Impact of Desloratadine on Symptoms and Quality of Life in Subjects with Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: A Multicenter, Practice‐based Study
Journal Articles
Overview
Research
Identity
Additional Document Info
View All
Overview
abstract
ABSTRACTBackground. Controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of antihistamines in the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria. Second‐generation antihistamines are recommended as first‐line therapy for chronic idiopathic urticaria. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of desloratadine, a newer, nonsedating, second‐generation antihistamine, on symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria, disease severity, and quality of life (QoL).Methods. In an open‐label, observational, multicenter study, 348 subjects with chronic idiopathic urticaria were given 5 mg of desloratadine once daily for 2 weeks. Outcome measures included change from baseline at Day 14 using the Aerius Quality of Life Questionnaire (AEQLQ); change from baseline in pruritus score, number and maximum size of hives, sleep quality, and activity impairment; and subjects' response to therapy.Results. Desloratadine significantly decreased subjects' overall condition and symptom scores from baseline to Day 14 (2.19 ± [SD] 0.66 and 1.14 ± 0.89, respectively; P < 0.0001). Desloratadine treatment significantly improved all 10 AEQLQ domain scores from baseline to Day 7 and Day 14 (P < 0.0001). Sleep disturbance scores decreased 40% from baseline to Day 7 (1.42 ± 1.03 to 0.85 ± 0.89, respectively), and interference with daily outdoor activity scores showed a 41% decrease from baseline to Day 7 (1.11 ± 0.98 to 0.66 ± 0.90) (P < 0.0001 for both). There were significant reductions in itching, size of hives, and hive score at both Days 7 and 14. Treatment resulted in moderate, marked, or complete relief of symptoms in 76.2% of subjects. Desloratadine was well tolerated, with no adverse events reported.Conclusion. In an open‐label, observational study, desloratadine 5 mg once daily significantly decreased symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria and improved subject QoL.
