215 Life Quality in Patients Presenting Allergic Rhinitis

M. A. Calvo, Sr.; Pediatrics Institute, Austral University, Valdivia,CHILE.RATIONALE: To evaluate life quality (LQ) in children presenting Aller-gic Rhinitis (AR).METHODS: Prospective study by using “Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality oflife Questionnaire”. It evaluates LQ in 7 areas (0 optimal, 7 the worst).Requirements: acceptance of the questionnaire by patients and tutors,aging over 7 years old and being at lest 15 days without AR preventivetreatment (October 15, 2002 to April 14, 2003). 5 to 15 patients per week.RESULTS: 261 children were surveyed. 37 (14.2%) only AR and 224(85.8%) AR+Asthma (BA). Score average for AR: 2.2 being the areas of“Activities” (3.8) and “Practical Problems” (3.5) the most altered; and “Othersymptoms” (1.0) the least. Direct relation in 5 out of 7 areas with ARIA(Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) classification, in terms of ARhighest seriousness and highest alteration in LQ with p<0,01 (not observedin “Sleeping” and “Other symptoms”). The age group of 11-15 years showsa higher LQ alteration than the group 7-10 years, specially “Ocular Symp-toms” and “Emotional” (p<0,01). Those presenting pollen sensibility andpolisensibility show higher LQ alteration. Those presenting pollen sensibili-ty show AR mainly and Dermatophagoides show AR+BA (p<0,01). Thepresence of BA has no particular influence on high LQ alteration (p>0,05).CONCLUSIONS: AR is a disease that negatively influences health sen-sation; the higher the more serious, being independent from the presenceof BA. The questionnaire used is related with the ARIA classification. Anadequate treatment for this disease will avoid its co-morbidities and willalso favorably influence LQ in these patients.Funding: University Monies

J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL Abstracts S79VOLUME 113, NUMBER 2

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