Table 3 Definitions of “responders” and “non-responders”, “controlled” and “uncontrolled” symptoms for allergic rhinitis and urticaria
From: Selecting optimal second-generation antihistamines for allergic rhinitis and urticaria in Asia
| Allergic rhinitis | 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 |