Effects of Sodium Hyaluronate on Symptoms and Quality of Life in Women Affected by Pregnancy Rhinitis: A Pilot Study

AIMS: To investigate sodium hyaluronate (SH) efficacy in the treatment of pregnancy rhinitis. METHODS: A single-center, prospective, open-label, 2 parallel-group study was carried out. Pregnant women affected by pregnancy rhinitis were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: Group A was treated with SH, while Group B did not receive any treatment. Pregnancy rhinitis symptoms and quality of life (QOL) during pregnancy were investigated by administering a questionnaire and carrying out an otorhinolaryngoiatric visit. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the intensity of headache, snoring and insomnia in the Group A compared to the Group B were demonstrated. In the Group A, a significant lower presence of amount of secretions (Group A 0.88, 95% CI 0.57-1.18 vs. Group B 2.00, 95% CI 1.69-2.31, p < 0.001), turbinate hypertrophy (Group A 1.70, 95% CI 1.46-1.94 vs. Group B 2.53, 95% CI 2.29-2.77, p < 0.001), and mucosal congestion/hyperemia (Group A 1.41, 95% CI 1.14-1.68 vs. Group B 2.26, 95% CI 1.99-2.53, p < 0.001) was observed. No adverse events were reported in patients treated with SH. CONCLUSIONS: SH is a safe and effective therapeutic alternative for the treatment of pregnancy rhinitis symptoms, improving patients' QOL.