The epidemiology survey of uncontrolled allergic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis control test questionnaire-driven stepwise pharmacotherapy in Wuhan

Background : The treatment of Allergic rhinitis (AR) is now well established and most patients respond well to the treatment. However, there are still some patients with uncontrolled AR despite optimal maximum treatment, leading to the concept of severe chronic upper airway disease (SCUAD). In China, there are insufficient epidemiological data regarding uncontrolled AR and SCUAD. Allergic Rhinitis Control Test (ARCT) has been validated for assessing AR control and to identify severe AR. However, Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) still has no clear definition of AR control, and due to the absence of uniformed criteria, pharmacotherapy adjustment regimens varies in different areas and populations. ObjectiveThe first study aimed to assess the prevalence and the characteristics of patients with uncontrolled AR and SCUAD in Wuhan. On the basis of the preliminary study, a further study is designed to assess ARCT as a questionnaire driven stepwise pharmacological treatment to achieve AR control. Methods : In the first epidemiology study, all patients consulting for AR were prospectively assessed using VAS and ARCT and put on standardized treatment based on ARIA guidelines. After 15 days, they were reevaluated by a telephone interview using a numerical scale and ARCT. A score of ARCT <0 defined uncontrolled AR and a score ≥5 at day-15 defined SCUAD patients.In the second study, a standard pharmacotherapy regimen from step1 (oral second generation H1 antihistamine as needed) to step 5 (oral corticosteroid) was applied prospectively in a Chinese AR population. The AR patients were initiated with ARIA appropriate step treatment and assessed with ARCT every 15 days. If ARCT score was equal or above 20 and maintained for 15 days, the patient would finish the study; if ARCT score was strictly less than 20, the patient would receive higher step treatment according to a predefined open design up to step 5. Results: A total of 252 patients were included in the first study. Moderate/severe AR was diagnosed in 82.9% of the patients and they had an impact on sleep, work life, social activities and physical activities. Patients with uncontrolled ARat day-15 more frequently presented a higher weight (P=0.042), past history of ENT infection or antibiotics intake for respiratory infection in the last 12 months (P=0.018), smoking (P=0.024) and smell disturbance (P=0.005). Patients with SCUAD more frequently presented a past history of ENT infection or antibiotics intake for respiratory infection (P=0.014) and smell disturbance (P=0.003), while less commonly had atopic dermatitis (P=0.017). 255 patients were enrolled in the second study. Only 3.2% patients remained uncontrolled at the endpoint of the study. Patients with ARIA moderate/severe or persistent symptoms, moderate/severe impaired quality of life, asthma history, rhinorrhea and cough symptoms always needed up to step 4 and prolonged treatments to achieve disease control. After adjustment on each of the variables, the only factor that remained significant was asthma (less likely to be in a group controlled by the first steps’ therapies) . Conclusion: Uncontrolled AR and SCUAD patients are numerous. VAS and ARCT are simple and quantitative methods and self-completion questionnaire that can be used for a global evaluation of the severity and control of AR. ARCT offers an objective criterion for the stepwise pharmacotherapy of AR. Risk factor analysis did not reveal strong clinical characteristics that would help the physician to control AR better.