Effect of botulinum toxin type A on nasal symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the possible beneficial effects of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) on nasal symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).

Material and methods: Thirty-four patients (21 females, 13 males; mean age 28 years) were included in the study. AR was diagnosed by means of history, clinical examination and skin prick test. Patients were randomly divided into 3 subgroups a follows: in Group A, 20 units of BTX-A was injected into each nasal cavity (total 40 units); in Group B, 30 units of BTX-A was injected into each nasal cavity (total 60 units); and in Group C, 2 ml of isotonic saline was injected as placebo. The symptoms of AR (rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, sneezing, itching) were scored by the patient on a six-point scale (from 0 to 5). All of the patients were followed up at Weeks 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8; at each visit an anterior rhinoscopic examination was done and symptom scores were recorded.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference between Groups A and B in terms of average symptom scores. Rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction and sneezing scores in Groups A and B were significantly better than those in Group C at all time points. Although itching scores were significantly lower at Weeks 1 and 2, there was no difference in the Week 4, 6 and 8 scores in Groups A and B. When total symptom scores were evaluated, the results for Groups A and B were similar but significantly better than those for Group C.

Conclusion: In selected cases, injection of 40 units of BTX-A into the turbinates, as a single agent, may help the symptomatic control of AR for up to 8 weeks.