3-D Visualization of the Anti-Obstructive Effect of Levocetirizine

Summary

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis is high and appears to be rising worldwide. Therefore, it is important and necessary to understand and visualize therapy effects on this disease. In this study we will demonstrate the effect of levocetirizine on nasal cavity dimensions by assessing not only standard nasal flow diagnostics such as rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry, but supplement exami¬nation procedures with long-term rhinometry and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). With the aid of a virtual model and computer fluid dynamics, we are able to simulate nasal air flow and provide three-dimensional visualization of the computed flow. In previous trials (\[Bachert\], \[deBlic\], \[Day\] and \[Deruaz\]) it has been shown that allergic symptoms, especially nasal congestion, diminish significantly under treatment with levocetirizine. We will demonstrate this anti-obstructive effect by comparing the reaction to nasal allergen challenge before and after four-week treatment with levocetirizine.

Timeline

Start

2009-11

Primary completion

2010-01

Completion

2010-07

Drugs

Indications