In this study, forty patients with perennial allergic rhinitis were divided
into two groups. Group! (20 patients) received topical corticosteroid
(Fluticasone propionate) nasal spray and Group II (20 patients) received
topical antihistamine (Levocabstine) nasal spray. Patients were evaluated
subjectively (symptom score) and objectively (histopathology and immunostaining)
before and 4 weeks after treatment. Morning plasma cortisol
level (measured by n.mol/L.) was estimated before and 4 weeks after
treatment with topical corticosteroid. The results were obtained and statistically
analyzed. In our study. evaluation of the patients treated by intranasal
corticosteroid spray reveals significant improvement of nasal obstruction
reflecting the significant anti-inflammatory effect of
corticosteroids. This effect was observed histopathologically as significant
reduction in stroma/ edema, vascular congestion and reduction of the
basement membrane thickening. Our results proved that fluticasone propionate
therapy was associated with significant reduction in mucosal eosirtophils.
lymphocytes (both T-helper lymphocyte (CD4) and IgE producing-
lymphocytes) and mast cells. As regarding systemic safety. our
results revealed that intranasal corticosteroid treatment was associated
with non-significant increase of plasma cortisol level. On the other hand.
the topical antihistamine treatments showed clinically ineffective treatment
where insignificant decrease in the nasal obstruction as well as oth- |
