Objective monitoring of nasal patency and nasal physiology in rhinitis

Evaluation of a volume targeted NIV device: bench evaluation of the Breathe Technologies non-invasive open ventilation system (NIOV™)

PURPOSE

Early ambulation in the ventilated patient is gaining wider acceptance. We evaluated a new portable (1 lb), gas powered, volume ventilator designed for NIV via a proprietary nasal pillows interface (Breathe Technologies, CA).

METHODS

We developed a model to approximate a patient's nose, upper airway and trachea. The model was connected to a test lung (ASL5000, Ingmar Medical, Pittsburgh, PA) via 22 mm ID corrugated tubing. The nasal pillows were adjusted in the nares using a lanyard. The ASL was set to represent a normal patient, a COPD patient, and a patient with interstitial lung disease (ILD). The Breathe ventilator was set at delivered volumes of 100 mL, 150 mL, 200 mL, and 250 mL. Baseline data was also collected without the appliance connected. Delivered volume, inspired oxygen concentration (FIO2), inspiratory flow (V), and peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) were recorded for each breath. Data for 10 breaths were used to calculate the mean at each condition (± SD).

RESULTS

The Breathe volume ventilator delivered an augmented simulated patient tidal volume of 362 to 823 mL, augmenting the simulated patient's spontaneous volume by up to 459 mL, depending on ventilator settings and ASL lung conditions. Delivered FIO2 ranged from 0.36 to 0.45 and was also dependent on ventilator settings and ASL lung conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The PIP, delivered tidal volumes, and measured FIO2 support the hypothesis that this system can augment minute ventilation and supply supplemental oxygen in spontaneously breathing patients with a simple, non-invasive interface.

The role of non-invasive biomarkers in detecting acute respiratory effects of traffic-related air pollution

The role of non-invasive methods in the investigation of acute effects of traffic-related air pollution is not clearly established. We evaluated the usefulness of non-invasive biomarkers in detecting acute air pollution effects according to the age of participants, the disease status, their sensitivity compared with lung function tests and their specificity for a type of pollutant. Search terms lead to 535 titles, among them 128 had potentially relevant abstracts. Sixtynine full papers were reviewed, while 59 articles were excluded as they did not meet the selection criteria. Methods used to assess short-term effects of air pollution included analysis of nasal lavage (NAL) for the upper airways, and induced sputum (IS), exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) for central and lower airways. There is strong evidence that FeNO evaluation is useful independently from subject age, while IS analysis is suitable almost for adults. Biomarker changes are generally observed upon pollutant exposure irrespective of the disease status of the participants. None of the biomarkers identified are specific for a type of pollutant exposure. Based on experimental exposure studies, there is moderate evidence that IS analysis is more sensitive than lung function tests, whereas this is not the case for biomarkers obtained by NAL or EBC. Cells and some cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and myeloperoxidase) have been measured both in the upper respiratory tract (NAL) and in the lower airways (IS). Overall, the response to traffic exposure seems different in the two compartments. In conclusion, this survey of current literature displays the complexity of this research field, highlights the significance of short-term studies on traffic pollution and gives important tips when planning studies to detect acute respiratory effects of air pollution in a non-invasive way.

The Allergic Rhinitis - Clinical Investigator Collaborative (AR-CIC): nasal allergen challenge protocol optimization for studying AR pathophysiology and evaluating novel therapies

Background

The Nasal Allergen Challenge (NAC) model allows the study of Allergic Rhinitis (AR) pathophysiology and the proof of concept of novel therapies. The Allergic Rhinitis – Clinical Investigator Collaborative (AR-CIC) aims to optimize the protocol, ensuring reliability and repeatability of symptoms to better evaluate the therapies under investigation.

Methods

20 AR participants were challenged, with 4-fold increments of their respective allergens every 15 minutes, to determine the qualifying allergen concentration (QAC) at which the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) of ≥10/12 OR a Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF) reduction of ≥50% from baseline was achieved. At the NAC visit, the QAC was used in a single challenge and TNSS and PNIF were recorded at baseline, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, and hourly up to 12 hours. 10 additional ragweed allergic participants were qualified at TNSS of ≥8/12 AND ≥50% PNIF reduction; the Cumulative Allergen Challenge (CAC) of all incremental doses was used during the NAC visit. 4 non-allergic participants were challenged with the highest allergen concentration.

Results

In the QAC study, a group qualified by only meeting PNIF criteria achieved lower TNSS than those achieving either TNSS criteria or PNIIF+TNSS (p<0.01). During the NAC visit, participants in both studies reached their peak symptoms at 15minutes followed by a gradual decline, significantly different from non-allergic participants. The “PNIF only” group experienced significantly lower TNSS than the other groups during NAC visit. QAC and CAC participants did not reach the same peak TNSS during NAC that was achieved at screening. QAC participants qualifying based on TNSS or TNSS+PNIF managed to maintain PNIF scores.

Conclusions

Participants experienced reliable symptoms of AR in both studies, using both TNSS and PNIF reduction as part of the qualifying criteria proved better for qualifying participants at screening. Phenotyping based on pattern of symptoms experienced is possible and allows the study of AR pathophysiology and can be applied in evaluation of efficacy of a novel medication. The AR-CIC aims to continue to improve the model and employ it in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials.

Nasal peak inspiratory and expiratory flow measurements for assessing nasal obstruction in allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Although nasal peak flow measurements have been proposed as a simple alternative method to assess nasal patency, which of nasal peak expiratory flow or nasal peak inspiratory flow (NPEF/NPIF) or the peak expiratory flow index or peak inspiratory flow index (PEFI/PIFI; the ratios between nasal and oral PEF or nasal and oral PIF, respectively) is the more accurate method is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between NPEF, NPIF, PEFI, and PIFI, and blocked nose score (BNS) and mucociliary clearance time (MCCT) in diagnostic and follow-up assessments.

METHODS

Ninety-nine allergic rhinitis (AR) patients were treated with 220 micrograms once daily of intranasal triamcinolone acetonide for 28 days. BNS, NPEF, NPIF, PEFI, and PIFI and MCCT were used to evaluate treatment outcome. Correlations of initial visit scores and score changes after treatment between peak flow rates and BNSs and MCCTs were analyzed.

RESULTS

All nasal symptoms, peak flows, and MCCTs showed statistically significant improvements after the nasal steroid treatment. PEFI showed the best negative correlation with BNS and MCCTs, followed by PIFI, NPEF, and NPIF. Nasal peak flows showed better correlations with MCCTs than BNSs. Mean changes of peak flow rates between visits showed better correlation with BNSs and MCCTs than absolute values of peak flow rates at the initial visit.

CONCLUSION

Among nasal peak flow measurements, PEFI is the most appropriate objective tool for assessing nasal patency in AR. Peak flows can indicate underlying mucosal inflammation and are more sensitive to assess score changes after treatment than cross-sectional assessment at the initial visit.

Intranasal budesonide in children affected by persistent allergic rhinitis and its effect on nasal patency and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) score

BACKGROUND

Intranasal steroids are recognized as an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR) although their effect on nasal patency has never been evaluated with an objective instrument such as anterior rhinomanometry in children. Moreover this effect has been widely assessed with total Nasal Symptom Scores (NSS) including all symptoms of allergic rhinitis and not with scores specifically focused on nasal obstruction such as the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation score (NOSE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty children (42 males and 18 female) aged 6-10 years, affected by persistent AR, were randomized and divided in two groups of 30 children to be included in an unblinded trial: one group treated with intranasal budesonide and isotonic nasal saline for 2 weeks and the other group treated only with isotonic nasal saline for 2 weeks. Each child underwent rhinomanometry and completed the NSS and the NOSE scores before and after treatment.

RESULTS

At the baseline nasal patency and NSS total score, NOSE total scores were correlated (r=-0.29, p<0.001; r=-60, p<0.001). After 2 weeks of treatment improvements in nasal patency, NSS and NOSE were seen (Δ NSS 4.13 ± 1.38 vs 1.33 ± 1.93, p<0.001; Δ NOSE 34 ± 17.97 vs 9 ± 18.21, p<0.001; Δ nasal patency -26.13 ± 25.25 vs -11.83 ± 11.31, p<0.001). Correlations were found between rhinitis duration and Δ nasal patency and Δ NOSE (r=-0.84, p<0.001; r=0.43, p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Intranasal budesonide is effective in increasing nasal patency in children. Moreover the NOSE score was strongly correlated with nasal flow and, hence, this score should be regarded as a valid and reliable instrument in children.

Subjective and objective assessments of seasonal effect in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest a relationship between rhinitis and asthma. Upper and lower airways may be influenced by a common inflammatory process.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between rhinitis symptom scores, and both nasal and bronchial airflow among children with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) by means of spirometric and rhinomanometric measurement during and outside the pollen season.

METHODS

Twenty-nine children with both seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma (AR+A), 30 children with SAR and no asthma (AR) and 36 non-allergic healthy children were evaluated prospectively during and outside the pollen season. Symptom severity was evaluated using both total symptom score and visual analog score (VAS). All participants also received rhinomanometric evaluation and pulmonary function testing.

RESULTS

In children with SAR the median total nasal flow, FEV1, FEF25-75 values were lower than control group during pollen season (p=0.01, p<0.001 and p<0.001 respectively). They had also higher total nasal resistance compared with control groups (p=0.01). Nasal symptom scores were higher among patients with concurrent asthma than patients who had only SAR out of pollen season (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between SAR participants with or without asthma and control group in terms of total nasal flow and total nasal resistance measured out of season (p=0.105 and p=0.19). FEF25-75 values of patients with and without asthma were significantly lower than those of controls out of season (p=0.022, p<0.001 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggests that as the presence of AR worsens asthma control, the presence of asthma may worsen symptoms of AR out of pollen season. We found that total nasal flow, FEV1, FEF25-75 values of patients with SAR were lower than those of controls out of season. FEF25-75 values of patients with asthma and without asthma were significantly lower than those of controls out of season. Thus, a careful evaluation of lower airways should be performed in even patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis alone.

Protocol for a human in vivo model of acute cigarette smoke inhalation challenge in smokers with COPD: monitoring the nasal and systemic immune response using a network biology approach

INTRODUCTION

Cigarette smoke contributes to a diverse range of diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disorders and many cancers. There currently is a need for human challenge models, to assess the acute effects of a controlled cigarette smoke stimulus, followed by serial sampling of blood and respiratory tissue for advanced molecular profiling. We employ precision sampling of nasal mucosal lining fluid by absorption to permit soluble mediators measurement in eluates. Serial nasal curettage was used for transcriptomic analysis of mucosal tissue.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Three groups of strictly defined patients will be studied: 12 smokers with COPD (GOLD Stage 2) with emphysema, 12 matched smokers with normal lung function and no evidence of emphysema, and 12 matched never smokers with normal spirometry. Patients in the smoking groups are current smokers, and will be given full support to stop smoking immediately after this study. In giving a controlled cigarette smoke stimulus, all patients will have abstained from smoking for 12 h, and will smoke two cigarettes with expiration through the nose in a ventilated chamber. Before and after inhalation of cigarette smoke, a series of samples will be taken from the blood, nasal mucosal lining fluid and nasal tissue by curettage. Analysis of plasma nicotine and metabolites in relation to levels of soluble inflammatory mediators in nasal lining fluid and blood, as well as assessing nasal transcriptomics, ex vivo blood platelet aggregation and leucocyte responses to toll-like receptor agonists will be undertaken.

IMPLICATIONS

Development of acute cigarette smoke challenge models has promise for the study of molecular effects of smoking in a range of pathological processes.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the West London National Research Ethics Committee (12/LO/1101). The study findings will be presented at conferences and will be reported in peer-reviewed journals.

Assessing the relationship between serum resistin and nasal obstruction in children with allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Nasal obstruction has been reported as a "key symptom" of allergic rhinitis (AR) because it is deeply associated with impaired quality of life and it reflects more directly the allergic inflammation in the nasal mucosa. Resistin is known to be involved in inflammatory processes exerting an important role in the regulation of cytokine production even though its effective proinflammatory activity at nasal level has never been fully established. This study investigates the relationship between resistin levels and nasal obstruction assessed by an objective method such as active anterior rhinomanometry.

METHODS

Fifty-three children between 4 and 10 years of age affected by persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) were enrolled and subdivided in two groups. Serum resistin levels were detected in all children. The same day patients underwent rhinomanometry, which was considered negative (no nasal obstruction) when the fraction of predicted values (p.v.'s) was between 71 and 100% and it was considered positive when the fraction of p.v. was ≤70%.

RESULTS

The serum resistin levels were significantly higher in children with moderate-severe PAR than in patients with mild PAR (p < 0.03). Furthermore, serum resistin levels were significantly higher in children with positive rhinomanometry compared with negative rhinomanometry (p < 0.03). The fraction of p.v.'s of nasal flows in patients with nasal obstruction had a significant negative correlation with serum resistin levels (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that resistin levels are increased in children with severe nasal obstruction measured by an objective and quantitative approach.

Pulmonary function in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

A close relationship between upper and lower respiratory tract diseases has been reported. However, little is known about pulmonary function in patients with upper respiratory tract diseases.

METHODS

Pulmonary function was measured in: 68 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps, 135 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, 89 patients with allergic rhinitis and 100 normal control subjects. The relationships between pulmonary function and clinical parameters were assessed. These parameters included radiographic severity of chronic rhinosinusitis, serum total immunoglobulin E levels, concentrations of cytokines in nasal secretions and exhaled nitric oxide levels.

RESULTS

The pulmonary function of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis was significantly affected. The level of interleukin-5 in nasal secretions was significantly correlated with pulmonary function in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

CONCLUSION

The findings indicated latent obstructive lung function changes in chronic rhinosinusitis patients. The cytokines in nasal secretions might be related to obstructive lung function changes in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Nasal lysine aspirin challenge in the diagnosis of aspirin - exacerbated respiratory disease: asthma and rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease is under-diagnosed and therefore effective and inexpensive therapy with aspirin desensitization is rarely performed.

METHODS

We present an audit of 150 patients with difficult to treat nasal polyposis, 132 of whom also had asthma, 131 of whom underwent challenge with the only soluble form of aspirin, lysine aspirin (LAS), to confirm or exclude the diagnosis of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).

RESULTS

One hundred patients proved positive on nasal challenge, 31 who were negative went onto oral LAS challenge and a further 14 gave positive results, leaving 17 who were negative to a dose equivalent to over 375 mg of aspirin. Nineteen were not challenged because of contraindications. With the exception of one patient who developed facial angioedema and two patients with > 20% drop in FEV1 (following nasal plus oral challenge) no other severe adverse events occurred. No hospitalization was required for these three patients. Nasal inspiratory peak flow monitoring was less sensitive to obstruction caused by aspirin than was acoustic rhinometry - which should be employed when aspirin challenge is an outpatient procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Provided patients are carefully chosen and monitored LAS challenge is suitable for ENT day case practice where respiratory physician help with asthma is available and should reduce the under-diagnosis of this condition.

Perceptual accuracy of upper airway compromise in children: Clinical relevance and future directions for research

Approximately 80% of children with asthma have coexisting allergic rhinitis. The accurate recognition and assessment of asthma and rhinitis symptoms is an integral component of guideline-based treatment for both conditions. This article describes the development and preliminary evaluation of a novel paradigm for testing the accuracy of children's assessment of their upper airway (rhinitis) symptoms. This work is guided by our previous research showing the clinical efficacy of tools to evaluate children's perceptual accuracy of asthma symptoms and linking accurate asthma symptom perception to decreased asthma morbidity (Fritz G, et al., Ethnic differences in perception of lung function: A factor in pediatric asthma disparities? Am J Respir Crit Care Med 182:12-18, 2010; Klein RB, et al., The Asthma Risk Grid: Clinical interpretation of symptom perception, Allergy Asthma Proc 251-256, 2004). The pilot study tests a paradigm that allows for the examination of the correspondence of children's assessment of their upper airway functioning with actual values of upper airway flow through the use of a portable, handheld nasal peak flowmeter. Nine children with persistent asthma were evaluated over a 4-week period. The article describes the rhinitis perceptual accuracy paradigm and reviews the results of a pilot study, showing a large proportion of inaccurate rhinitis symptoms "guesses" by the sample of children with persistent asthma. Patterns of inaccuracy, rhinitis control, and asthma morbidity are also described. Directions for future work are reviewed. The development of clinical tools to evaluate children's accuracy of rhinitis symptoms are needed, given the central role of the self-assessment of symptoms in guideline-based care. Accurate perception of the severity of rhinitis symptoms may enhance rhinitis control, lessen the burden of asthma, and prevent unnecessary emergency use among this high-risk group of children.

A proof-of-concept study of the effect of a novel H3-receptor antagonist in allergen-induced nasal congestion

BACKGROUND

H1-receptor inverse agonists are used effectively for treating several symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including nasal itching, rhinorrhea, and sneezing, although most agents are not very effective in treating nasal congestion.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the relative efficacy of a novel selective H3-receptor antagonist, JNJ-39220675, in preventing nasal congestion induced by exposing participants with ragweed allergy to ragweed allergen in an environmental exposure chamber model.

METHODS

In this single-dose, patient-blind, double-dummy, placebo- and active-controlled, phase IIa cross-over study, 53 participants were randomized to JNJ-39220675 plus placebo, placebo plus pseudoephedrine, or only placebo. The primary efficacy assessment was change in nasal patency assessed by measuring the minimal cross-sectional area of the nasal cavity by using acoustic rhinometry. Secondary assessment included total nasal symptom scores (TNSSs) over the 8-hour environmental exposure chamber exposure period.

RESULTS

Smaller decreases in minimal cross-sectional area were observed after JNJ-39220675 (least square mean difference, -0.126; P = .06) and pseudoephedrine (least square mean difference, -0.195; P = .004) treatment compared with placebo. The means for the baseline-adjusted area under the curve of TNSSs were significantly smaller for JNJ-39220675 (P = .0003) and pseudoephedrine (P = .04) versus placebo. JNJ-39220675 was significantly effective in treating all 4 individual symptoms (P ≤ .05 for all scores) compared with placebo, whereas pseudoephedrine only showed a trend for improvement in individual symptom scores of the TNSS. Insomnia was the most frequent adverse event (17.3%) associated with JNJ-39220675 treatment.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic treatment with the H3-antagonist JNJ-39220675 relieved allergen-induced nasal congestion by using standard nasal symptom scoring; however, in contrast to pseudoephedrine, it only showed a trend for increasing nasal patency by using objective measures.

Effectiveness of 0.05% oxymetazoline (Vicks Sinex Micromist®) nasal spray in the treatment of objective nasal congestion demonstrated to 12 h post-administration by magnetic resonance imaging

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to assess the qualitative and quantitative utility of MRI imaging to illustrate the magnitude and duration of the effect of a standard 100 μg dose of oxymetazoline in a commercially available formulation that also contains aromatic oils.

METHODS

This was a randomized, open label, single dose, parallel group study in 21 adult male and female subjects who reported moderate to severe nasal congestion due to acute upper respiratory tract infection or hay fever. MRI scans were acquired using a 3T Philips Achieva scanner with a 16 channel head receive coil. High resolution MRI scans of the nasal turbinates were obtained immediately prior to dosing (baseline) and at approximately 1, 8, 10, 11, and 12 h after dosing. The efficacy variables of primary interest were inferior turbinate total volume at 8 and 12 h post-dosing. The secondary efficacy variables analysed were inferior turbinate total volume at 1, 10, and 11 h post-dosing, middle turbinate total volume at 1, 8, 10, 11, and 12 h post-dosing.

RESULTS

Changes from baseline volumes measured for the inferior and middle turbinates of subjects receiving the oxymetazoline formulation showed significant (P < 0.05) decreases at all times up to and including 12 h post-administration. No significant decreases from baseline were detected in subjects receiving a sham 'spray' (untreated control - spray bottles with no spray solution). Statistical ANCOVA results of inferior and middle turbinate volume indicated significant differences (P < 0.05) at all measurement points up to and including 12 h post-administration between the oxymetazoline treatment group and the untreated control with the only exception the middle turbinate volume at 10 h (P = 0.0896). The significant changes were likely to be clinically relevant though this was not measured in the study. No AEs were reported during this study and no other safety evaluations were made.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that MRI assessment of nasal congestion in human volunteers is a robust, repeatable and viable measurement technique. The application of a 100 μg Vicks Sinex Micromist(®) nasal decongestant (0.05% oxymetazoline solution) delivered a highly significant reduction in inferior and middle turbinate volumes compared with the application of a control, measurable by the MRI method up to and including a 12 h post-dose scan.

Use of nasal inspiratory flow rates in the measurement of aspirin-induced respiratory reactions

BACKGROUND

Nasal ketorolac challenge with modified oral aspirin challenge is a safe and effective alternative for desensitizing patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease. In addition to clinical judgment, objective tests assessing nasal flow may help in diagnosing nasal reactions.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) as an objective measurement in the assessment of a reaction to nasal ketorolac and to determine changes in PNIF that have adequate sensitivity and specificity.

METHODS

One hundred fifty-one patients referred to the Scripps Clinic for aspirin challenge and desensitization and 14 healthy controls participated in the study. Percentages of decrease in PNIF during reactions were compared with the nonreactors' measurements. A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to assess the diagnostic performance of PNIF measurement during a clinically positive nasal challenge.

RESULTS

A total of 165 subjects participated in the study. One hundred fourteen patients (69.1%) clinically reacted to the nasal ketorolac challenge. There was no statistical difference between nasal reactors and nonreactors regarding sex, baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and use of systemic steroid before challenge. The mean percentage of decrease in PNIF was significantly higher in the reactor group (-0.30 ± 0.29 vs -0.07 ± 0.16, P < .001). A cutoff value of 25% decrease in PNIF had the maximum sensitivity and specificity (56.1% and 94.1%).

CONCLUSION

The high specificity of a 25% decrease in PNIF found in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that PNIF measurements can be useful for assessing nasal reactions during nasal ketorolac challenges in the diagnosis of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease.

Correlation between nasal resistance and different acoustic rhinometry parameters in children and adolescents with and without allergic rhinitis

Acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry are important tests used to assess nasal function. The degree to which the parameters of these tests are correlated is yet to be established.

Objective

This paper aimed to study the correlations between nasal resistance (NR) and acoustic rhinometry parameters in children and adolescents with allergic rhinitis and controls.

Method

Twenty patients with allergic rhinitis and 20 controls were enrolled. NR, volumes (V4, V5, V2-5), and minimal cross-sectional areas (MC1, MC2) were measured in three moments: baseline, after induction of nasal obstruction and after topical decongestant administration.

Results

Patients with allergic rhinitis had significant correlation between NR and all volumes (V5: r = -0.60) and with MC2. Among controls, MC1 was the parameter with the strongest correlation with NR at baseline (r = -0.53) and after decongestant administration. In the combined analysis, V5 had the highest correlation coefficients at baseline (r = -0.53), after obstruction (r = -0.58) and after decongestant (r = -0.46).

Conclusions

Our data showed that NR and acoustic rhinometry parameters have negative and significant correlations. Nasal volumes are, in general, better correlated than minimal cross-sectional areas. V5 was the parameter with the highest correlation in the rhinitis group and in the combined analysis.

Sleep impairment and daytime sleepiness in patients with allergic rhinitis: the role of congestion and inflammation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of rhinitis with stress, fatigue, decrease productivity, inflammation, and sleep disordered breathing.

DATA SOURCES

Medical literature obtained from OVID and PubMed searches in February 2013 using the search terms "sleep," "rhinitis," "allergic rhinitis," "somnolence," and "fatigue".

STUDY SELECTIONS

Studies were selected based on the US Preventive Services Task Force levels 1, 2, and 3.

RESULTS

Allergic rhinitis is a disease that severely affects patients' quality of life and is increasing in prevalence worldwide. Nasal congestion is reported as the most common and bothersome symptom; it is often associated with sleep-disordered breathing, a likely cause of sleep impairment in rhinitis-affected individuals. The end result is a reduced quality of life and productivity and an increase in daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and stress. Current treatment modalities include intranasal corticosteroids, which have been found to reduce nasal congestion. Clinical trials on intranasal corticosteroids have provided data on sleep-related end points, and these studies report that the improved nasal congestion is associated with improved quality of life with better sleep and reduced daytime fatigue. Alternate therapies, including montelukast, also decrease nasal congestion and positively influence sleep, but to a lesser extent.

CONCLUSION

This review examines nasal congestion and cytokine changes and the associated sleep impairment in allergic rhinitis patients and the effect on daytime performance. It elaborates the adverse effects of disturbed sleep on quality of life and how therapies directed at reducing nasal congestion can relieve such effects.

Health-related quality of life in children and adults with respiratory allergy in Colombia: prospective study

BACKGROUND

Allergic diseases are very common, with the estimated cumulative prevalence in Colombia for asthma and allergic rhinitis being 22.7% and 31.3% respectively, and with a clear upward trend. A major social as well as economic impact associated with allergic disease has been described. Because in Colombia there are no studies that assess the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) in allergic respiratory diseases, our aim is to describe the HRQOL in subjects with respiratory allergy and its association with clinical control variables.

METHODS

A prospective descriptive study was conducted among 76 Colombian subjects with rhinitis and asthma/allergic rhinitis. In order to evaluate the HRQOL, the instruments Kidscreen-27 and SF-36 were applied. The scores obtained in the HRQOL fields were correlated with the following clinical variables: peak expiratory flow (PEF) and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF).

RESULTS

In children, the better HRQL domain is present in the school environment (55.9) and the worst in psychological well-being (39.9). For adults the worst HRQL was found in the emotional function domain (55.6) while the physical function (81.7) had the best. There were no statistical differences between groups of asthma/allergic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis. Subjects with allergic asthma showed a strong correlation between the mental health domain and PEF values (r=-0717, p=0.046).

CONCLUSION

Mental health is more affected than physical health in Colombian subjects with respiratory allergy. There was a strong correlation between the mental health domain and the values of PEF in patients with asthma/allergic rhinitis.

The role of upper and lower airway patency in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and asthma

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To investigate the role of airway patency and factors associated with airway patency in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and asthma.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

METHODS

The upper and lower airway patency of 140 patients with CRSwNP and asthma (asthma group) and 42 patients with CRSwNP without asthma (nonasthma control group) was measured using acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, and spirometry. Total serum immunoglobulin E and eosinophil counts were also compared. The severity of nasal diseases in these patients was assessed via the Lund-Mackay score (LMS) and Lund-Kennedy score (LKS).

RESULTS

There was no difference between the asthma and nonasthma groups in terms of total nasal resistance at 75 Pa (R(75T)), bilateral minimum cross-sectional area (MCA(R+L)), or bilateral nasal cavity volume between 0 and 7.0 cm(3) (V7(R+L)). Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF(25-75)) of the asthma group were significantly lower than those of the nonasthma group. FEV(1) and FEF(25-75) were not correlated with R(75T), MCA(R+L), V7(R+L), or severity of nasal disease. For the patients with asthma, LMS and serum eosinophil counts were independent predictors of MCA(R+L).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of asthma may not influence upper airway patency in CRSwNP patients. In CRSwNP patients with asthma, impairment of upper airway patency was associated with changes in LMS and eosinophilia, and in these patients lower airway patency was significantly lower than that of the control group (without asthma). In CRSwNP patients with asthma, there was little or no association between upper and lower airway patency.

Is the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 a suitable evaluation for septorhinoplasty?

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

It is becoming increasingly important for clinicians to demonstrate the impact of their interventions. The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) questionnaire is a disease-specific questionnaire involving 22 symptoms combining rhinologic issues with general health issues. We evaluated the SNOT-22 score as a quality-of-life outcome measure in septorhinoplasty surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Outcome research.

METHODS

We carried out a prospective case series in 76 patients undergoing septorhinoplasty. Their SNOT-22 scores were compared pre- and postoperatively. We also recorded individual symptom scores to study the impact of surgery. To check its reliability, the SNOT-22 score was correlated to patient-reported symptoms on a visual analogue scale. Patients were screened for comorbid conditions. Interactions with the surgical technique and/or with the initial sinonasal disease were sought.

RESULTS

The SNOT-22 is a reliable and responsive outcome measure in septorhinoplasty surgery. Septorhinoplasty was especially effective at addressing nasal obstruction, discharge, olfaction, related sleep disturbance, and emotional symptoms such as embarrassment or frustration. Comparison to the visual analogue scale instrument confirmed the outcome measured by the SNOT-22.

CONCLUSIONS

The SNOT-22 could be used in routine clinical practice to highlight the impact of nasal disease in each patient and to measure the outcome and the effectiveness of the surgical intervention.

Evaluation of nasal airways by objective methods in chronic otitis media

Otitis media (OM) is a common health problem. Nasal airways play an important role in etiopathogenesis of OM. The aim of this study is to evaluate nasal airways by objective methods in chronic otitis media (COM) cases. The relationship between the course of the disease and nasal parameters is also investigated. Fifty-six patients who had chosen an operation for chronic otitis media were included in the study. The control group was composed of 30 healthy patients. Patients were subjected to acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry. Nasal airway resistance and cross-sectional area measurements were taken. The results of the COM group and the control group were compared. Cases were classified by the course of the disease such as suppurative/progressive/active and non-suppurative/inactive and the nasal parameters of these sub-groups were compared. In cases with unilateral COM, nasal cavity results from both sides were compared. The nasal airway resistance of the COM group was statistically significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference in cross-sectional area measurements. There was no significant difference between the suppurative/progressive/active and non-suppurative/inactive groups. However, the suppurative group had higher nasal resistance (p > 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the measurements of each side in unilateral COM cases. This study found that COM cases have greater nasal airway resistance. No significant difference was found in cross-sectional area measurements so the increase in resistance may be linked to mucosal rather than structural changes. There was no evidence for a relationship between the course of the OM and nasal airway parameters.

Traditional Chinese Medicine ZHENG Identification Provides a Novel Stratification Approach in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis

Background. We aimed to apply the ZHENG identification to provide an easy and useful tool to stratify the patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) through exploring the correlation between the quantified scores of AR symptoms and the TCM ZHENGs. Methods. A total of 114 AR patients were enrolled in this observational study. All participants received the examinations of anterior rhinoscopy and acoustic rhinometry. Their blood samples were collected for measurement of total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), blood eosinophil count (Eos), and serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). They also received two questionnaire to assess the severity scores of AR symptoms and quantified TCM ZHENG scores. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine explanatory factors for the score of AR manifestations. Results. IgE and ECP level, duration of AR, the 2 derived TCMZHENG scores of “Yin-Xu − Yang-Xu”, and “Qi-Xu + Blood-Xu” were 5 explanatory variables to predict the severity scores of AR symptoms. The patients who had higher scores of “Yin-Xu − Yang-Xu” or “Qi-Xu + Blood-Xu” tended to manifest as “sneezer and runner” or “blockers,” respectively. Conclusions. The TCM ZHENG scores correlated with the severity scores of AR symptoms and provided an easy and useful tool to stratify the AR patients.

Use of rhinomanometry in common rhinologic disorders

Rhinomanometry is a functional test of nasal aerodynamics that measures transnasal airflow and the pressure gradient allowing nasal resistance to be calculated from these data. Three methods of rhinomanometry that are currently in use are anterior rhinomanometry, posterior (peroral) rhinomanometry and postnasal (pernasal) rhinomanometry. The usefulness of this method has increased owing to the development of technology and use of microcomputers connected to the measuring devices. Rhinomanometry can be used for: clinical evaluation of the symptom of nasal obstruction; research in nasal physiology; allergy challenge testing; pre- and post-treatment assessments of surgical or medical therapy; and evaluation of patients with sleep apnea.

Subjective, anatomical, and functional nasal evaluation of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown a high occurrence of nasal alterations in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), but no studies have used different methods to evaluate the nose of patients with OSAS. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nose of patients with OSAS, compare them to controls, and correlate the different methods used to evaluate the nose.

METHODS

Forty-seven patients with moderate/severe OSAS and 20 controls who were matched for gender, age, and body mass index were included. Questionnaires regarding sleep and nasal symptoms, physical examination, rhinoscopy, nasofibroscopy, nasal inspiratory peak flow (NIPF), and acoustic rhinometry (AR) measurements were performed.

RESULTS

In the OSAS group, 33 (70.2%) were male, with a mean age of 53.2 ± 9.1 years. In the control group, 13 (65%) were male, with a mean age of 53.7 ± 9.7 years. The OSAS group had a higher score on the nasal symptoms scale (p < 0.01) and a higher frequency of nasal alterations [presence of septal deviation, clinical complaints (p = 0.01) and hypertrophy of the inferior nasal turbinate (p < 0.01)]. The NIPF and AR parameters could not differentiate between the OSAS and control groups. There were no significant correlations among the different methods used to evaluate the nose. Lower NIPF values were capable of predicting higher apnea-hypopnea index scores (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Clinical complaints and nasal alterations as measured by rhinoscopy and nasofibroscopy were associated with the presence of OSAS, which was not the case for the NIPF and AR parameters. The results of different evaluation methods were not correlated with each other.

Occupational rhinitis

Work-related rhinitis, which includes work-exacerbated rhinitis and occupational rhinoconjunctivitis (OR), is two to three times more common than occupational asthma. High molecular weight proteins and low molecular weight chemicals have been implicated as causes of OR. The diagnosis of work-related rhinitis is established based on occupational history and documentation of immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated sensitization to the causative agent if possible. Management of work-related rhinitis is similar to that of other causes of rhinitis and includes elimination or reduction of exposure to causative agents combined with pharmacotherapy. If allergens are commercially available, allergen immunotherapy can be considered.

Diagnostic tools in Rhinology EAACI position paper

This EAACI Task Force document aims at providing the readers with a comprehensive and complete overview of the currently available tools for diagnosis of nasal and sino-nasal disease. We have tried to logically order the different important issues related to history taking, clinical examination and additional investigative tools for evaluation of the severity of sinonasal disease into a consensus document. A panel of European experts in the field of Rhinology has contributed to this consensus document on Diagnostic Tools in Rhinology.

Correlation between acoustic rhinometry and subjective nasal patency during nasal challenge test in subjects with suspected occupational rhinitis; a prospective controlled study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the correlation between acoustic rhinometry and visual analogue scale endpoints in the context of nasal challenge with occupational agents.

DESIGN

Prospective controlled study.

SETTING

University teaching hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-seven subjects with a history of work-related rhinitis and asthma symptoms.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Subjects underwent nasal challenge with control and specific agent on consecutive days. Nasal congestive response to challenge was monitored by acoustic rhinometry and visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

Results showed no correlation between visual analogue scale and acoustic rhinometry measurements at baseline on the control (r=-0.13, P=0.3) and active (r=0.14, P=0.2) challenge days. No correlation was found between acoustic rhinometry and visual analogue scale when analysing all measurements obtained at all times after challenge with the control and active agent (control: r=0.09, P=0.04; active: r=0.001, P=0.9). The correlation between acoustic rhinometry and visual analogue scale was good and significant (r=-0.62, P=<0.01) when the analysis was restricted to cases showing a decrease in nasal volume>40% from baseline values.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that the correlation between acoustic rhinometry and subjective nasal patency was poor on steady conditions. However, a significant correlation was observed in those cases showing a greater nasal congestive response after challenge measured by acoustic rhinometry.

Physiology and pathophysiology of respiratory mucosa of the nose and the paranasal sinuses

In this review, anatomy and physiology of the respiratory mucosa of nose and paranasal sinuses are summarized under the aspect of its clinical significance. Basics of endonasal cleaning including mucociliary clearance and nasal reflexes, as well as defence mechanisms are explained. Physiological wound healing, aspects of endonasal topical medical therapy and typical diagnostic procedures to evaluate the respiratory functions are presented. Finally, the pathophysiologies of different subtypes of non-allergic rhinitis are outlined together with treatment recommendations.

Video-rhino-hygrometer: a new method for evaluation of nasal breathing after nasal surgery

BACKGROUND

Nasal obstruction is one of the most frequent symptoms in the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) setting. It can be evaluated either subjectively or objectively. In a subjective way, a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 20 (SNOT 20) can rapidly quantify the degree of obstruction, whereas the most commonly used objective methods are nasal endoscopy and active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR). It is still a matter of controversy to what extent the sense of nasal obstruction is associated with objective measures for nasal space and airflow. The aim of the study was to evaluate nasal breathing before and after functional nasal surgery by video-rhino-hygrometer (VRH) comparing the results with widely accepted methods.

METHODS

Twenty patient candidates for septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction were included in the study. SNOT-20, VAS, nasal endoscopy, and AAR were analyzed and compared with VRH values.

RESULTS

Before surgery VRH showed variability of nasal respiratory flow between individuals and between nostrils. After surgery we had an increase (p < 0.05) of airflow in both nostrils. VRH data were found to be correlated with VAS and SNOT-20 values (p < 0.05) both pre- and postoperatively. Despite the statistically significant correlation of AAR with SNOT-20 and VAS, no statistically significant correlation between AAR and VRH was found.

CONCLUSION

VRH provides an immediate, easy, and noninvasive assessment of nasal respiration. For these reasons it can be used, in association with rhinoscopic data and other instrumental tests, to evaluate nasal breathing in daily ENT practice.

Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray Provides Early, Continuing Relief of Nasal Congestion and Improves Nasal Patency in Allergic Patients

Background

Patients report nasal congestion as the most bothersome seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) symptom. Measurement of this symptom in previous research has largely been based on subjective patient ratings. This study was designed to measure efficacy, onset, and duration of action of the corticosteroid mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS) on nasal congestion using an environmental exposure chamber (EEC) and the objective assessment acoustic rhinometry (AcR).

Methods

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, ragweed-sensitive subjects were exposed to ragweed pollen (3500 ± 500 pollen grains/m3) in an EEC (day 1). Subjects rated instantaneous total nasal symptom score (TNSS), including NSS for congestion (NSS-C). Qualifying subjects received MFNS, 200 micrograms, or placebo and rated postdosing symptoms; a subset received MFNS, 200 micrograms, or placebo q.d. for 6 subsequent days, returning to EEC on day 8. Days 1 and 8 assessments included AcR, TNSS, and the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire developed for use in the EEC (RQOLQ-EEC).

Results

At day 1, hour 6, patients receiving MFNS (n = 155) reported significantly reduced congestion versus placebo (n = 155) per AcR and NSS-C after one dose, showing numerically superior TNSS change from baseline (p = NS). Among the subset who received 6 additional days of treatment, MFNS (n = 78) yielded significantly lower TNSS versus placebo (n = 77) before day 8 EEC entry and throughout 4-hour exposure (p < 0.05), except at 3.5 hours. AcR showed lower congestion with MFNS versus placebo before day 8 EEC exposure and at 24 and 26 hours after final dose (p < 0.05 for all). AcR and NSS-C correlated at multiple time points. Day 8 RQOLQ-EEC between-group scores were significantly different (p = 0.02) for practical problems.

Conclusion

MFNS, 200 micrograms, showed onset of nasal congestion relief at 6 hours and duration of action beyond 24 hours postdosing. Objective and subjective assessments were correlated in subjects with maximal (placebo) or minimal (MFNS treatment) congestion symptoms; both assessments were correlated with improved QOL.

Congestion and sleep impairment in allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a prevalent disease in developed nations, and its prevalence has been increasing throughout the world. Nasal congestion is the most common and bothersome symptoms of rhinitis. Congestion is associated with sleep-disordered breathing and is thought to be a key cause of sleep impairment in individuals with rhinitis. The end result is a decrease in quality of life and productivity and an increase in daytime sleepiness. Treatment with intranasal corticosteroids has been shown to reduce nasal congestion. Data on sleep-related end points from clinical trials of intranasal corticosteroids indicate that this reduction is associated with improved sleep, reduced daytime fatigue, and improved quality of life. Other therapies, such as montelukast, also have a positive influence on congestion and sleep. This review examines nasal congestion and the associated sleep impairment of allergic rhinitis patients. It explores the adverse effects of disturbed sleep on quality of life and how these conditions can be reduced by therapies that decrease congestion.

Occupational rhinitis

Work-related rhinitis, which includes work-exacerbated rhinitis and occupational rhinitis, may be two to three times more common than occupational asthma. Both high molecular weight proteins and low molecular weight chemicals have been implicated as causes of occupational rhinitis. A diagnosis is established based on occupational history and, if appropriate, documentation of IgE-mediated sensitization to the causative agent. Management of work-related rhinitis is similar to that of non-work-related rhinitis and includes elimination or reduction of exposure to offending agents combined with pharmacotherapy. If treatment allergens are commercially available, allergen immunotherapy may also be considered if appropriate.

Biomarkers in asthma and allergic rhinitis

A biological marker (biomarker) is a physical sign or laboratory measurement that can serve as an indicator of biological or pathophysiological processes or as a response to a therapeutic intervention. An applicable biomarker possesses the characteristics of clinical relevance (sensitivity and specificity for the disease) and is responsive to treatment effects, in combination with simplicity, reliability and repeatability of the sampling technique. Presently, there are several biomarkers for asthma and allergic rhinitis that can be obtained by non-invasive or semi-invasive airway sampling methods meeting at least some of these criteria. In clinical practice, such biomarkers can provide complementary information to conventional disease markers, including clinical signs, spirometry and PC(20)methacholine or histamine. Consequently, biomarkers can aid to establish the diagnosis, in staging and monitoring of the disease activity/progression or in predicting or monitoring of a treatment response. Especially in (young) children, reliable, non-invasive biomarkers would be valuable. Apart from diagnostic purposes, biomarkers can also be used as (surrogate) markers to predict a (novel) drug's efficacy in target populations. Therefore, biomarkers are increasingly applied in early drug development. When implementing biomarkers in clinical practice or trials of asthma and allergic rhinitis, it is important to consider the heterogeneous nature of the inflammatory response which should direct the selection of adequate biomarkers. Some biomarker sampling techniques await further development and/or validation, and should therefore be applied as a "back up" of established biomarkers or methods. In addition, some biomarkers or sampling techniques are less suitable for (very young) children. Hence, on a case by case basis, a decision needs to be made what biomarker is adequate for the target population or purpose pursued. Future development of more sophisticated sampling methods and quantification techniques, such as--omics and biomedical imaging, will enable detection of adequate biomarkers for both clinical and research applications.

Objective improvement in nasal congestion and nasal hyperreactivity with use of nasal steroids in persistent allergic rhinitis

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to evaluate the action of topical nasal steroid in nasal congestion and nasal hyper-reactivity in children and adolescents with persistent allergic rhinitis.

METHODS

Twenty atopic children and adolescents (6 to 18 years) with moderate-to-severe persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) were treated with mometasone furoate (100 microg once a day) for 21 days. At the beginning and end of treatment, the following were recorded: a) nasal symptoms score; b) several parameters of nasal congestion measured by acoustic rhinometry (SRE 2000 Rhinometrics); c) degree of nasal hyper-reactivity to histamine (concentration of histamine necessary to induce at least 100% increase in total nasal resistance during nasal provocation test). Data were compared with those from 20 controls.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, PAR patients had significantly higher score of symptoms, as well as higher degree of nasal hyper-reactivity and lower nasal volumes. After treatment, there was a significant decrease in the mean nasal symptoms score (8.0 versus 3.8; p < 0.001) and in the nasal hyper-reactivity (histamine concentration: 0.72 mg/ml versus 2.60 mg/ml; p < 0.001). Congestion improvement was observed by the increase in all acoustic rhinometry parameters. Among all studied volumes, the volume in the segment between 2 and 5 cm showed the highest mean increase (19.8%).

CONCLUSION

Treatment with topical nasal steroid objectively reduced nasal congestion and nasal histamine hyper-reactivity in children and adolescents with PAR.

Noninvasive methods for assessment of airway inflammation in occupational settings

The present document is a consensus statement reached by a panel of experts on noninvasive methods for assessment of airway inflammation in the investigation of occupational respiratory diseases, such as occupational rhinitis, occupational asthma, and nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis. Both the upper and the lower airway inflammation have been reviewed and appraised reinforcing the concept of 'united airway disease' in the occupational settings. The most widely used noninvasive methods to assess bronchial inflammation are covered: induced sputum, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) concentration, and exhaled breath condensate. Nasal inflammation may be assessed by noninvasive approaches such as nasal cytology and nasal lavage, which provide information on different aspects of inflammatory processes (cellular vs mediators). Key messages and suggestions on the use of noninvasive methods for assessment of airway inflammation in the investigation and diagnosis of occupational airway diseases are issued.

Impact of pretreatment nasal symptoms on treatment outcome in allergic rhinitis

OBJECTIVE

The Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) classification of allergic rhinitis (AR) is based on the severity and duration of nasal symptoms. Whether nasal symptoms have an impact on treatment outcome is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between pretreatment nasal symptoms and therapeutic response in AR.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with planned data collection.

SETTING

Tertiary medical center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Sixty-nine AR patients were classified according to ARIA class: mild or moderate-severe intermittent AR (MIAR or MSIAR) and mild or moderate-severe persistent AR (MPAR or MSPAR). All patients were treated over 28 days with 220 microg of intranasal triamcinolone acetonide once daily. Nasal symptoms, peak expiratory flow index, and global symptom control were used to evaluate treatment outcome.

RESULTS

At 28 days after treatment, MSPAR patients showed the worst global symptom control, followed by MSIAR, MPAR, and MIAR (mean global symptom controls were 76.5%, 83.8%, 87.7%, and 89.0%, respectively). Pretreatment total nasal symptom score was inversely correlated with global symptom control (rho = -0.405, P < 0.001), but positively correlated with percent total nasal symptom score and peak expiratory flow index improvements (rho = 0.271, P = 0.024; and rho = 0.371, P = 0.002, respectively). Blocked nose had the best inverse correlation with global symptom control (rho = -0.389, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A worse treatment outcome despite more clinical improvements during the treatment period in a higher severity score suggests the therapeutic predictive value of pretreatment nasal symptom scoring and the need for more dosing and continuing medication in higher scores, especially in blocked nose.

Effects of omalizumab on basophil and mast cell responses using an intranasal cat allergen challenge

BACKGROUND

Omalizumab treatment suppresses FcepsilonRI expression faster on blood basophils than skin mast cells.

OBJECTIVE

We used omalizumab to elucidate the relative contributions of basophil versus mast cell FcepsilonRI activation in a nasal allergen challenge (NAC) model.

METHODS

Eighteen subjects with cat allergy were enrolled in a 3.5-month, double-blind, randomized (3.5:1), placebo-controlled trial of omalizumab using standard dosing. At baseline, subjects underwent NAC with lavage for prostaglandin D(2) measurement, skin prick test titration (SPTT), and blood sampling for basophil histamine release (BHR) and basophil IgE/FcepsilonRI measurements. Basophil studies were repeated at day 3 and then weekly until cat allergen-induced BHR was <20% of baseline or until day 45. Baseline visit procedures were repeated after the BHR reduction (midstudy NAC) and at the treatment period's completion (final NAC).

RESULTS

Subjects treated with omalizumab who completed all NACs (n = 12) demonstrated significant mean reduction in BHR to an optimal dose of cat allergen by midstudy NAC compared with baseline (74% decrease; P = .001). In addition, these subjects demonstrated significant decreases in mean combined nasal symptom scores (50% decrease; P = .007) and total sneeze counts (59% decrease; P = .01) by midstudy NAC relative to baseline NAC. In contrast, measures of mast cell response (SPTT and nasal lavage prostaglandin D(2)) were only significantly reduced by the final NAC. Subjects on placebo (n = 4) did not experience a shift in basophil, NAC symptom, or mast cell measures.

CONCLUSION

Reduction in nasal symptom scores occurred when the basophil, but not mast cell, response was reduced on omalizumab, implicating a role for basophils in the acute NAC response.

A placebo-controlled study of the nasal decongestant effect of phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine in the Vienna Challenge Chamber

BACKGROUND

Studies on the efficacy of phenylephrine in the treatment of nasal congestion have yielded inconsistent results, notwithstanding its approval for this indication.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare the decongestant effect of a single dose of phenylephrine to placebo and pseudoephedrine in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

METHODS

This randomized, placebo-controlled, 3-way crossover study evaluated patient-scored nasal congestion, peak nasal inspiratory flow, and rhinomanometry at more than 6 hours in 39 grass-sensitive patients exposed to grass pollen in the Vienna Challenge Chamber. Patients were dosed with immediate-release formulations of phenylephrine, 12 mg, pseudoephedrine, 60 mg, as a control, or placebo.

RESULTS

Phenylephrine was not significantly different from placebo in the primary end point, mean change in nasal congestion score at more than 6 hours (P = .56), whereas pseudoephedrine was significantly more effective than both placebo (P < .01) and phenylephrine (P = .01). Phase 1 results showed a difference between phenylephrine and placebo that was 64% of the difference between pseudoephedrine and placebo, substantially greater than the 17% difference observed for all phases. Carryover bias due to patient recall of the pseudoephedrine effect may have influenced these results. Rhinomanometry and peak nasal inspiratory flow results were consistent with these data. Neither phenylephrine nor pseudoephedrine had an effect on the nonnasal symptoms. No adverse events were reported in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

During a 6-hour observation period, a single dose of pseudoephedrine but not phenylephrine resulted in significant improvement in measures of nasal congestion. Neither phenylephrine nor pseudoephedrine had an effect on nonnasal symptoms.

EAACI position paper on occupational rhinitis

The present document is the result of a consensus reached by a panel of experts from European and non-European countries on Occupational Rhinitis (OR), a disease of emerging relevance which has received little attention in comparison to occupational asthma. The document covers the main items of OR including epidemiology, diagnosis, management, socio-economic impact, preventive strategies and medicolegal issues. An operational definition and classification of OR tailored on that of occupational asthma, as well as a diagnostic algorithm based on steps allowing for different levels of diagnostic evidence are proposed. The needs for future research are pointed out. Key messages are issued for each item.

The pathophysiology, clinical impact, and management of nasal congestion in allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Nasal congestion is a cardinal symptom of allergic rhinitis (AR). It is difficult to treat and is associated with decreased quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the clinical features of nasal congestion, its complex pathophysiology in the context of AR, its clinical impact, and the strengths and weaknesses of available treatments.

METHODS

Primary studies and reviews in the peer-reviewed, English-language literature were identified through searches of MEDLINE (1966-2008) and the Cochrane Library (1996-2008) using the terms nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis, pathophysiology, quality of life, and burden. Additional references were obtained by searching the reference lists of the identified articles. Abstracts from the 2006 and 2007 meetings of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology were also searched. Pertinent articles were included in the review if they were recently published and patient-focused, and if their authors were recognized leaders in the field.

RESULTS

A survey of 2355 patients with AR or their guardians found that almost half of respondents rated nasal congestion the most bothersome symptom; in a survey of 2500 adults with AR, 78% rated nasal congestion either extremely or moderately bothersome. Histamine and leukotrienes are major mediators of the allergic inflammation associated with nasal congestion, as indicated by reductions in nasal cross-sectional area in response to histamine challenge (P<0.001) and increases in nasal airway resistance in response to leukotriene challenge (P<0.05).Therapy for nasal congestion in AR is often hampered by limitations associated with the individual agents; for example, decongestants are effective in the control of nasal congestion, but their use is restricted by their adverse-event profiles. A meta-analysis of 16 controlled studies involving 2267 patients with AR found that intranasal corticosteroids provided significantly greater relief of nasal congestion than oral antihistamines (95% CI for combined standardized mean difference, -0.73 to -0.53). The results of several clinical trials have suggested that leukotriene-receptor antagonists may be associated with reduced nasal congestion; however, no agents in this class are currently approved for the treatment of nasal congestion in AR.

CONCLUSION

There is a need for therapies that are well tolerated and effective in relieving nasal congestion in AR.

Dose-related effect of intranasal corticosteroids on treatment outcome of persistent allergic rhinitis

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of the self-adjustable dosing regimen and explore potential dose-response relationships of intranasal corticosteroids in persistent allergic rhinitis.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Subjects and Methods

Sixty-nine persistent allergic rhinitis patients were treated with 220 mcg of intranasal triamcinolone acetonide for 28 days. Patients with mild, intermittent symptoms were instructed to use the medication only after symptoms occurred once a day. Patients with symptoms that lasted more than 1 day and/or interrupted daily activities/sleep were instructed to continue the morning daily dose until they were symptom-free for 24 hours before stopping usage.

Results

All nasal symptom scores and peak expiratory flow index (PEFI) showed statistically significant improvements after treatment. At 28 days after treatment, the number of puffs and weight of steroids used were positively correlated with percentages of improvement in total symptoms score (TSS) and PEFI (ρ = 0.529, r = 0.571 and ρ = 0.350, r = 0.509 respectively). When at least 1400 mcg or 44 puffs were used, 60% TSS and 10% PEFI improvement were achieved.

Conclusion

A self-adjustable dosing approach proved to be an efficacious approach to controlling allergic rhinitis.

Occupational rhinitis

The present document is the result of a consensus reached by a panel of experts from European and nonEuropean countries on Occupational Rhinitis (OR), a disease of emerging relevance, which has received little attention in comparison to occupational asthma. The document covers the main items of OR including epidemiology, diagnosis, management, socio-economic impact, preventive strategies and medicolegal issues. An operational definition and classification of OR tailored to that of occupational asthma, as well as a diagnostic algorithm based on steps allowing different levels of diagnostic evidence, are proposed. The needs for future research are pointed out. Key messages are issued for each item.

Does inhaling menthol affect nasal patency or cough?

OBJECTIVE

There is widespread use of menthol in over-the-counter medications, despite scant information on any beneficial effects. Our aim was to assess the effect of menthol on nasal air flow, perception of nasal patency and cough challenge testing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subjects comprised 42 healthy children aged 10 and 11 in a school setting. We used a single-blind pseudo-randomized cross-over trial to compare the effect of an inhalation of either menthol or placebo(eucalyptus oil). Baseline and post-intervention measurements were made on each of 2 consecutive days. Main outcome measures were (i) nasal expiratory and inspiratory flows and volumes, measured by spirometer, (ii) perception of nasal patency, assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS), and (iii) the number of coughs in response to nebulized citric acid.

RESULTS

There was no effect of menthol on any of the spirometric measurements. Following menthol, there was a significant increase in the perception of nasal patency (mean difference in log VAS (menthol-placebo) = -0.207, 95%CI -0.329, -0.085). The cough count after menthol inhalation was reduced when compared to baseline but the change was not different from that after placebo (mean difference in cough count (menthol-placebo) = -1.71, 95%CI -4.11, 0.69).

CONCLUSION

Menthol has no effect on objective measures of flow but significantly increases the perception of nasal patency. It may not be possible to extrapolate these findings to younger children and those with rhinitis. Extending the study of menthol to these groups, including investigations of the efficacy and safety profiles, will provide further valuable evidence for its common use.