Disodium cromoglycate in ragweed-allergic rhinitis

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, affects a significant portion of the population.
• Ragweed pollen is a major allergen triggering seasonal allergic rhinitis.
• Current treatments for allergic rhinitis include antihistamines and corticosteroids, with varying efficacy and side effect profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) in managing symptoms of ragweed allergic rhinitis.
• To compare the effectiveness of DSCG against a placebo in a double-blind clinical trial.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, randomized study design was employed.
• Patients with a confirmed history and positive skin test reaction to ragweed were enrolled.
• Participants received either DSCG or a placebo intranasally for approximately 8 weeks, starting before the ragweed pollen season.

Main Results:

• In the Toronto cohort, 15 out of 17 patients (88%) treated with DSCG showed improvement, compared to 6 out of 21 placebo recipients (29%).
• While results in the Hamilton study were less pronounced, overall findings suggested a benefit of DSCG.
• Patient-reported outcomes via diary cards, antihistamine use, and interviews supported the observed improvements.

Conclusions:

• Intranasal disodium cromoglycate demonstrated superior effectiveness in alleviating ragweed allergic rhinitis symptoms compared to placebo.
• DSCG presents a viable therapeutic option for patients suffering from seasonal ragweed hay fever.