A comparison of the effects of botulinum toxin A and steroid injection on nasal allergy

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) with intranasal steroid injections on nasal symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded clinical trial (patients were blinded). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients were included in the study. AR was diagnosed by means of history, clinical examination, and skin prick test. Patients were randomly divided into three subgroups as follows: in group A, 25 units of BTX-A were injected into each inferior turbinate (total 50 units); in group B, 1 cc (20 mg/mL) of triamcinolone was injected into each inferior turbinate; and in group C, I cc of isotonic saline was injected as placebo. The symptoms of AR were scored by the patient on a six-point scale. RESULTS: At all time points, group A was significantly better than group C. In the nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea scores, group A was significantly better than group B after 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: BTX-A may provide better AR symptom relief in terms of duration and degree than a steroid injection. (c) 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.