Randomised controlled trials of topical nasal drug treatment in sleep-disordered breathing
| First author [Ref.] | Number and characteristics of patients | Study design, intervention | Outcomes | Comments |
| Kiely 67 | 23, 10 snorers and 13 OSA patients, median AHI of OSA patients 26.5, chronic allergic rhinitis | Crossover, double-blind, intranasal fluticasone versus placebo (saline) | AHI and subjective NR decreased No difference in sleep architecture, snoring and Sp,O2 | Fluticasone decreased NR |
| McLean 68 | 10, moderate-severe OSA, chronic nasal obstruction | Crossover, single-blind, intranasal oxymetazoline and Breathe Right® versus placebo strips and sodium chloride | AHI and sleep architecture improved, and mouth breathing decreased No change in subjective sleepiness | Oxymetazoline and Breathe Right® reduced NR No data on snoring |
| Kerr 69 | 10, moderate-to severe OSA, six out of 10 with chronic nasal obstruction | Crossover, single-blind, intranasal oxymetazalone and vestibular stents versus placebo (saline) | Arousal index (and sleep architecture in patients with nasal obstruction) improved No change of AHI and Sp,O2 No change in subjective sleepiness | Oxymetazalone and vestibular stents reduced NR No data on snoring |
OSA: obstructive sleep apnoea; AHI: apnoea/hypopnoea index; NR: nasal resistance; Sp,O2: arterial oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry.