Prevalence and characterization of chronic rhinosinusitis in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis at a tertiary care center in the United States

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is associated with bronchiectasis; however, this relationship has not been well studied in the United States (US) population. In this work we aimed to determine the prevalence of CRS among patients with bronchiectasis affiliated with a US tertiary medical center and identify which comorbid diseases are associated with the presence of CRS in patients with bronchiectasis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study in which data were obtained from a large database warehouse at a tertiary care center. Patients with bronchiectasis were identified from 2007 to 2017 using diagnosis codes from the the ninth and tenth revisions of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9/10) and confirmed by radiographic evidence of bronchiectasis on chest computed tomography (CT) scans. Patients were divided into cohorts based on presence or absence of concomitant CRS. Characteristics analyzed included demographics, comorbidities, peripheral eosinophil counts, and pulmonary function testing.

RESULTS

CRS was present in 45% (408 of 900) of patients with bronchiectasis. Females represented a majority of bronchiectasis patients, both with and without CRS (69% and 64%, respectively, p = 0.09). After controlling for demographic factors, asthma (p < 0.01), allergic rhinitis (p < 0.01), gastroesophageal reflux disease (p < 0.01), and antibody deficiency (p < 0.01) were associated with the presence of CRS in patients with bronchiectasis.

CONCLUSION

CRS had a high prevalence and was associated with numerous comorbid conditions in patients with bronchiectasis. These findings have clinical implications for the treatment of patients with bronchiectasis and future research.

Increased thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor levels in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory disease subdivided based on the presence or absence of nasal polyps (NPs). Histologic features of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) include inflammatory cell infiltration and excessive fibrin deposition in NPs. Thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is an enzyme that plays an antifibrinolytic role in the body. The significance of TAFI has been documented in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, including chronic lung disease; however, it has not been evaluated in the pathogenesis of NPs.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential role of TAFI in the pathogenesis of NPs.

METHODS

Nasal lavage fluid was collected from control subjects and patients with CRS. We measured levels of thrombin/anti-thrombin complex (TATc) and TAFI protein using an ELISA.

RESULTS

TATc levels in nasal lavage fluid were significantly increased in patients with CRSwNP and patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) compared with control subjects, and TAFI levels in nasal lavage fluid were also significantly increased in patients with CRSwNP compared with those in control subjects and patients with CRSsNP. There was a significant correlation between TATc and TAFI levels in nasal lavage fluid. Interestingly, patients with CRS and asthma showed increased TATc and TAFI levels in nasal lavage fluid compared with those in patients with CRS without asthma, especially patients with CRSwNP.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased TATc and TAFI levels in nasal passages of patients with CRSwNP might participate in fibrin deposition in NPs and might play a role in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP and asthma.

In-office Placement of Mometasone Furoate Sinus Implants for Recurrent Nasal Polyps: A Pooled Analysis

Background

A mometasone furoate (MF) sinus implant (1350 mcg) was evaluated in 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in 400 adults with nasal polyps (NP) who were candidates for revision endoscopic sinus surgery (RESS). We conducted a pooled analysis to evaluate the efficacy of MF implant in specific subgroups of NP patients.

Methods

Pooled data from 2 RCTs for 375 patients were analyzed across prespecified subjective and objective end points through day 90.

Results

At day 90, patients receiving implants and MF nasal spray (MFNS) experienced significant improvements in nasal obstruction/congestion (NO/C) score ( P = .0095), bilateral polyp grade (BPG, P = .0008), and ethmoid sinus obstruction ( P < .0001) compared to control using MFNS alone. Fewer treatment than control patients remained candidates for RESS (41.0% vs 69.3%, P < .0001). All subgroups experienced significant treatment effects, except NO/C in smokers ( P = .0509) and patients without altered smell ( P = .1873). Subgroups without asthma and with only 1 prior ESS experienced largest treatment effect on NO/C, and those with recent surgery <24 months and BPG >5 showed largest effect on endoscopic end points and RESS. Control patients with ESS <24 months were at 7 times highest risk for RESS ( P < .0001). One (0.4%) patient experienced implant-related serious adverse event (epistaxis).

Conclusion

On pooled analysis, MF implants with MFNS showed more favorable results than MFNS alone across several subjective and objective end points at day 90 and may play an important role in management of NP patients, especially those who have allergic rhinitis, expanded polyposis, altered smell, or had most recent ESS < 24 months.

Procalcitonin as a Biomarker in Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

(1) To describe the existing literature on procalcitonin (PCT) as a biomarker in patients with acute rhinosinusitis (ARS), (2) to analyze outcomes in ARS patients who were treated with PCT-guided therapy versus traditional management, and (3) to compare PCT to other biomarkers used in diagnosis of bacterial ARS. Data Sources: PubMed and Embase. Review Methods: A systematic search in the PubMed and Embase databases was performed to identify studies related to PCT as a biomarker in ARS. After critical appraisal of validity by 2 authors, 6 studies with a total of 313 patients were selected for data extraction and analysis. We identified 2 randomized control trials (RCTs) of PCT-based guidelines for antibiotic management of ARS in outpatient settings and 4 observational studies that compared PCT to other biomarkers in patients with ARS.

RESULTS

The 2 RCTs demonstrated a reduction (41.6% in 1 study and 71% in the other) in antibiotic prescription rate in the PCT-guided group versus the control group with no change in the number of days with impaired activity due to illness (9.0 vs 9.0 days [ P = .96]; 8.1 vs 8.2 days [95% confidence interval -0.7 to 0.7]), number of days of work missed, and percentage of patients with persistent symptoms at 28 days. In the observational cohort studies, PCT did not consistently correlate with C-reactive protein, body temperature, and/or white blood cell counts.

CONCLUSIONS

The limited existing literature on the role of PCT in diagnosis, management, and prediction of clinical outcomes in ARS suggests that PCT-based guidelines for antibiotic prescription are a safe and effective method of minimizing unnecessary antibiotic use.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis without Nasal Polyps in an Academic Setting

BACKGROUND

Although patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) represent a majority of the chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) population, they have not been completely characterized phenotypically.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a comprehensive phenotypic characterization of subjects with CRSsNP, using CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) as a comparator.

METHODS

Patients with a history of CRS with positive sinus computed tomography (>18 years old) evaluated in the allergy/immunology or otolaryngology clinics of an academic center between 2002 and 2012 were identified via International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. A retrospective chart review was performed on a subset of 507 patients with CRSsNP and 874 with CRSwNP. Characteristics analyzed included demographics, comorbid conditions, and radiologic sinus severity.

RESULTS

Of the total CRS population, approximately 82% had CRSsNP and 18% had CRSwNP. Of the 507 patients in the CRSsNP group, 319 (63%) were female compared with 393 of 847 (45%) in the CRSwNP group. The prevalence of atopy was 52% in CRSsNP versus 76% in CRSwNP (P < .0001). In CRSsNP, atopic patients had more severe radiographic disease compared with nonatopic patients (P < .005). The prevalence of asthma was 36% in CRSsNP versus 56% in CRSwNP (P < .0001). Comorbid asthma was not associated with radiographic sinus disease severity in CRSsNP but was associated with severity in CRSwNP (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The relative prevalence of CRS phenotypes in the western population is approximately 80% CRSsNP and 20% CRSwNP. Patients with CRSsNP were predominantly female, whereas patients with CRSwNP were predominantly male. The prevalence of asthma was higher in our cohort of patients with CRSsNP than previously described. Atopy was associated with more severe radiographic sinonasal disease in CRSsNP, whereas asthma was not associated with radiographic sinonasal disease severity.

YouTube as a source of information for obstructive sleep apnea

PURPOSE

Assess the quality of information on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) presented on YouTube for patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

"Obstructive sleep apnea" was entered into the YouTube search. Two independent reviewers categorized and analyzed videos utilizing a customized scoring-system along with search position, likes, and views.

RESULTS

Forty-eight videos were analyzed. Most were educational (52.1%). Educational and news videos had significantly higher scores, but had no significant differences in search position, likes/day, or views/day. Most videos mentioned positive airway pressure (65%), and nearly half (44%) mentioned mandibular devices in the management of OSA. Few videos discussed surgery (13%) or otolaryngology (15%).

CONCLUSION

YouTube is a promising source of information for OSA patients. Educational and news videos are of highest quality. General quality measures like search position, views, and likes are not correlated with formally scored value. Sleep surgery and otolaryngologists are minimally mentioned, representing an opportunity for improvement.

Prevalence, severity, and risk factors for acute exacerbations of nasal and sinus symptoms by chronic rhinosinusitis status

BACKGROUND

Nasal and sinus symptoms (NSS) are common to many health conditions, including chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Few studies have investigated the occurrence and severity of, and risk factors for, acute exacerbations of NSS (AENSS) by CRS status (current, past, or never met European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis [EPOS] criteria for CRS).

METHODS

Four seasonal questionnaires were mailed to a stratified random sample of Geisinger primary care patients. Logistic regression was used to identify individual characteristics associated with AENSS occurrence and severity by CRS status (current long-term, current recent, past, never) using EPOS subjective symptoms-only (EPOSS ) CRS criteria. We operationalized 3 AENSS definitions based on prescribed antibiotics or oral corticosteroids, symptoms, and symptoms with purulence.

RESULTS

Baseline and at least 1 follow-up questionnaires were available from 4736 subjects. Self-reported NSS severity with exacerbation was worst in the current long-term CRS group. AENSS was common in all subgroups examined and generally more common among those with current EPOSS CRS. Seasonal prevalence of AENSS differed by AENSS definition and CRS status. Associations of risk factors with AENSS differed by definition, but CRS status, body mass index, asthma, hay fever, sinus surgery history, and winter season consistently predicted AENSS.

CONCLUSIONS

In this first longitudinal, population-based study of 3 AENSS definitions, NSS and AENSS were both common, sometimes severe, and differed by EPOSS CRS status. Contrasting associations of risk factors for AENSS by the different definitions suggest a need for a standardized approach to definition of AENSS.

Reciprocal activation of B cells and group 2 innate lymphoid cells

B cells can be activated at peripheral sites in chronic inflammatory disease, but the mechanisms that drive this, especially in humans, are unclear. We have reported elevated frequencies of Epstein-Barr virus-induced molecule 2 (EBI2) expressing B cells in tissues from patients with chronic airway inflammation. EBI2 is a marker of extrafollicular plasmablasts, which are activated antibody-secreting cells (ASC). We sought to determine the mechanisms of extrafollicular B cell activation during chronic airway inflammation. ELISpot was used to determine ASC frequency in cells from inflamed nasal tissue or control tonsil tissue. B cells, T cells, and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) were isolated from peripheral blood, and B cells were co-cultured with group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) or T cells. EBI2 expression was assessed by flow cytometry, and gene expression changes were assessed by single cell RNA-seq. Inflamed nasal tissue had a higher frequency of ASC compared to tonsil (p&lt;0.05). The majority of the ASC were contained in the EBI2+ B cell subset in nasal and tonsil tissues. Co-culture of B cells and ILC2 significantly increased the frequency of EBI2+ B cells (p&lt;0.01). B cells co-cultured with ILC2 expressed significantly higher levels of CCL17, CCL22, and FceR2 (&gt;5 fold), compared to freshly isolated B cells, or B cells co-cultured with T cells. ILC2 co-cultured with B cells had significantly increased expression of IL-5, IL-13, and IL-2Ra (&gt;7 fold) compared to freshly isolated ILC2. Our data suggest that not only can ILC2 directly activate B cells, but B cells can also enhance ILC2 function. These findings provide new insights into mechanisms that B cells may play in chronic inflammatory disease.

Chronic Sinusitis with Nasal Polyps: Staphylococcal Exotoxin Immunoglobulin E and Cellular Inflammation

Background

The etiology of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyposis (CS/NP) remains enigmatic. Frequently, Staphylococcus aureus is present in the nose of CS/NP patients, although the significance is unclear. Recent reports have suggested the hypothesis that these bacteria may secrete exotoxins triggering the inflammatory mucosal changes seen in CS/NP. This mechanism of immunopathology has been established in other diseases associated with Staphylococcus colonization and exotoxin secretion such as atopic dermatitis. In atopic dermatitis, the exotoxins incite a local superantigen response in which clonal T-cell activation and massive cytokine release occur in the affected skin. Second, these exotoxins can act as traditional allergens, stimulating a typical immunoglobulin E (IgE) response in the serum, which has been correlated with disease severity. This study is designed to begin the assessment of the hypothesis that a similar mechanism takes place in CS/NP.

Methods

Serum was drawn from patients with CS/NP undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery as well as 13 atopic and nonatopic control subjects without sinusitis. IgE levels to S. aureus exotoxins A (SEA), SE exotoxins B (SEB), and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tissue eosinophilia and the presence of lymphocytes on hemotoxylin and eosin-stained sections of polyps were scored by a blinded pathologist and correlated to presence of toxin IgE in the serum.

Results

Staphylococcal exotoxin (SE)-specific IgE was found in the serum of 5/10 (50%) of the patients with CS/NP. In contrast, 0/13 control patients had IgE to the exotoxins (p = 0.031). Polyp eosinophil, lymphocyte, and mononuclear cell counts were compared in IgE exotoxin-positive and -negative subjects. A trend toward increased eosinophil counts in patients with SE IgE (SE IgE+) was present, but not statistically significant.

Conclusion

These results indicate that a high percentage of CS/NP patients show a systemic IgE response to S. aureus exotoxins in comparison with controls without CS/NP. Although these results are consistent with the actions of Staphylococcus toxins in other diseases, additional work is necessary to establish a local superantigen response in the nasal mucosa of CS/NP patients. (American Journal of Rhinology 18, 273–278, 2004)

Superantigens and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Skewing of T-Cell Receptor Vβ-Distributions in Polyp-Derived CD4+ and CD8+ T Cells

Background

Recent studies have suggested that Staphylococcus aureus secrete superantigenic toxins that play a role in the etiology of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). Twenty S. aureus superantigens (SAg's) have been identified, each of which bind the Vβ-region of the T-cell receptor (TCR) outside the peptide-binding site. Approximately 50 distinct Vβ-domains exist in the human repertoire, and distinct SAg's will bind only particular domains generating a pattern of Vβ-enrichment in lymphocytes dependent on the binding characteristics of a given toxin. The aim of this study was to analyze the pattern of Vβ-expression in polyp-derived lymphocytes from CRSwNP patients.

Methods

Polyps were harvested from 20 patients with CRSwNP and 3 patients with antrochoanal polyps. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the Vβ-repertoire of polyp-derived CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. Data were analyzed in light of the known skewing associated with SAg exposure in vivo and in vitro. Skewing was defined as a percentage of Vβ-expression >2 SD of that seen in normal blood.

Results

Seven of 20 subjects exhibited skewing in Vβ-domains with strong associations with S. aureus SAg's. The three antrochoanal polyps failed to show any significant Vβ-skewing.

Conclusion

This study establishes evidence of S. aureus SAg–T-cell interactions in polyp lymphocytes of 35% of CRSwNP patients. Although these results are consistent with intranasal exposure of polyp lymphocytes to SAg's, additional study is necessary to establish the role of these toxins in disease pathogenesis.

The Effect of FloSeal on Mucosal Healing after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Comparison with Thrombin-Soaked Gelatin Foam

Background

The optimal form of nasal packing after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) still has not been established. Although wide variations exist among sinus surgeons, the goals are adequate hemostasis, rapid healing, and patient comfort. Preliminary studies indicated that FloSeal (FS), a novel absorbable hemostatic paste used as a nasal pack, was associated with minimal postoperative discomfort and effective hemostasis. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of this agent on mucosal healing in ESS.

Methods

Twenty consecutive patients underwent bilateral ESS. For each patient, one ethmoid cavity was randomized to receive FS and the other received thrombin-soaked gelatin foam. The extent of granulation tissue and adhesion formation was evaluated at 6–8 weeks after surgery.

Results

No significant differences were observed between the FS and the thrombin-soaked gelatin foam groups with respect to the preoperative Lund-Mackay score, extent of surgery performed, or need for additional nasal packing. However, the FS group showed clear trends toward increased granulation tissue (p = 0.007) and adhesion (p = 0.006) formation. Conclusion: Absorbable hemostatic agents are associated with a high degree of patient comfort and provide hemostasis comparable with traditional techniques. Different materials may induce differential patterns of mucosal healing, potentially affecting the ultimate result of ESS.

Long-Term Effects of FloSeal™ Packing After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Background

A previous study by our group showed increased adhesions and granulation tissue in ethmoid cavities packed with FloSeal (FS) compared with those packed with thrombin-soaked gelatin foam after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). That study included 20 patients whose cavities were graded 6–8 weeks postoperatively. The goal of this study was to report long-term follow-up on this cohort.

Methods

At least 1 year follow-up was available in 18/20 patients. The number of office procedures required to lyse adhesions during the follow-up period was tabulated also. Pathology was available from one patient who underwent lysis of adhesions on an FS side. The histopathological findings are presented.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 21.4 (±2.3) months, and none of the 18 patients required revision ESS during this interval. The overall incidence of adhesions (p = 0.013) and the number requiring lysis of adhesions (p = 0.046) were both greater in the FS group. During the interval between previous study evaluation (6–8 weeks postop) and last follow-up, five FS sides required a total of seven procedures to lyse adhesions. Silent adhesions were observed in an additional five FS sides. Although asymptomatic adhesions were observed in two thrombin-soaked gelatin sides at last examination, none underwent lysis. Biopsy of an adhesion from a patient packed with FS 25 months earlier revealed incorporated foreign material.

Conclusion

FS appears to be associated with scar tissue formation and may be incorporated into recovering mucosa. Use of FS may increase the degree of postoperative care required after ESS.

Age-Related Olfactory Dysfunction: Cellular and Molecular Characterization in the Rat

Background

Olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) undergo apoptosis at a baseline rate even in the absence of obvious disease. Although the precise triggers of the apoptotic cascade are unclear, ORNs are exposed directly to the external environment, making them susceptible to injury. As an adaptive mechanism, mammals have the ability to replace lost ORNs throughout adult life from neuronal precursors within the olfactory epithelium (OE). In humans, this process fails with age as the surface area of the OE and the number of ORNs decline, coupled with a loss of clinical olfactory function. The question addressed in this study is whether this age-related failure of olfactory sensation is a result of a decrease in neuronal proliferation or an increase in ORN cell death.

Methods

To begin to address this question the ribonuclease protection assay was used to assess expression of apoptosisrelated genes in rat OE as a function of age. Second, the terminal deoxynucleotide transferase end labeling assay was used to assess the percentage of ORNs undergoing apoptosis (apoptotic index) in three groups of animals: young (12 weeks), old (32 months), and bulbectomized rats. Bulbectomy is a standard model for ORN injury associated with a massive increase in ORN apoptosis and serves as a positive control.

Results

Ribonuclease protection assay data indicate an age-related increase in Bax, Bcl-xL, and procaspase-3 messenger RNA expression in aged compared with young rats. A similar but more pronounced increase in expression of these apoptotic-related genes is seen after bulbectomy. The terminal deoxynucleotide transferase end labeling assay also showed a statistically significant increase in the apoptotic index with both age and bulbectomy.

Conclusion

Taken together, the current results indicate that aging and injury induce parallel changes in OE. Furthermore, these findings support the hypothesis that age-related olfactory dysfunction is, at least in part, related to an increase in ORN cell death.

Short-chain fatty acids induce tissue plasminogen activator in airway epithelial cells via GPR41&43

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory disease generally divided based on the presence or absence of nasal polyps (NPs). One of the features of NPs is excessive fibrin deposition, which is associated with down-regulation of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) in NPs. As t-PA is expressed in epithelial cells, and epithelium is readily accessible to topical therapies, identifying compounds that can mediate the induction of t-PA would be a potential new strategy for the treatment of NPs.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine whether short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) can induce t-PA in airway epithelial cells via their known receptors GPR41 and GPR43.

METHODS

We performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) to determine whether receptors for SCFAs, known as G protein-coupled receptor 41/free fatty acid receptor 3 (GPR41/FFAR3) and GPR43/FFAR2, are expressed in nasal tissue. Primary normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells were stimulated with different concentrations of SCFAs to test induction of t-PA, which was analysed by expression of mRNA and protein. Mediation of responses by SCFA receptors was evaluated by specific receptor gene silencing with siRNA.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry study revealed that airway epithelial cells expressed GPR41 and GPR43. Acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid significantly induced t-PA expression from two- to tenfolds. The strongest inducer of t-PA from NHBE cells was propionic acid; cells stimulated with propionic acid released t-PA into the supernatant in its active form. Gene silencing of GPR41 and GPR43 revealed that induction of t-PA by SCFAs was dependent upon both GPR41 and GPR43.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Short-chain fatty acids were shown to induce airway epithelial cell expression of t-PA via GPR41 and GPR43. Topical delivery of potent compounds that activate these receptors may have value by reducing fibrin deposition and shrinking nasal polyp growth.

Presentation, workup, and management of penetrating transorbital and transnasal injuries: A case report and systematic review

BACKGROUND

A foreign body (FB) penetrating intracranially after passing transorbitally or transnasally is a rare occurrence. However, otolaryngologists are increasingly being asked to participate in the care of these patients for both endoscopic removal of the object and repair of any skull base defects.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the presentation, workup, and management of transnasal or transorbital penetrating FB injury.

METHODS

Systematic review of the presentation, workup, and management of transnasal or transorbital penetrating FB injury; plus, a case report of a 53-year-old woman with a transorbital penetrating rose bush branch. We searched medical literature data bases, which resulted in 215 total titles, which were then narrowed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Thirty-five cases of transorbital or transnasal low-velocity trauma that involved the paranasal sinuses were reviewed from 33 articles. The average age was 30 years, 40% of the objects were made of wood. Fifty-seven percent of the cases were transorbital, whereas 43% were transnasal. Forty-six percent of the surgical interventions were completed endoscopically or with endoscopic assistance. Complications of injury were common, with 66% of patients experiencing cerebrospinal fluid leaks; 23%, permanent blindness; 17%, meningitis; 14%, ophthalmoplegia; 9%, decreased visual acuity; and 3%, brain abscess. Our patient presented with a traumatic cerebrospinal fluid leak, and recovered well after transorbital and endoscopic removal of the branch, skull base repair, and a prolonged course of antibiotics and antifungal medications.

CONCLUSIONS

Transnasal and transorbital penetrating FB injuries are a relatively uncommon occurrence but when they do occur require rapid workup and interdisciplinary management to prevent acute and delayed complications.

A phase 3 trial of mometasone furoate sinus implants for chronic sinusitis with recurrent nasal polyps

Background

Topical intranasal corticosteroid sprays (INCSs) are standard treatment for nasal polyps (NPs), but their efficacy is reduced by poor patient compliance and impaired access of drug to the sinus mucosa. A corticosteroid‐eluting sinus implant was designed to address these limitations in patients with recurrent polyposis after sinus surgery by delivering 1350 μg of mometasone furoate (MF) directly to the ethmoid sinus mucosa over approximately 90 days.

Methods

A randomized, sham‐controlled, double‐blind trial was undertaken in 300 adults with refractory chronic rhinosinusitis with NPs (CRSwNP), who were candidates for repeat surgery. Eligible patients were randomized (2:1) and underwent in‐office bilateral placement of 2 implants or a sham procedure. All patients used the MF INCS 200 μg once daily. Co‐primary efficacy endpoints were the change from baseline in nasal obstruction/congestion score and bilateral polyp grade, as determined by an independent panel based on centralized, blinded videoendoscopy review.

Results

Patients treated with implants experienced significant reductions in both nasal obstruction/congestion score (p = 0.0074) and bilateral polyp grade (p = 0.0073) compared to controls. At day 90, implants were also associated with significant reductions in 4 of 5 prespecified secondary endpoints compared to control: proportion of patients still indicated for repeat sinus surgery (p = 0.0004), percent ethmoid sinus obstruction (p = 0.0007), nasal obstruction/congestion (p = 0.0248), and decreased sense of smell (p = 0.0470), but not facial pain/pressure (p = 0.9130). One patient experienced an implant‐related serious adverse event (epistaxis).

Conclusion

Significant improvements over a range of subjective and objective endpoints, including a reduction in the need for sinus surgery by 61%, suggest that MF sinus implants may play an important role in management of recurrent NP.