Triamcinolone Acetonide in the Treatment of Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: A post hoc Analysis of Quality of Life during a Phase III Study

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a disease that affects ≤24% of people in Russia, significantly impairing quality of life (QoL). Intranasal corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone acetonide (TAA), are considered effective drugs for treatment. A post hoc analysis of data (phase III NASANIF trial) examined weekly QoL changes in patients receiving TAA for the treatment of perennial AR (PAR). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> NASANIF (NCT03317015) was a double-blind, parallel group, multicenter, prospective, noninferiority, phase III clinical trial. Patients with PAR were randomized (1:1) to receive TAA or fluticasone propionate (FP) for 4 weeks. Here, a post hoc analysis measures QoL using a shortened Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (miniRQLQ). Differences in miniRQLQ score were evaluated using a mixed linear model and descriptive statistics. A subgroup analysis was performed in patients with a previous diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of 260 patients eligible for randomization, 128 each completed treatment with TAA or FP. Overall and individual domain scores progressively improved and were significantly different versus baseline at week 4 in both treatment groups: LS mean difference TAA: −30.92 (95% CI [−33.01 to −28.83]), <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001, and FP: −31.13 (−33.23 to −29.04), <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001. In both arms of the subgroup, there was a significant reduction in eye symptoms. There was no significant difference between the TAA and FP treatment groups in any analyses. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> TAA is effective in improving overall and individual domains of QoL in patients with PAR, over 4 weeks. Patients with a previous diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis experienced significant improvements in QoL related to the resolution of these symptoms.