Preliminary criteria for the definition of allergic rhinitis: a systematic evaluation of clinical parameters in a disease cohort (II)

Abstract

Background This study is a development of the work done in ‘Preliminary criteria for the definition of allergic rhinitis: a systematic evaluation of clinical parameters in a disease cohort (I)’. Objective We sought to develop criteria which could be routinely used to define allergic rhinitis. Methods A total of 47 allergic rhinitis and 23 normal subjects were evaluated with a detailed questionnaire and history, physical examination, serum total immunoglobulin (Ig) E, skin prick tests and serum EAST's. Results Based on this data, we developed a preliminary scoring system by which a reliable diagnosis of allergic rhinitis can be made, which is based on the prevalence adjusted strength of association delta (∂) rank values described in this report. Cumulative frequency histograms were constructed for allergic rhinitis and normal subjects in a variety of configurations. Conclusion A simple scoring system which can be used to diagnose allergic rhinitis on a routine basis was developed in this study.