Analysis of adherence to peak flow monitoring when recording of data is electronic.

Although the effects of butterbur have been linked to its constituents, 5–7 we set out to test whether its clinical effects in seasonal allergic rhinitis were comparable to those of antihistamines as judged separately and blindly by patients and their doctors. The results showed that the effects of the two treatments are similar. The trends in favour of butterbur in some measures need to be confirmed in future prospective trials. With regard to safety, butterbur was well tolerated and did not have the sedative effects associated with antihistamines. We believe butterbur should be considered for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis, particularly in cases where the sedative effects of antihistamines need to be avoided. Contributors: see bmj.com Funding: Zeller AG (Switzerland) supplied study medication and sponsored the study through the Clinical Research Organisation Praxis Klinische Arzneimittelforschung, Pohlheim, Germany. The interpretation of the results was the prerogative of the principal investigator and the study group. 2 Knapp HR. Reduced allergen-induced nasal congestion and leukotriene synthesis with an orally active 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor. Role of petasine in the potential anti-inflammatory activity of a plant extract of petasites hybridus.ment of quality of life in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis with a French version of the SF-36 Health Status Questionnaire. Improvement of quality of life by treatment with cetirizine in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis as determined by a French version of the SF-36 questionnaire. 12 Abt K. Descriptive data analysis: a concept between confirmatory and exploratory data analysis. Meth Inform 1987;26:77-88. 13 Wheatley D. LI160, an extract of St John's wort versus amitriptyline in mildly to moderately depressed outpatients—a controlled 6-week clinical trial. Peak flow monitoring is widely recommended in international asthma guidelines. However, suspicions about the accuracy of conventional pen and paper records were confirmed when studies with electronic spirometers showed poor adherence and falsification of data. 1 There seems to be a prevailing nihilistic attitude to peak flow monitoring, largely based on the perception that satisfactory adherence cannot be achieved. We aimed to measure long term adherence to electronic peak flow monitoring when participants were aware that data were being stored and used to guide treatment. We obtained data from a 72 week randomised study comparing two starting doses of budesonide in patients aged 18-75 with poorly controlled asthma. The design and outcomes of the study are reported elsewhere. 2 The study incorporated two novel features: twice daily monitoring with electronic diary spiro-meters (MicroMedical …