TREATMENT OF PERENNIAL ALLERGIC RHINITIS WITH CROMOLYN SODIUM - DOUBLE-BLIND-STUDY ON 34 ADULT PATIENTS

A double-blind crossover study was performed on 34 adult patients with perennial allergic rhinitis, using on aqueous solution of 4% cromolyn sodium or a placebo substance 6 times daily over a 4-wk period, with daily documentation of symptoms and use of symptomatic medications. All patients had markedly positive skin test reactions to at least 1 antigen [molds, pollens, epidermoids, foods, dust]. Chemistry screens and IgE [immunoglobulin E] serum levels were determined. Significant reductions occurred in the symptom-scores for runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing and nose blowing while patients were on cromolyn treatment (P < 0.005). While on treatment, there was a significant reduction in the consumption of antihistamines. In an attempt to differentiate between good and poor cromolyn responders by clinical and laboratory parameters, it was found that patients with high IgE levels responded better than those with low IgE levels, patients with markedly positive skin test reactions to epidermoids and to foods responded better than those with pollen allergy, and females appeared to have a significantly better drug response than males. Age did not play a role in drug response, nor did drug sequence (placebo-active or active-placebo).