Table 3 Definitions of “responders” and “non-responders”, “controlled” and “uncontrolled” symptoms for allergic rhinitis and urticaria

Responder

Improvement of overall symptoms by VAS. VAS decreases by > 50% compared with 4‒6 weeks before treatment

OR

> 50% improvement in symptoms after 1 week of treatment

Absence of, or reduction in number and/or frequency of, urticaria lesions/angioedema

OR

Complete response: UAS7 score decreases by > 90% from the baseline score

Significant improvement: UAS7 score decreases by > 30%, but < 90% from the baseline score

Nonresponder

VAS changes < 50% compared with 4‒6 weeks before treatment

OR

< 20% improvement in symptoms after 1 week of treatment

Same (or increase in) number and/or frequency of urticaria lesions/angioedema after treatment of adequate dosage for at least 2 weeks

OR

UAS7 score decreases by < 30% from the baseline score

Controlled symptoms

VAS score < 5/10 at the time of asking the patient

OR

80% improvement in symptoms and QoL

Improvement or elimination of itch and/or visible lesions and/or QoL (as perceived by patient)

OR

UAS7 score decreases by > 90% from the baseline score

Uncontrolled symptoms

VAS score ≥ 5/10 at the time of asking the patient

OR

< 50% improvement in symptoms and QoL

No change (or worsening) of itch and/or visible lesions and/or quality of life (as perceived by the patient)

OR

UAS7 score decreases by < 30% from the baseline score or flares up