Oral antihistamines in atopic dermatitis
| Citation | Study group | Study type (level of evidence) | Outcome | Key results | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munday et al (2002) | 155 paediatric patients with atopic dermatitis causing nocturnal itching and scratching, randomised to placebo or chlorpheniramine. Age 1–12 years | RCT; double blind, multicentre (level 1b) | Cessation of nocturnal itching and scratching compared to any itching symptoms at all. Assessed over 4 week period with itching scores and diary cards | 1–5 years: small reduction in symptoms in children age 1–5 years, but not statistically significant. ARR 18% (95% CI −0.05 to 0.41) 6–12 years: no difference in 6–12 years. ARR 12% (95% CI −0.35 to 0.11) | Unclear how patients randomised and concealment of group. 4 patients not accounted for in final data analysis. Patients from different centres had differing intensity of treatment prior to study. Unvalidated 5 point rating scale |
| La Rosa et al (1994) | 22 children with atopic dermatitis, randomised to placebo or cetirizine. Age 6–12 years | RCT; double blind (level 1b) | Decrease in pruritus. Assessed over 4 and 8 week period with scoring system and clinical assessment | Citirizine reduced symptoms more than placebo over first week, but no percentage reduction given (p<0.02). Pruritus scores the same at 4 week intervals | No data on randomisation details and concealment. Small numbers. Not specified who performed clinical assessments. Results not specified, no confidence intervals, arbitrary scales on graphs for intensity of pruritus. Percentage improvement figures were not given for both placebo and treatment groups, so not comparable |