Intranasal antihistamines and corticosteroids in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Sousa Pinto, B (Author) FMUP; Vieira, RJ (Author) FMUP; Brozek, J (Author) Other; Cardoso Fernandes, A (Author) FMUP; Lourenço Silva, N (Author) Other; Ferreira da Silva, R (Author) FMUP; Ferreira, A (Author) FMUP; Gil Mata, S (Author) Other; Bedbrook, A (Author) Other; Klimek, L (Author) Other; Fonseca, J (Author) FMUP; Zuberbier, T (Author) Other; Schünemann, HJ (Author) Other; Bousquet, J (Author) Other

Journal

Title: BMJ Open

Vol. 13

ISSN: 2044-6055

Publisher: BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citations

Scopus - 4 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Z-8Z5

DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076614

Abstract (EN): IntroductionIntranasal antihistamines and corticosteroids are some of the most frequently used drug classes in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. However, there is uncertainty as to whether effectiveness differences may exist among different intranasal specific medications. This systematic review aims to analyse and synthesise all evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of intranasal antihistamines and corticosteroids in rhinitis nasal and ocular symptoms and in rhinoconjunctivitis-related quality-of-life.Methods and analysisWe will search four electronic bibliographic databases and three clinical trials databases for RCTs (1) assessing patients >= 12 years old with seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis and (2) comparing the use of intranasal antihistamines or corticosteroids versus placebo. Assessed outcomes will include the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), the Total Ocular Symptom Score (TOSS) and the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (RQLQ). We will assess the methodological quality of included primary studies by using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Certainty in the body of evidence for the analysed outcomes will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. We will perform a random-effects meta-analysis for each assessed medication and outcome, presenting results as pooled mean differences and standardised mean differences. Heterogeneity will be explored by sensitivity and subgroup analyses, considering (1) the risk of bias, (2) the follow-up period and (3) the drug dose.Ethics and disseminationEthical considerations will not be required. Results will be disseminated in a peer-review journal.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023416573.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5