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Rupatadine improves quality of life in mastocytosis: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Author(s) -
Siebenhaar F.,
Förtsch A.,
Krause K.,
Weller K.,
Metz M.,
Magerl M.,
Martus P.,
Church M. K.,
Maurer M.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1111/all.12159
Subject(s) - medicine , placebo , visual analogue scale , quality of life (healthcare) , urticaria pigmentosa , randomized controlled trial , antihistamine , clinical trial , systemic mastocytosis , anesthesia , dermatology , disease , pathology , alternative medicine , nursing
Background Mastocytosis is frequently associated with mast cell‐mediated symptoms which require relieving medication. While second generation antihistamines (sg AH s) are the first line therapeutic strategy to treat mast cell mediator‐related symptoms, controlled clinical trials on how they improve quality of life have not been performed. Methods This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over trial assessed rupatadine 20 mg daily in the treatment of mastocytosis symptoms in 30 adult patients. Symptoms were assessed by a visual analogue scale ( VAS ) and symptom specific quality of life questionnaire ( I tchy Q o L ). Results The mean I tchy Q o L total score and VAS symptom score were significantly improved in the rupatadine treatment phase compared with placebo. There were also significant reductions from placebo in the severity of itch, wheal and flare, flushing, tachycardia and headache but not gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusions In this first comprehensive trial of a sg AH in mastocytosis, rupatadine 20 mg daily for 4 weeks significantly controlled symptoms and improved patients' quality of life.