Resumen

MOLLA, Cordula et al. Effectiveness and tolerability of the Petasites hybridus leaf extract Ze 339 in the treatment of allergic rhinitis in a paediatric population. AVFT [online]. 2015, vol.34, n.1, pp.4-10. ISSN 0798-0264.

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most prevalent chronic allergic diseases in children, with a high impact on a child’s quality of life and co-morbidities like asthma. Objective: The objective of this analysis was to investigate the effectiveness and tolerability of the Petasites hybridus leaf extract Ze 339 (Ze 339) in the treatment of AR in paediatric patients. Methods: We present a paediatric sub-analysis of a recent Venezuelan observational study, which investigated the effect of Ze 339 on clinical symptoms of AR in patients treated under conditions of daily practice. Among those 927 previously studied patients, 92 patients were less than 18 years old. Thereof, we included 53 children and adolescents in this intention-to-treat sub-analysis. Patients were advised to take one tablet of Ze 339 (corresponding to 8 mg petasins) two or three times a day up to one month. Symptoms of AR were recorded at every medical visit using a 4-point rating scale to indicate the level of severity. Single symptoms of AR (rhinorrhoea, nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, red eyes, itchy throat) and several composite scores (total symptom score, total nasal symptom score, total nasal and ocular symptom score) were evaluated. The overall therapeutic response of patients to the medication indicating effectiveness and tolerability was evaluated by a 5-point rating scale by both the physician and patient. Results: Full recovery and a significant improvement of symptoms were seen in 86.8% of patients. This was also reflected in a significant improvement of the different composite scores (p<0.001). Overall, the results showed that Ze 339 is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of AR in paediatric patients. Conclusion: Ze 339 is effective and well tolerated in the relief of all symptoms of AR. Beneficial effects were reported by patients and physicians. Ze 339 may be considered for the treatment of AR in paediatric patients.

Palabras clave : Petasites hybridus; allergic rhinitis; children; adolescents; paediatric population; Ze 339.