An international Delphi study on the burden of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria and the role of bilastine among current treatment options.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and chronic urticaria are common histamine-driven diseases, exerting detrimental effects on cognitive functions, sleep, daily activities, and quality of life. Non-sedating second-generation H1-antihistamines are the first-line treatment of choice. Aim of the study was to define the role of bilastine among second-generation H1-antihistamines in the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria in patients of different ages.

METHODS:

An international Delphi study was carried out to assess consensus among experts from 17 European and extra-European countries on three main topics: 1) Burden of disease; 2) Current treatment options; 3) Specific characteristics of bilastine among second-generation antihistamines.

RESULTS:

Here, we present the results obtained for a selection of 15 out of 27 consensus statements, focused on disease burden, role of second-generation antihistamines and bilastine profile. The rate of concordance was ≥98% for 4 statements, ≥ 96% for 6, ≥ 94% for 3, and ≥90% for 2.

CONCLUSIONS:

The high degree of agreement obtained suggests a wide awareness of the burden of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and chronic urticaria among experts from all over the world and reflects a broad consensus on the role of second-generation antihistamines in general and of bilastine in particular for their management.

• Authors: M K Church, G W Canonica, P Kuna, M Maurer, R Mösges, Z Novak, N G Papadopoulos, P Rodriguez Del Rio, Delphi Study Group
• Journal: Expert review of clinical immunology (Expert Rev Clin Immunol) 2023 Jul-Dec Vol. 19 Issue 7 Pg. 813-820 ISSN: 1744-8409 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 37191185 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• bilastine
• Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating
• Histamine Antagonists

Topics

• Humans
• Quality of Life
• Delphi Technique
• Urticaria
• Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating (therapeutic use)
• Histamine Antagonists (therapeutic use)
• Chronic Urticaria