Effect of Botulinum Neurotoxin A Injection into the Submucoperichondrium of the Nasal Septum in Reducing Idiopathic Non-Allergic Rhinitis and Persistent Allergic Rhinitis

INTRODUCTION Submucoperichondrial injection of botulinum neurotoxin A (BTA) in the nasal septum is a promising therapeutic option in the treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis (AR) and non-allergic rhinitis, and is safer and more effective than intraturbinate injection in reducing clinical symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty patients diagnosed with persistent AR or non-allergic rhinitis referred to Shafa Medical Center affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences were included in this study and were randomly allocated to the intervention or control groups. Patients received an injection of 80 units BTA (Dysport, Ipsen Ltd Company, UK) at a concentration of 200 mU/ml in normal saline on four spots in each side of the nose and were followed for 12 weeks. Data were analyzed using a chi-square or Fisher's test, and Mann Whitney U test. RESULTS The mean age of patients was 46.1±15.3 years, and the two groups did not differ significantly in demographic variables. The severity of rhinitis symptoms was reduced after 4 weeks of injections in the intervention group and then gradually decreased further until the 12th week. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (P<0.05). No adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION Submucoperichondrial BTA injection can be considered an effective therapeutic option in patients with persistent AR and idiopathic rhinitis. In comparison with other injection techniques, submucoperichondrial BTA injection has fewer side effects with a longer period of effectiveness, and is easy to perform and is more tolerable for the patient.