Author/Authors :
Benazzo, Marco Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo - University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy , Leonardi, Salvatore Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine - University of Catania, Catania, Italy , Corsico, Angelo Division of Respiratory Diseases - Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo - University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy , Licari, Amelia Department of Pediatrics - Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo - University of pavia, Pavia, Italy , Miraglia del Giudice, Michele Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery - University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” Naples, Italy , Peroni, Diego G. University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy , Salpietro, Carmelo Department of Pediatrics - Unit of Pediatric Genetics and Immunology - University of Messina, Messina, Italy , Luigi Marseglia, Gian Department of Pediatrics - Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo - University of pavia, Pavia, Italy , Ciprandi, Giorgio Allergy Clinic, Genoa, Italy
Abstract :
Background and aim: Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is a common disease in childhood that is characterized by bothersome symptoms and impaired quality of life (QoL). As histamine is the pivotal patho-genic mediator in SAR, antihistamines are the first-line option in the treatment. Cetirizine is a well-known effective antihistamine. This real-life pilot study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a 4-week continu-ous cetirizine treatment in a group of Italian children with SAR. Methods: Total symptom score (TSS) and the Pediatric Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PRQLQ) were assessed at baseline and the end of the treatment. Results: Cetirizine significantly improved QoL (in all domains) and symptom severity (p<0.001 for both). Conclusions: The present preliminary study showed that a 4-week cetirizine treatment was able to improve QoL significantly. Cetirizine treatment also significantly reduced symptom severity in Italian children with SAR and was safe.
Keywords :
seasonal allergic rhinitis , children , quality of life , symptoms , cetirizine
