A prospective study on the efficacy of mometasone furoate monohydrate aqueous nasal spray on Chinese patients with allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE

We undertook a prospective study of the efficacy of a new intranasal steroid, mometasone furoate nasal spray (Nasonex; Schering-Plough Corp, Kenilworth, NJ).

STUDY

DESIGN

Chinese patients with allergic rhinitis were recruited. The patients were assessed by a questionnaire that included demographic data and a Rhinitis Symptoms Score. Objective assessments of the nasal passages were performed with a 2.7-mm 30-degree rigid nasoendoscope and scored according to the modified Lund and Kennedy sinusitis staging and scoring for endoscopic appearances of the nasal cavity in rhinosinusitis. Patients were assessed before treatment, and then 200 microg/d MFNS was prescribed. Patients were reevaluated after 8 and 16 weeks of commencement of MFNS. A total of 51 patients completed the 16-week study.

RESULTS

There were significant reductions in mean Rhinitis Symptoms Score from 6.19 to 3.8 (P < 0.001) and mean Endoscopic Appearance Score from 4.6 to 3.58 (P = 0.046). Analysis showed that there were reductions in the severity of all 3 aspects of rhinitis symptoms: rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal obstruction.

CONCLUSION

Mometasone furoate nasal spray was effective in controlling allergic rhinitis and was well tolerated by patients.