe ALPS study demonstrated that AGI-1067 had minor effects on LDL and HDL cholesterol. More dramatic effects were observed for HDL-associated paraoxonase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances activity, suggesting that the antiatherosclerotic properties of AGI-1067 may involve an HDL antioxidant mechanism consistent with inhibition of the oxidative-inflammatory cascade, rather than involving a lipid regulating pathway.     

Efficacy and safety of mometasone furoate nasal spray in nasal polyposis

BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested that topical corticosteroids are effective in the treatment of nasal polyps; however, this has yet to be confirmed in a large, robust clinical trial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS) for nasal polyposis. METHODS: A total of 354 subjects with bilateral nasal polyps and clinically significant congestion/obstruction participated in this multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Subjects received MFNS 200 microg once or twice daily or placebo for 4 months. Coprimary endpoints were (1) change from baseline to last assessment in physician-evaluated bilateral polyp grade score and (2) change from baseline averaged over month 1 in subject-assessed nasal congestion/obstruction. ANOVA was used for all efficacy endpoints, except for change in bilateral polyp grade score, for which baseline polyp grade was added as a covariate. RESULTS: Compared with placebo, MFNS 200 microg administered once or twice daily produced significantly greater reductions in bilateral polyp grade score (P < .001, P = .010, respectively) and congestion/obstruction (P = .001, P < .001), as well as improvement in loss of smell (P < .001, P = .036), anterior rhinorrhea (P < .001 for both), and postnasal drip (P < .001, P = .001) over month 1. MFNS 200 microg twice daily was superior to MFNS 200 microg once daily in reducing congestion/obstruction (P = .039), and there were more improvers in the MFNS 200 microg twice daily group (P = .035). MFNS was well tolerated in both groups. CONCLUSION: MFNS 200 mug, once or twice daily, was safe and significantly superior to placebo in reducing polyp grade (size and extent) and improving congestion/obstruction and return of sense of smell. MFNS is an effective medical treatment for nasal polyposis and may reduce or delay the need for surgery.     

Added relief in the treatment of acute recurrent sinusitis with adjunctive mometasone furoate nasal spray. The Nasonex Sinusitis Group

BACKGROUND: Intranasal glucocorticoids are effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Their effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory adjunct in the treatment of acute recurrent sinusitis has not been adequately established in a controlled clinical study. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that intranasal corticosteroid treatment produces additional relief in the treatment of acute sinusitis with oral antibiotics. METHODS: Patients who were 12 years old and older with a history of recurrent sinusitis were treated while experiencing a new episode of acute sinusitis, which was diagnosed by symptoms and confirmed by computed tomography scan of the paranasal sinuses. Patients were treated for 21 days with amoxicillin clavulanate potassium and randomized to receive concurrent mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS; Nasonex [400 microg, twice daily]; n = 200 patients) or placebo spray (twice daily; n = 207 patients). Symptom scores for headache, facial pain, congestion, purulent rhinorrhea, postnasal drip, and cough were recorded at baseline and throughout treatment. RESULTS: Baseline symptom scores showed a moderate level of symptom severity comparable in both groups. Patient-recorded twice daily symptom scores showed that adjunctive treatment with MFNS caused a significantly greater decrease in total symptom score (primary efficacy variable) and in individual scores of inflammatory symptoms associated with the obstruction process (headache, congestion, and facial pain) compared with placebo. Symptoms associated with the secretory processes were improved to a lesser degree. Therapy-related local adverse events were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: The addition of intranasal corticosteroid, MFNS 400 microg twice daily, to antibiotics significantly reduces symptoms of acute sinusitis compared with antibiotic treatment alone.     

Efficacy and Safety of Crofelemer for Noninfectious Diarrhea in HIV-Seropositive Individuals (ADVENT Trial): A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled,Two-Stage Study

Abstract

Background: HIV-associated diarrhea remains a significant concern with limited treatment options. Objective: To determine the optimal dose, efficacy, and safety of crofelemer for noninfectious diarrhea. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial used a 2-stage design. Both stages included 2-week screening, 4-week placebo-controlled treatment, and 20-week placebo-free (open-label) extension phases. In stage I, 196 HIV-seropositive patients with chronic diarrhea were randomized to crofelemer 125 mg, 250 mg, or 500 mg or placebo twice daily. Using a prospective analysis, the 125-mg twice-daily dose was selected for stage II. In stage II, 180 new patients were randomized to crofelemer 125 mg twice daily or placebo for 4 weeks. Primary efficacy analysis was the percentage of patients (stages I/II combined) who achieved clinical response (defined as ≤2 watery stools/week during ≥2 of 4 weeks). During the placebo-free extension phase, response (≤2 watery stools) was assessed weekly. Results: Significantly more patients receiving crofelemer 125 mg achieved clinical response versus placebo (17.6% vs 8.0%; one-sided, P = .01). Crofelemer 125 mg resulted in a greater change from baseline in number of daily watery bowel movements (P = .04) and daily stool consistency score (P = .02) versus placebo. During the placebo-free extension phase, percentages of weekly responders ranged from 40% to 56% at weeks 11 to 24. Crofelemer was minimally absorbed, well tolerated, did not negatively impact clinical immune parameters, and had a safety profile comparable to placebo. Conclusions: In HIV-seropositive patients taking stable antiretroviral therapy, crofelemer provided significant improvement in diarrhea with a favorable safety profile.     

Comparison of once- and twice-daily dosing of fluticasone propionate 200 micrograms per day administered by Diskus device in patients with asthma treated with or without inhaled corticosteroids

Background: There are limited published data regarding the efficacy of once- versus twice-daily administration of flutica-sone propionate. Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of fluticasone propionate powder 200 μg/d administered as a once- or twice-daily dosage regimen in patients who were currently being treated with bronchodilators only (BD patients) and in patients who required inhaled corticosteroids for maintenance treatment of asthma (ICS patients). Methods: Five hundred seventy patients were randomly assigned to receive one of the following inhaled treatments through the Diskus device (Glaxo Wellcome, Research Triangle Park, NC) for 12 weeks: fluticasone propionate 100 μg twice daily (FP100BID) or 200 μg once daily (FP200QD) or placebo. Results: BD patients treated with FP100BID, FP200QD, and placebo had mean increases in FEV₁ from baseline to end point of 0.49 L, 0.37 L, and 0.21 L, respectively (P < .001, FP100BID vs placebo; P = .05, FP200QD vs placebo). ICS patients treated with FP100BID and FP200QD had mean increases in FEV₁ of 0.27 L and 0.11 L, respectively, compared with a decrease in FEV₁ of –0.08 L with placebo (P < .001, FP100BID vs placebo; P = .023, FP200QD vs placebo). BD patients treated with FP100BID and FP200QD had mean increases in morning peak expiratory flow from baseline to end point of 31 L/min and 27 L/min, respectively, compared with a 1 L/min increase in patients treated with placebo. ICS patients treated with FP100BID had a mean increase in morning peak expiratory flow (from baseline to end point) of 18 L/min compared with mean decreases of –3 L/min and –12 L/min in the FP200QD and placebo groups, respectively. More patients were withdrawn from placebo (26% and 48%, in BD and ICS patients, respectively) than from fluticasone propionate (7%-9% [BID-QD] and 18%-32% [BID-QD], in BD and ICS patients, respectively) because of failure to meet predetermined asthma stability criteria. Conclusion: The efficacies of FP100BID and FP200QD were comparable with regard to improvement in pulmonary function and asthma stability in BD patients. In ICS patients, asthma control was maintained with FP200QD, whereas FP100BID provided greater improvements in pulmonary function and asthma stability. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;105:1153-61.)     

Onset of action of mometasone furoate nasal spray (NASONEX) in seasonal allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND: Mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS, NASONEX ), is a new synthetic corticosteroid with considerable efficacy in the treatment of seasonal and perennial rhinitis and less than 0.1% systemic absorption. This study was designed to evaluate the time of onset of action of MFNS. The subjects were evaluated over the course of 2 weeks during the spring allergy season. METHODS: The effects of MFNS 200 microg given once daily for 2 weeks were evaluated in a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 201 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Clinically significant onset of action was assessed prospectively by special patient diary cards kept during the first 3 days of treatment. RESULTS: By 12 h after initial dosage (the earliest evaluation), 28% of patients in the MFNS group experienced clinically significant relief, compared with 13% of those given placebo (P = 0.01). Median time to at least moderate symptom relief in patients who received MFNS was 35.9 h, compared with more than 72 h in patients given placebo (P<0.01). By 72 h, 64% of the patients receiving MFNS experienced at least moderate relief, compared with 40% of those treated with placebo (P<0.01). Both patient and physician ratings of symptom severity, response to treatment, and overall condition of rhinitis indicated significant (P<0.01) superiority of MFNS over placebo. MFNS was well tolerated, with adverse events comparable to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: MFNS provided rapid onset of clinically significant symptom relief in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.     

Efficacy and safety of olopatadine-mometasone combination nasal spray for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis

BackgroundGSP301 nasal spray is a fixed-dose combination of olopatadine hydrochloride (antihistamine) and mometasone furoate (corticosteroid).ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of GSP301 in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).MethodsIn this double-blind study, eligible patients (≥12 years of age) with SAR were randomized 1:1:1:1 to twice-daily GSP301 (665 μg of olopatadine and 25 μg of mometasone), olopatadine (665 μg), mometasone (25 μg), or placebo for 14 days. The primary end point—mean change from baseline in average morning and evening 12-hour reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score (rTNSS)—was analyzed via a mixed-effect model repeated measures (P < .05 was considered to be statistically significant). Additional assessments included average morning and evening 12-hour instantaneous TNSS (iTNSS), ocular symptoms, individual symptoms, onset of action, quality of life, and adverse events (AEs).ResultsA total of 1176 patients were randomized. GSP301 provided statistically significant and clinically meaningful rTNSS improvements vs placebo (least squares mean difference, -1.09; 95% CI, -1.49 to -0.69; P < .001) and vs olopatadine (P = .03) and mometasone (P = .02). Similar significant improvements in iTNSS were also observed with GSP301 (P < .05 for all). Furthermore, GSP301 significantly improved overall ocular symptoms, individual nasal and ocular symptoms, and quality of life vs placebo (P ≤ .001 for all). Onset of action for GSP301 was observed within 15 minutes and was maintained at all subsequent timepoints. Treatment-emergent AEs occurred in 15.6%, 12.6%, 9.6%, and 9.5% of patients in the GSP301, olopatadine, mometasone, and placebo groups, respectively.ConclusionGSP301 is efficacious and well tolerated vs placebo for treating SAR-associated nasal and ocular symptoms, with a rapid onset of action of 15 minutes in adult and adolescent patients 12 years and older.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02870205.     

A dose-ranging study of mometasone furoate aqueous nasal spray in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of mometasone furoate aqueous nasal spray (MFNS; Nasonex) 200 microg once daily for the treatment and prophylaxis of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and treatment of perennial rhinitis have been demonstrated in adults. However, the dose response of MFNS in pediatric patients has not yet been characterized. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the dose-response relationship of 3 different doses of MFNS in a pediatric population. METHODS: This was a multicenter, double-blind, active- and placebo-controlled study of 679 children 6 to 11 years of age with histories of SAR and documented positive skin test responses. Patients were randomized to one of the following treatment groups for 4 weeks: MFNS 25 microgram once daily, MFNS 100 microgram once daily, MFNS 200 microgram once daily, beclomethasone dipropionate 84 microgram twice daily (168 microgram/day), or placebo. Physician evaluations were performed at days 4, 8, 15, and 29, and patient evaluations were analyzed for days 1 to 15 and 16 to 29. RESULTS: The mean reduction from baseline in physician-evaluated total nasal symptom scores at day 8 (the primary efficacy variable) was significantly greater in the MFNS and beclomethasone dipropionate groups than in the placebo group (P 相似文献   

Lamivudine 300 mg QD Versus Continued Lamivudine 150 mg BID with Stavudine and a Protease Inhibitor in Suppressed Patients

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the efficacy (sustained virologic suppression) and safety/tolerability of a switch to lamivudine 300 mg once daily (QD) versus continued lamivudine 150 mg twice daily (BID) in virologically suppressed patients (HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL for ≥3 months) on stable (≥6 months) therapy with lamivudine 150 mg BID plus stavudine and either indinavir or nelfinavir. Method: Eighty-nine suppressed patients ≥18 years old with CD4 counts >50 cells/mm³ were enrolled in this phase II, open-label, multicenter, randomized, stratified (by pretrial protease inhibitor [PI]), parallel-group clinical trial. Eighty-one patients received either lamivudine 300 mg QD (n = 39) or 150 mg BID (n = 42) with their pretrial stavudine/PI regimens for 24 weeks. Results: A high rate of virologic suppression was sustained with both regimens throughout the trial. At week 24, intent-to-treat:exposed (missing = failure) analyses showed no statistically significant differences in the percentage of patients with HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL (95% [QD] vs. 90% [BID]) or <50 copies/mL (82% [QD] vs. 81% [BID]) or in the median change from baseline in CD4 counts (+42 cells/mm³ [QD] vs. +22 cells/mm³ [BID]). Both regimens were well tolerated. No patient experienced virologic failure, clinical disease progression, or a drug-related serious adverse event during the trial. Self-reported medication adherence was high in both groups. Conclusion: Patients who experience virologic suppression with a regimen of lamivudine 150 mg BID in combination with stavudine/PI can maintain that suppression by continuing their regimen or switching to lamivudine 300 mg QD and continuing the other components. Adverse event profiles were comparable among treatment regimens, and no new safety concerns were raised.     

Efficacy and safety of twice-daily and once-daily olopatadine-mometasone combination nasal spray for seasonal allergic rhinitis

BackgroundGSP301 is an investigational fixed-dose combination nasal spray of olopatadine hydrochloride (antihistamine) and mometasone furoate (corticosteroid).ObjectiveTo evaluate efficacy and safety of GSP301 in patients with seasonal AR (SAR).MethodsIn this phase 2, double-blind, parallel-group study, patients (≥12 years of age) with SAR were equally randomized to twice-daily GSP301 (olopatadine 665 μg and mometasone 25 μg), once-daily GSP301 (olopatadine 665 μg and mometasone 50 μg), twice-daily or once-daily olopatadine monotherapy (665 μg), mometasone monotherapy (twice-daily 25 μg or once-daily 50 μg), or placebo for 14 days. The primary endpoint—mean change from baseline in morning and evening reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score (rTNSS)—was analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA; P < .05 = statistically significant). Average morning and evening 12-hour instantaneous TNSS (iTNSS), ocular symptoms, individual symptoms, onset of action, quality of life, and adverse events (AEs) were also assessed.ResultsA total of 1111 patients were randomized. Twice-daily GSP301 provided statistically significant and clinically meaningful rTNSS improvements vs placebo (P < .001), twice-daily olopatadine (P = .049), and mometasone (P = .004). Similar significant improvements in iTNSS were observed with twice-daily GSP301 vs placebo (P < .001) and twice-daily mometasone (P = .007); improvements were not significant vs olopatadine (P = .058). Once-daily GSP301 provided significant rTNSS and iTNSS improvements vs placebo and once-daily olopatadine (P < .01, all) but improvements were not significant vs mometasone. Treatment-emergent AEs rates were 10.8%, 9.5%, and 8.2%, with twice-daily GSP301, once-daily GSP301, and placebo, respectively.ConclusionTwice-daily GSP301 treatment was efficacious and well tolerated, providing statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in rTNSS (primary endpoint) vs placebo and both monotherapies.Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT02318303     

Relief of cough and nasal symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis by mometasone furoate nasal spray.

BACKGROUND: Cough commonly occurs as a symptom of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), an inflammatory condition of the nasal mucous membranes that results in rhinorrhea, nasal stuffiness/congestion, nasal itching, and sneezing. Mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS, Nasonex, Schering, Kenilworth, NJ), an anti-inflammatory nasal corticosteroid, has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing the nasal inflammation of SAR. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of MFNS in relieving SAR-associated cough, in addition to nasal symptoms. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind study. Patients 12 years of age or older with > or = 1-year history of SAR symptoms, positive skin test to a prevailing seasonal allergen, moderate nasal symptoms, and moderate cough were treated for 14 days with MFNS 200 microg daily (n = 122) or placebo (n = 123). RESULTS: The group treated with MFNS showed significant improvement in the daytime cough severity score at endpoint compared with placebo (P = 0.049). Improvement in the nighttime cough severity score showed a trend in favor of MFNS treatment. Treatment with MFNS significantly improved total nasal symptoms in both the daytime and nighttime compared with placebo at endpoint (P < or = 0.017). Overall daytime symptom scores (cough + total nasal) improved significantly compared with placebo at endpoint (P = 0.005). Overall nighttime symptom scores improved significantly compared with placebo at endpoint (P = 0.028). Treatments were well tolerated, with no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: MFNS is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of daytime cough associated with SAR.     

Amoxicillin for acute lower respiratory tract infection in primary care: subgroup analysis by bacterial and viral aetiology

ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the effects of amoxicillin treatment in adult patients presenting to primary care with a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) who were infected with a potential bacterial, viral, or mixed bacterial/viral infection.MethodsThis multicentre randomized controlled trial focused on adults with LRTI not suspected for pneumonia. Patients were randomized to receive either antibiotic (amoxicillin 1 g) or placebo three times daily for 7 consecutive days using computer-generated random numbers (follow-up 28 days). In this secondary analysis of the trial, symptom duration (primary outcome), symptom severity (scored 0–6), and illness deterioration (reconsultation with new or worsening symptoms, or hospital admission) were analysed in pre-specified subgroups using regression models. Subgroups of interest were patients with a (strictly) bacterial, (strictly) viral, or combined infection, and patients with elevated values of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, or blood urea nitrogen.Results2058 patients (amoxicillin n = 1036; placebo n = 1022) were randomized. Treatment did not affect symptom duration (n = 1793). Patients from whom a bacterial pathogen only was isolated (n = 207) benefited from amoxicillin in that symptom severity (n = 804) was reduced by 0.26 points (95% CI −0.48 to −0.03). The odds of illness deterioration (n = 2024) was 0.24 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.53) times lower from treatment with amoxicillin when both a bacterial and a viral pathogen were isolated (combined infection; n = 198).ConclusionsAmoxicillin may reduce the risk of illness deterioration in patients with a combined bacterial and viral infection. We found no clinically meaningful benefit from amoxicillin treatment in other subgroups.     

Efficacy of mometasone furoate nasal spray in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trials

Rationale: Several randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) thus allowing for a meta‐analysis to determine the overall treatment effect. Methods: A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE, LILACS, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Library databases up to 31 October, 2007 was carried out. Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of MFNS in patients with AR compared to placebo were included. Total nasal symptom scores (TNSS), individual nasal symptoms, total non‐nasal symptom scores (TNNSS) and nasal airflow were analysed as the standardized mean difference (SMD). Meta‐analysis was performed with the random or the fixed effect models depending on heterogeneity, by using revman 5 software. Data synthesis: Sixteen of the 113 identified articles met the inclusion criteria. For MFNS efficacy on TNSS, 2998 participants were analysed: 1534 received MFNS and 1464 placebo. Mometasone furoate nasal spray was associated with a significant reduction in TNSS (SMD ?0.49, 95% CI: ?0.60 to ?0.38; P < 0.00001; I² = 50.1%). A significant effect on SMD for nasal stuffiness/congestion (?0.41; 95% CI: ?0.56 to ?0.27), rhinorrhoea (?0.44; 95% CI: ?0.66 to ?0.21), sneezing (?0.40; 95% CI: ?0.57 to ?0.23) and nasal itching (?0.39; 95% CI: ?0.53 to ?0.25) was also demonstrated. Mometasone furoate nasal spray treated subjects also showed a significant reduction in TNNSS (?0.30; 95% CI: ?0.43 to ?0.18). The proportion of patients with adverse events was similar for MFNS and placebo (0.99; 95% CI: 0.81–1.20; P = 0.91). Conclusions: This meta‐analysis provides a level Ia evidence for the efficacy of MFSN in the treatment of AR vs placebo. Adverse events frequency was similar in both groups.     

Efficacy of Seven-Day Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker-Based First-Line Helicobacter Pylori Eradication Therapy Administered with Bismuth

PurposeTo determine the efficacy of a potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB)-based first-line eradication therapy with bismuth compared with that of proton pump inhibitor-based first-line therapy with bismuth.Materials and MethodsEradication-naive H. pylori-infected patients were consecutively enrolled from January to November 2020. Before approval of the P-CAB-based eradication therapy, twice daily administration of a regimen containing lansoprazole 30 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg, and bismuth potassium citrate 300 mg was prescribed for 7 days. After approval, lansoprazole was replaced with tegoprazan (50 mg). Clarithromycin resistance was examined in patients who underwent gastroscopic biopsy at our center. Efficacy was assessed via the ¹³C-urea breath test.ResultsOf the 381 eradication-naive patients, eradication was successful in 88.3% (151/171) treated with tegoprazan and 82.8% (140/169) treated with lansoprazole in per-protocol analysis (p=0.151). In intention-to-treat analysis, eradication rates were 78.8% (152/193) in the tegoprazan and 74.5% (140/188) in the lansoprazole group (p=0.323). Clarithromycin resistance was observed in 30 (20.1%) of the 148 patients (74 from each group), and only four of the 16 clarithromycin-resistant patients in the tegoprazan group achieved successful eradication. Clarithromycin resistance [odds ratio (OR)=42.1, 95% confidence intervals (CIs)=12.6–141.0] and poor patient compliance (OR=17.1, 95% CIs=1.6–189.1) were independent risk factors for eradication failure.ConclusionIn eradication-naive patients, eradication success rates for 7-day first-line triple therapy regimen exceeded 82% with bismuth administration. In clarithromycin-resistant patients, neither tegoprazan 50 mg nor lansoprazole 30 mg achieved acceptable eradication rates when administered twice daily for 7 days.     

A randomized,placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating olipudase alfa enzyme replacement therapy for chronic acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) in adults: One-year results

PurposeThis trial aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of olipudase alfa enzyme replacement therapy for non–central nervous system manifestations of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) in adults.MethodsA phase 2/3, 52 week, international, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (ASCEND; NCT02004691/EudraCT 2015-000371-26) enrolled 36 adults with ASMD randomized 1:1 to receive olipudase alfa or placebo intravenously every 2 weeks with intrapatient dose escalation to 3 mg/kg. Primary efficacy endpoints were percent change from baseline to week 52 in percent predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide and spleen volume (combined with splenomegaly-related score in the United States). Other outcomes included liver volume/function/sphingomyelin content, pulmonary imaging/function, platelet levels, lipid profiles, and pharmacodynamics.ResultsLeast square mean percent change from baseline to week 52 favored olipudase alfa over placebo for percent predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (22% vs 3.0% increases, P = .0004), spleen volume (39% decrease vs 0.5% increase, P < .0001), and liver volume (28% vs 1.5% decreases, P < .0001). Splenomegaly-related score decreased in both groups (P = .64). Other clinical outcomes improved in the olipudase alfa group compared with the placebo group. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events or adverse event–related discontinuations. Most adverse events were mild.ConclusionOlipudase alfa was well tolerated and associated with significant and comprehensive improvements in disease pathology and clinically relevant endpoints compared with placebo in adults with ASMD.     

Flaxseed Mucilage (IQP-LU-104) Reduces Body Weight in Overweight and Moderately Obese Individuals in a 12-week,Three-Arm,Double-Blind,Randomized, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit and tolerability of two dosages of a proprietary flaxseed mucilage (IQP-LU-104) in reducing body weight in overweight and moderately obese individuals.MethodsIn a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, bi-center trial, 108 participants (body mass index [BMI] 25–<35 kg/m²) were randomly allocated to receive either IQP-LU-104 high dose (104HD), IQP-LU-104 low dose (104LD), or placebo. Participants were instructed to consume 1 sachet of the investigational product (containing IQP-LU-104 or matching placebo) before or with main meals twice daily and to follow a balanced but hypocaloric diet (20% reduction of individual''s daily energy requirements) for 12 weeks. At week 0 (baseline), and weeks 4, 8, and 12 of the intervention periods, the participants'' body weight, BMI, body fat composition, and waist and hip circumferences were measured. Blood samples were collected for safety assessment at screening visit (week −2) and at the end of the study. Adverse events were assessed by the investigators through interviewing the participants and were recorded at every visit post screening.ResultsAt the end of the 12-week study, body weight reduction was greater in the 104HD group (4.96 ± 1.89 kg, p < 0.001 vs. placebo) and 104LD group (3.70 ± 2.57 kg, p < 0.001 vs. placebo) compared to the placebo group (1.33 ± 2.05 kg). 68% and 46% of participants in the 104HD group (p < 0.001 vs. placebo) and 104LD group (p = 0.002 vs. placebo), respectively, experienced at least 5% weight loss, compared to 9% of participants in the placebo group. Significant decreases in waist and hip circumferences were observed in both the 104HD and 104LD groups compared to the placebo group (each p < 0.001). 104HD group had significantly higher reduction in body fat mass (4.25 ± 5.86 kg) than the placebo group (1.06 ± 3.20 kg) (p = 0.002). Respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal symptoms were the main adverse events reported and none of the adverse events were related to the intake of IQP-LU-104.ConclusionResults demonstrated IQP-LU-104 is safe and efficacious in body weight reduction at both dosages in overweight and moderately obese individuals.     

Dupilumab improves upper and lower airway disease control in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and asthma

BackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and type 2 asthma share the same inflammatory pathophysiology and are frequent comorbidities. Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, blocks the shared receptor component for interleukin 4 and interleukin 13, which are key and central drivers of type 2 inflammation.ObjectiveWe report the effect of dupilumab vs placebo on outcome measures of the upper and lower airways and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the pooled population of patients with CRSwNP and comorbid asthma from the phase 3 SINUS-24 (NCT02912468) and SINUS-52 (NCT02898454) studies.MethodsIn these randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, patients received subcutaneous dupilumab 300 mg (n = 438) or placebo (n = 286) every 2 weeks on a background of mometasone furoate nasal spray. Changes from baseline at week 24 in the upper and lower airway outcome measures are reported.ResultsOf the 724 patients randomized, 428 (59.1%) had comorbid asthma. In patients with asthma at week 24, dupilumab vs placebo improved the nasal polyp score (?2.04), patient-reported nasal congestion score (?1.04), Lund-Mackay computed tomography scan score (?6.43), peak nasal inspiratory flow (46.15 L/min), and 22-item sinonasal outcome test score (?21.42; all P < .001). The forced expiratory volume in 1 second and 6-item asthma control questionnaire scores were also markedly improved with dupilumab vs placebo. The most common adverse events (nasopharyngitis, headache, injection-site erythema, worsening of nasal polyposis, and asthma) were more frequent with placebo than dupilumab.ConclusionDupilumab improved upper and lower airway outcome measures and HRQoL in patients with severe CRSwNP and comorbid asthma and was well tolerated.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT02912468 (SINUS-24) and NCT02898454 (SINUS-52).