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

INTRODUCTION: 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). METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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]), p < 0.001, and FP: -31.13 (-33.23 to -29.04), p < 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Triamcinolone Acetonide in the Treatment of Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: A post hoc Efficacy Analysis of a Phase III Study Performed in Russia.

INTRODUCTION: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a disease which affects >24% of the population in Russia. Triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) is a corticosteroid used for treating AR. This post hoc analysis assesses the efficacy of intranasal TAA in improving perennial AR (PAR) symptom scores over 4 weeks. METHODS: NASANIF (NCT03317015) was a double-blind, parallel-group, multicenter, prospective, non-inferiority, phase III clinical trial in which patients with PAR were randomized (1:1) to receive TAA or fluticasone propionate (FP) over 4 weeks. Our post hoc analysis evaluates weekly change in PAR symptoms using the reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score (rTNSS), overall and for individual symptoms (sneezing, nasal itching, rhinorrhoea, and nasal obstruction). Proportion of patients and time to achieve a ≥50 or ≥75% reduction in rTNSS were assessed. For rTNSS endpoints, a linear mixed-model methodology was used; for time-to-event endpoints, cumulative incidence functions were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, in the per-protocol population. RESULTS: Of 260 patients, 128 each completed the study and were randomized to receive TAA or FP. From baseline to week 4, the changes in total rTNSS were -7.78 (95% CI: -8.1701 to -7.3967; p < 0.001) and -7.52 (-7.9053 to -7.1320; p < 0.001) for TAA and FP, respectively. Individual symptoms improved significantly from baseline. The proportion of patients achieving ≥50 and ≥75% reductions in total rTNSS was 88.0 and 67.2%, respectively in the TAA group. No significant differences were observed between the TAA and FP in any analyses. CONCLUSIONS: TAA produced effective and prolonged improvement of PAR symptoms over a 4-week treatment period.

Ocular symptoms improvement from intranasal triamcinolone compared with placebo and intranasal fluticasone propionate: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is a prevalent disease, which can be classed as seasonal (SAR) or perennial. In addition to nasal symptoms, up to 75% of sufferers experience itching, redness, and tearing of the eyes. Intranasal corticosteroids are effective in controlling the allergic nasal symptoms, and increasing evidence suggests that they also can relieve some of the allergic ocular symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the magnitude of efficacy of triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) compared with placebo or fluticasone propionate (FP) on ocular symptom improvement in patients with SAR. METHODS: A meta-analysis of summary data from 8 randomized, double- or single-blind trials, assessing mean change in total or individual (tearing, redness, and itching) eye symptoms was conducted. Trials that administered a daily dose of 220 µg TAA vs placebo or 200 µg FP over at least 2 weeks' duration, in patients aged 12 years or older with SAR, were analyzed. RESULTS: Total eye symptom reduction after 2 weeks was greater with TAA than placebo, with a mean treatment difference of -0.32 (95% CI, -0.444 to -0.203). In addition, significant reductions in tearing, but not itching or redness, were observed after TAA treatment compared with placebo. No significant treatment difference was seen between TAA and FP in total ocular symptoms at any of the time points measured (weeks 1, 2, 3, and overall). All treatments exhibited similar safety profiles and were deemed well tolerated. CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis demonstrated the positive clinical improvements TAA has on total ocular allergy symptoms, especially tearing, in addition to its recognized nasal symptom efficacy in SAR.

Bioequivalence of 2 Pediatric Formulations of Fexofenadine Hydrochloride Oral Suspension.

Fexofenadine hydrochloride (HCl) is a second-generation, nonsedating, histamine H1-receptor antagonist used to manage seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. A new oral pediatric suspension of fexofenadine HCl has been developed, with the preservative potassium sorbate replacing parabens. The objective of this phase 1 single-center, open-label, randomized, 2-treatment, full-replicated, 4-period, 2-sequence crossover study in healthy adult volunteers was to assess the bioequivalence of 30 mg of the new oral suspension of fexofenadine HCl (test) versus 30 mg of the marketed pediatric oral suspension of fexofenadine HCl (reference). The replicate design was based on the high intra-individual variability of fexofenadine (>30% on Cmax ). The study comprised 68 randomized and treated volunteers. Plasma concentrations of fexofenadine were similar following the administration of a single dose of each formulation. Cmax , AUClast , AUC, median tmax , and mean t1/2z were similar between administrations of the same fexofenadine formulation and between formulations. A high intra-individual variability was confirmed with both formulations. Bioequivalence of the test and reference fexofenadine HCl formulations was demonstrated as the 90% confidence intervals of the geometric least squares mean ratio for Cmax , AUClast , and AUC of fexofenadine were all within the bioequivalence range of 0.80-1.25. There were no serious adverse events (AEs) or study discontinuations due to treatment-emergent AEs with either fexofenadine HCl formulation. The new paraben-free fexofenadine HCl 30-mg oral suspension and marketed fexofenadine HCl 30-mg pediatric oral suspension are bioequivalent under fasting conditions, with no safety concerns and a safety profile consistent with the known profile of fexofenadine.

Fexofenadine: review of safety, efficacy and unmet needs in children with allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common undiagnosed chronic condition in children. Moderate/severe AR symptoms significantly impair quality of life, and cause sleep disruption, absenteeism and decreased productivity. Additionally, untreated AR predisposes children to asthma and other chronic conditions. Although intranasal corticosteroids are the most effective pharmacologic treatment for AR, oral antihistamines are often preferred. First-generation antihistamines may be chosen to relieve AR symptoms as they are inexpensive and widely available; however, they cause sedative and cardiovascular negative effects due to poor receptor selectivity. Therefore, second-generation antihistamines were developed to reduce adverse effects while retaining efficacy. There are fewer clinical trials in children than adults, therefore, efficacy and safety data is limited, particularly in children under 6 years, highlighting the need to generate these data in young children with AR. Fexofenadine, a highly selective second-generation antihistamine, effectively alleviates symptoms of AR, is non-sedating due to decreased blood-brain barrier permeability, and is devoid of cardiovascular side effects. Importantly, fexofenadine relieves the ocular symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, which occur concomitantly with AR, improving quality of life. Overall, fexofenadine displays a favorable safety profile and results in greater treatment satisfaction in children compared with other second-generation antihistamines. This review aimed to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of fexofenadine with other available first- and second-generation antihistamines in children with AR.

[Esophageal achalasia of unknown etiology in children]. / Acalasia de esôfago de causa desconhecida na infância.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of a 9-year-old female presented with esophageal achalasia and approached with surgery. The authors discuss the treatment and make a literature review on the topic. DESCRIPTION: Childhood esophageal achalasia is an unusual disease, often with unknown etiology. The main symptoms are esophageal vomits, dysphagia and weight loss. The diagnosis can be made by esophagogram and endoscopy, but the main examination is the esophageal manometry. Even though the surgical approach is a well-established therapy, some alternative treatments have been used, such as the endoscopy balloon dilatation and the use of botulinum toxin. COMMENTS: Esophageal achalasia is a rare disease in childhood, with unknown etiology. The presentation may be confused with gastroeshophageal reflux, sometimes causing a diagnosis delay. The surgical approach, as well as an antireflux procedure, is the treatment of choice.

[Cardiovascular repercussion of lodenafil carbonate, a new PDE5 inhibitor, with and without alcohol consumption].

BACKGROUND: Millions of men around the world suffer from erectile dysfunction, for which phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE-5 inhibitors) are currently the first treatment option. Sexual activity and alcohol consumption are closely related, and the simultaneous use of alcohol and PDE-5 inhibitors can happen. Lodenafil carbonate is a new PDE-5 inhibitor, developed by a Brazilian pharmaceutical company. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed at evaluating the cardiovascular safety of lodenafil carbonate, with and without simultaneous alcohol consumption. METHODS: Fifteen male volunteers received 160 mg lodenafil carbonate (LC), in three different moments. Participants were assigned to three groups, treated with LC in fasting condition, with alcohol or receiving only placebo. The volunteers were continuously monitored during 24 hours for physical impairment, blood pressure, heart rate, QT interval and lodenafil's pharmacokinetic parameters. RESULTS: Lodenafil carbonate alone or with alcohol did not induce clinically relevant modifications in arterial blood pressure or heart rate. A statistically significant decrease in blood pressure was seen four hours after LC and alcohol intake, and an increase in heart rate six hours after intake of lodenafil carbonate alone. The QTc interval was not significantly modified. Lodenafil carbonate bioavailability was increased in 74% when drug intake was associated with alcohol. CONCLUSION: These results show that the use of lodenafil carbonate did not have clinically relevant effects on blood pressure or heart rate, and was not associated with QT interval prolongation. The association of lodenafil carbonate and alcohol affected its pharmacokinetic properties, increasing the bioavailability of the drug.

Repercussão cardiovascular, com e sem álcool, do carbonato de lodenafila, um novo inibidor da PDE5 / Repercusión cardiovascular, con y sin alcohol, del carbonato de lodenafila, un nuevo inhibidor de la PDE5 / Cardiovascular repercussion of lodenafil carbonate, a new PDE5 inhibitor, with and without alcohol consumption

FUNDAMENTO: A disfunção erétil afeta um grande número de homens no mundo e os inibidores de PDE 5 (iPDE5) estão entre os principais métodos de tratamento desses pacientes. O consumo social de álcool e o ato sexual apresentam uma relação considerável. Portanto, a associação entre álcool e iPDE5 pode ocorrer. O carbonato de lodenafila é um novo iPDE5 desenvolvido por uma empresa brasileira. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a repercussão cardiovascular do carbonato de lodenafila, associado ou não ao álcool, assim como as alterações na farmacocinética que esta associação possa determinar. MÉTODOS: Estudo realizado com 15 voluntários sadios que receberam em momentos diferentes o carbonato de lodenafila (CL) na dose de 160 mg em jejum, CL (160 mg) com álcool, ou somente placebo. Esses pacientes foram monitorados por 24 horas, sendo avaliado o quadro clínico, a pressão arterial (PA), a frequência cardíaca (FC), o intervalo QT e também os dados de farmacocinética. RESULTADOS: O carbonato de lodenafila, isoladamente ou associado com álcool, não determinou alterações clínicas significativas na PA ou FC, embora tenha ocorrido diminuição da PA estatisticamente significativa após 4 horas, nos voluntários que receberam medicamento e álcool, assim como um aumento da FC após 6 horas nos pacientes que receberam o CL. A análise do intervalo QT corrigido não mostrou alteração significativa. O álcool aumentou a biodisponibilidade do medicamento em 74 por cento. Houve somente 2 queixas de cefaleia leve, possivelmente associada ao medicamento. CONCLUSÃO: O carbonato de lodenafila, mesmo associado ao álcool, não determinou repercussões clínicas importantes na PA, FC, ou alterações no intervalo QTc; a ingestão com álcool, por sua vez, aumentou significativamente sua biodisponibilidade.

BACKGROUND: Millions of men around the world suffer from erectile dysfunction, for which phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE-5 inhibitors) are currently the first treatment option. Sexual activity and alcohol consumption are closely related, and the simultaneous use of alcohol and PDE-5 inhibitors can happen. Lodenafil carbonate is a new PDE-5 inhibitor, developed by a Brazilian pharmaceutical company. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed at evaluating the cardiovascular safety of lodenafil carbonate, with and without simultaneous alcohol consumption. METHODS: Fifteen male volunteers received 160 mg lodenafil carbonate (LC), in three different moments. Participants were assigned to three groups, treated with LC in fasting condition, with alcohol or receiving only placebo. The volunteers were continuously monitored during 24 hours for physical impairment, blood pressure, heart rate, QT interval and lodenafil's pharmacokinetic parameters. RESULTS: Lodenafil carbonate alone or with alcohol did not induce clinically relevant modifications in arterial blood pressure or heart rate. A statistically significant decrease in blood pressure was seen four hours after LC and alcohol intake, and an increase in heart rate six hours after intake of lodenafil carbonate alone. The QTc interval was not significantly modified. Lodenafil carbonate bioavailability was increased in 74 percent when drug intake was associated with alcohol. CONCLUSION: These results show that the use of lodenafil carbonate did not have clinically relevant effects on blood pressure or heart rate, and was not associated with QT interval prolongation. The association of lodenafil carbonate and alcohol affected its pharmacokinetic properties, increasing the bioavailability of the drug.

FUNDAMENTO: La disfunción eréctil afecta a un gran número de hombres en el mundo y los inhibidores de PDE5 (iPDE5) están entre los principales métodos de tratamiento de estos pacientes. El consumo social de alcohol y el acto sexual presentan una relación considerable. Por lo tanto, puede ocurrir una asociación entre alcohol e iPDE5. El carbonato de lodenafila es un nuevo iPDE5 desarrollado por una empresa brasileña. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la repercusión cardiovascular del carbonato de lodenafila, asociado o no al alcohol, así como las alteraciones en la farmacocinética que esta asociación pueda determinar. MÉTODOS: Estudio realizado con 15 voluntarios sanos que recibieron en momentos diferentes el carbonato de lodenafila (CL) en la dosis de 160mg en ayunas, CL (160 mg) con alcohol, o solamente placebo. Estos pacientes fueron monitoreados por 24 horas, siendo evaluado el cuadro clínico, la presión arterial (PA), la frecuencia cardíaca (FC), el intervalo QT y también los datos de farmacocinética. RESULTADOS: El carbonato de lodenafila, aisladamente o asociado con alcohol, no determinó alteraciones clínicas significativas en la PA o FC, aunque se haya registrado una disminución de la PA estadísticamente significativa después de 4 horas en los voluntarios que recibieron medicamento y alcohol, así como un aumento de la FC después de 6 horas en los pacientes que recibieron el CL. El análisis del intervalo QT corregido no mostró alteración significativa. El alcohol aumentó la biodisponibilidad del medicamento en un 74 por ciento. Se registraron sólo 2 quejas de cefalea leve, posiblemente asociada al medicamento. CONCLUSIÓN: El carbonato de lodenafila, aun asociado al alcohol, no determinó repercusiones clínicas importantes en la PA, FC, o alteraciones en el intervalo QTc; la ingestión con alcohol, a su vez, aumentó significativamente su biodisponibilidad.

Acalasia de esôfago de causa desconhecida na infância / Esophageal achalasia of unknown etiology in children

OBJETIVO: Os autores descrevem o caso de uma criança do sexo feminino, de 9 anos de idade, com acalasia de esôfago de causa indeterminada, tratada cirurgicamente. Discutem também os métodos empregados para diagnóstico e tratamento, além de realizarem uma revisão da literatura. DESCRIÇÃO: A acalasia do esôfago é uma doença rara em crianças, geralmente de origem indeterminada. Tem como principais sintomas regurgitação, vômitos de características esofágicas, disfagia e perda de peso. O diagnóstico é feito por esofagograma, endoscopia e, mais precisamente, por manometria esofágica. O tratamento de escolha é a cardiomiotomia a Heller, associada ou não a válvula anti-refluxo. A dilatação endoscópica por balão e a toxina botulínica têm sido descritas como alternativas terapêuticas. COMENTARIOS: A acalasia de esôfago é uma doença rara em crianças, e sua origem geralmente é indeterminada. O quadro clínico pode ser confundido com doença do refluxo gastroesofágico, podendo retardar seu diagnóstico. A cardiomiotomia a Heller, associada à confecção de válvula anti-refluxo, consiste na modalidade terapêutica de escolha.

Hérnia de littre: Relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Littres hernia: a case report

A hérnia de littre é uma doença rara em crianças e adultos. Definida como o encontro de um divertículo de Meckel em um saco herniário, seu diagnóstico na maioria das vezes faz-se no intra-operatório, uma vez que 90 porcento dos divertículos de Meckel são assintomáticos. Os autores relatam um caso de hérnia de Littre em uma criança do sexo masculino de dois anos de idade e fazem uma revisão da literatura

Multidrogaterapia em hanseníase: trabalho com grupos de pacientes / Multidrugtherapy in leprosy: work with patien's groups

Os autores descrevem uma abordagem terapêutica para hanseníase segundo os esquemas para multitrogaterapia da OMS - DNS - MS, utilizando o trabalho com grupos de pacientes, enfatizando o aspecto educativo. A metodologia foi conduzida por uma equipe multiprofissional, foram conseguidos resultados como 100% de assiduidade e regularidade no tratamento, 100% de controle individual e plena aceitaçäo do trabalho