Comparative experience of combined medicine interferon alpha-2b + betamethasone and azelastine in the treatment of pollinosis

Objective. To assess and compare effectiveness of the combined medicine interferon alpha-2b + betamethasone (Allergoferon® beta) and azelastine in the topical treatment of pollen allergy (pollinosis) excerbations. Materials and methods. The study design was open, prospective, randomized and comparative. This study was conducted on the basis of the Department of Allergology and Immunology of the Omsk City Polyclinic No.12. The study included 100 patients (men and women aged 18 to 55 years) who had consulted an allergist about moderate pollen allergy exacerbations. The patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment received: Group 1 (n=50) patients received azelastine for the treatment of pollinosis exacerbations; Group 2 (n=50) patients - the new combined medicine Allergoferon® beta. Patients’ conditions were assessed at baseline (Visit 1; V1) and during follow-up examinations on the day 7 (Visit 2; V2) and day 14 (Visit 3; V3). Patients’ symptoms and signs were examined, which helped to evaluate the therapy effectiveness, the presence and severity of side effects. The therapy effectiveness of pollen allergy exacerbations with these medicines was determined by analysing the frequency dynamics and clinical manifestations severity of disease exacerbations during treatment. Tolerability of the examined medicines was evaluated according to patients’ subjective assessment. Results. Control examinations of patients were conducted on the 7th and 14th days of treatment. On the 7h treatment day (V2) a positive dynamic was noted in both groups. Disappearance of nasal symptoms (rhinorrhoea -0 points) was observed in 20% of group 1 patients and in 36% of group 2 patients (x2=3,59; p=0,058); resolution of ocular symptoms (itchy eyelids - 0 points) - in 16 and 24% of patients in groups 1 and 2 respectively (x2=1,33; p=0,248); absence of cough - in 20 (group 1) and 24% (group 2) of patients; absence of sneezing - in 24 (group 1) and 36% (group 2) of patients. After 14 treatment days (V3) nasal symptoms (nasal congestion - 0 points) were fully resolved in 50 and 70% of patients in groups 1 and 2 respectively (x2=2.09; p=0.148); ocular symptoms (itchy eyelids - 0 points) resolved completely in 40 (group 1) and 64% (group 2) of patients (x2=3.67; p=0.055); no lacrimation was observed in 56 (group 1) and 72% (group 2) of patients (x2=1.22; p=0.268). Conclusion. Following the study results, it was noted that the use of the combined medicine interferon alpha-2b + betamethasone (Allergoferon® beta) for the treatment of patients with moderate pollen allergy exacerbations allowed us to resolve ocular and nasal disease symptoms quickly and effectively. No side effects were observed, patients noted a good tolerability of this medicine. There were no cases of treatment withdrawal or refusal.