Bioabsorbable steroid-releasing implants in the frontal sinus ostia: a pooled analysis

Comparing Efficacy of Steroid Irrigation + Steroid-Eluting Sinus Stent Versus Steroid Irrigation Alone for Maintaining Frontal Sinus Patency After Sinus Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Steroid rinses and steroid-eluting stents are both options for preventing postoperative stenosis after frontal sinus surgery. This study aimed to assess whether steroid-eluting stents offer added benefit over steroid rinses alone in postoperative healing and long-term frontal sinus patency.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial enrolled patients with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) who underwent surgery for bilateral and equal frontal sinusitis after failing prior medical therapy. Each patient served as their own control, with each patient randomized to stent placement in either right or left frontal sinuses. Exclusion criteria included unequal frontal sinusitis, aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease, cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and immunocompromise. All patients used steroid rinses postoperatively. Scarring, edema, patency, and the need for additional treatments were assessed at 1, 3, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients were enrolled. Postoperatively, scarring, edema, patency, and the need for further treatment were similar in both groups at 24 weeks (p = 0.878, 0.688, 0.817, 1.00, and 1.00, respectively). Multivariable regression analysis identified time as an independent risk factor for scarring (OR = 1.32, [1.03‒1.71]) and patency (OR = 1.39, [1.10‒1.82]), while it was an independent protective factor for edema (OR = 0.40, [0.32‒0.49]). The steroid-eluting stent did not significantly affect this.

CONCLUSION

For CRSwNP, with or without asthma, without other underlying systemic disease factors, steroid-eluting stents may not add benefit over steroid rinses in reducing postoperative scarring and edema, improving long-term frontal sinus patency, or reducing the need for additional treatments, as long as patients continue topical therapy and know how to rinse effectively.

The impact of middle meatal steroid-eluting implants on the postoperative outcomes of chronic rhinosinusitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has become an established surgical option in refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The goal of this review is to assess the impact of steroid-eluting middle meatal implants after ESS. Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), SCOPUS, PUBMED, and GOOGLE SCHOLAR were searched from inception to November 2022. All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving adult patients receiving ESS for CRS utilising a steroid-eluting middle meatal implants were eligible. The primary outcome was adhesion or synechiae. The secondary outcomes were mucosal inflammation, polyp reformation, the need for oral steroids and additional surgery, postoperative bleeding, sinus pain and discomfort, postoperative sinus-related infection, and change in intraocular pressure. Fourteen full articles were examined out of 496 potential abstracts. Seven RCTs satisfied the criteria. At 30days, steroid-eluting implants reduced adhesion (OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.56; P<0.001), mucosal inflammation (MD: -13.09, 95% CI: -18.22 to -7.97; P<0.001), polyp reformation (OR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.44; P<0.001), and requirement of additional oral steroid (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.78; P=0.005) or surgery (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.50; P<0.001). While their use for adhesion (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.54; P<0.001) and polyp reformation (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.51; P<0.001) were favourable, there was no difference in mucosal inflammation (MD: -5.68, 95% CI: -12.39 to 1.03; P=0.100) or the need for surgery (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.07 to 12.37; P=0.980) when evaluated after 30days. Overall, the findings suggest that steroid-eluting middle meatal implants improve ESS outcomes by lowering rates of adhesion formation, postoperative medical and surgical interventions, recurrent polyposis, and inflammation, while having no significant negative impact in the immediate postoperative period. More research is needed into the long-term impacts.

Assessing the effect of absorbable steroid sinus implant: a state-of-the-art systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic sinus surgery is not a definitive treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The use of sinus stents after surgery to maintain sinus patency and deliver local steroids has gained popularity. The first steroid-eluting bioabsorbable implant (SEBI) approved for this indication, later Propel, was developed in 2011. This state-of-the-art review aims to summarize the available evidence, as well as to point out potential pitfalls and lack of specific analyses to guide future research on this new therapeutic option.

DATA SOURCES

Pubmed (Medline), the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, SciELO.

REVIEW METHODS

Nine research questions were defined: Are steroid-eluting Sinus implants useful for the control of CRS symptoms after surgery? Do they improve surgical field healing after CRS surgery? Do they decrease polyp regrowth after ESS? Do they decrease the need for ESS? Are they useful in symptom control as in-office procedure? Are they better than other steroid-impregnated resorbable materials? Do they have a positive impact on olfaction? Are they safe? Are they cost-effective? Retrieved articles were reviewed by two authors.

RESULTS

Twenty nine studies were included: 3 metanalysis, 1 systematic review, 10 randomized clinical trials, 4 quasi-experimental studies, 1 retrospective cohort study, 4 cost studies, 3 case series and 2 expert consensus. The review encompassed a population of 3,012 patients treated with SEBI and 2826 controls.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first state-of-the-art review assessing steroid eluting bioabsorbable stent evidence. Despite the effort in recent years, still several questions remain unanswered. This review will hopefully guide future research efforts to better define the role of SEBI in the otolaryngology practice.

[Difficult-to-treat chronic rhinosinusitis-when the standard treatment is not effective and biologics are not available]

BACKGROUND

In recent years, significant improvements have been made in the treatment options for uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) refractory to standard medical and surgical therapy. This is the result of a better understanding of the pathophysiology and the resulting development of biologicals for CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). However, biologics are not (yet) available for all patients in Europe.

OBJECTIVE

Based on the session "Difficult-to-treat CRS, when biologics are not available" at the 29th Congress of the European Rhinologic Society (ERS) 2023 in Sofia, Bulgaria, the treatment options for uncontrolled CRS with the exclusion of biologics will be discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The content of the presentations "Is there a place for antibiotics?" "Indications for revision surgery," "Novel systemic treatment options," "Novel local treatment options," and "Phototherapy for nasal polyps" are outlined and supported by a review of the literature.

RESULTS

Various treatment options are available for managing uncontrolled CRS, even if biologic treatments are unavailable. Treatment options for type‑2 (T2) CRS include steroid rinses, repeated short-term oral steroids, steroid-eluting stents, and extended sinus surgery. In the case of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) desensitization can be considered. Non-T2 endotypes or CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) may benefit from several weeks of macrolides and xylitol rinses.

CONCLUSION

To accurately assess the efficacy of second-line therapies for treatment of difficult-to-treat CRS within an endotype-specific framework, additional controlled clinical trials are needed that take into account the heterogeneity of CRS endotypes.

Use of intraoperative frontal sinus mometasone-eluting stents decreased interleukin 5 and interleukin 13 in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Mometasone-eluting stents (MES) have demonstrated improvement in short-term endoscopic outcomes and reduce short- to medium-term rescue interventions. Their effect on the local inflammatory environment, longer-term patient-reported outcomes, and radiographic severity have not been studied.

METHODS

Middle meatal mucus and validated measures of disease severity were collected before and 6 to 12 months after endoscopic surgery in 52 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs). Operative findings, type 2 mediator concentrations, intraoperative variables, and disease severity measures were compared between those who did and those who did not receive intraoperative frontal MES.

RESULTS

A total of 52 patients with CRSwNPs were studied; 33 received frontal MES and were compared with 19 who did not. Pre-endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) middle meatus (MM) interleukin (IL) 13 and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were higher in the stented group (p < 0.05), but pre-ESS clinical measures of disease severity were similar as were surgical extent and post-ESS medical management. Intraoperative eosinophilic mucin was more frequent in the stented group (58% vs 11%, p = 0.001). IL-5 (p < 0.05) and IL-13 (p < 0.001) decreased post-ESS in the stented group, but this was not observed in the nonstented group. Post-ESS IL-4 and IL-13 were higher in the nonstented vs stented group (p < 0.05 for both).

CONCLUSION

Although patients who received intraoperative frontal MES had significantly higher pre-ESS MM IL-13 and ECP, patients who received frontal MES had lower concentrations of IL-4 and IL-13 than those who did not at a median of 8 months post-ESS. However, these changes did not correspond to significantly different measures of symptomatic or radiographic disease severity.

Short-term postoperative efficacy of steroid-eluting stents for eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (ECRSwNP) is a refractory clinical phenotype with high symptom burden and relapse rate. Steroid-eluting stents are safe and effective for reducing polyp size, symptom burden, and the need for revision sinus surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of steroid-eluting stent implantation on the surgical outcomes of patients with ECRSwNP.

METHODS

This prospective, multicenter, randomized, intrapatient-controlled trial recruited patients aged 18 to 65 years with ECRSwNP requiring surgery. Ninety-eight patients were enrolled and randomly implanted with absorbable steroid-eluting stents containing mometasone furoate in one sinus at the end of surgery. All patients received standard postoperative care and follow-up. The primary outcome was the Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score within 12 weeks post-surgery. Secondary outcomes included nasal symptoms scores, nasal resistance, acoustic rhinometry, nasal nitric oxide levels, 3-dimensional volumetric computed tomography scores, and eosinophil counts in the ethmoid mucosa.

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients completed the trial. At postoperative weeks 4, 8, and 12, the Lund-Kennedy scores were significantly lower on the treatment side than on the control side (all p<0.01). Compared with the treatment side, the control side exhibited higher tissue eosinophilia at week 4 and higher volumetric, nasal obstruction, and total nasal symptom scores at postoperative week 8 (p = 0.011, p = 0.011, p<0.01, and p = 0.001, respectively). No adrenal cortical suppression or serious side effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

Steroid-eluting stents reduce postoperative sinus mucosal edema and eosinophilic inflammation, with persistent effects after stent disintegration, and are a good supplementary post-surgical treatment in patients with ECRSwNP. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the curative effects and safety of endoscopic sinus surgery in children with chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

At present, the surgical treatment of sinusitis with nasal polyps has made great progress, but its recurrence rate is still high. Therefore, this time, meta-analysis is used to study the therapeutic effect of endoscopic sinus surgery on children with chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps, analyze its effectiveness and safety, and provide theoretical basis for clinical treatment.

METHODS

Boolean logic searching was adopted to retrieve articles from various databases, including PubMed, Medline, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), published from the establishment of the database to December 30, 2021. The following search terms were used: "endoscopic sinus surgery", "antrochoanal polyps", "chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps", and "nasal polyps". Comparative studies on traditional surgical treatment and endoscopic sinus surgery were also screened out. Review Manager was utilized for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 9 references were included in the study, and most of them were low risk bias (medium and high quality). Meta-analysis showed that there was no statistical heterogeneity between the control group and the experimental group (Chi²=0.03, I²=0%, P=0.98). According to the fixed effect model analysis, the number of patients with polyp formation in the experimental group was significantly less than that in the control group (Z=2.65, P=0.008). Compared with the control group, there is no statistical heterogeneity in the postoperative recurrence (Chi²=1.59, I²=0%, P=0.45). According to the analysis of fixed effect model, the postoperative recurrence in the experimental group is significantly less than that in the control group (Z=2.92, OR =2.78, 95% CI: 1.40-5.52, P=0.004). Compared with the control group, the results of postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) were statistically different (Chi²=12.63, I²=84%, P=0.002). According to the random effect model analysis, the VAS score of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group (Z=18.06, MD =4.51, 95% CI: 3.96-5.05, P<0.00001).

DISCUSSION

Endoscopic sinus surgery could reduce the postoperative recurrence and pain of patients, and showed high curative effects and safety in the treatment of children with chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps.

Indications for Absorbable Steroid-Eluting Sinus Implants: Viewpoint via the Delphi Method

Absorbable steroid-eluting sinus implants provide targeted corticosteroid release over a sustained period and are designed to prevent both undesirable adhesion formation and sinus ostia restenosis. Here, we highlight the key evidence of these implants to date and query a group of experts via a Delphi process on the indications and optimal timing for intraoperative or in-office placement of these implants. Six of a total of 12 statements reached consensus and were accepted. Overall, experts largely agree that intraoperative or in-office use of steroid-eluting stents could be considered for patients: (1) who are diabetic or intolerant of oral steroids, (2) undergoing extended frontal sinus surgery, and (3) with recurrent stenosis. Given the lack of expert consensus on other key statements, clinicians should carefully consider these treatment options on a case-by-case basis after shared decision-making.

Effects of implants with steroids after endoscopic sinus surgery: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis affects approximately 5%-2% of the general population worldwide. Steroid implants after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) have drawn considerable interest for their cost savings, but relevant guidelines indicate that evidence on this topic is of low quality with high heterogeneity. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of steroid implants after ESS by synthesizing relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

Two authors independently assessed the eligibility of potential references from five biomedical databases. They further extracted relevant data from the included studies, including (a) mean, standard deviation, or standard error for Lund-Kennedy endoscopic (LKE) score and Perioperative Sinus Endoscopy (POSE) score and (b) events and sample sizes of each group for further intervention. Data were pooled in a random-effects model, and results were presented as the weighted mean difference (WMD) or risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and I² .

RESULTS

Eleven RCTs (n = 853) were included and showed that the steroid implant group had lower LKE scores (WMD, -1.19; 95% CI, -1.75 to -0.62; I²  = 0%) and POSE scores (WMD, -1.62; 95% CI, -2.47 to -0.76; I²  = 48%) than the placebo implant group at postoperative week 2. Moreover, the reoperation rate in the steroid implant group was also lower than in the placebo implant group (RR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.80; I²  = 0%). However, no significant difference was observed in the postoperative oral steroid requirement between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, steroid implant decreases LKE and POSE among patients receiving ESS in the short term, but long-term effects remain unclear. Patient-based outcomes are worth further discussion in the future.

Manifesto on united airways diseases (UAD): an Interasma (global asthma association - GAA) document

OBJECTIVE

The large amount of evidence and the renewed interest in upper and lower airways involvement in infectious and inflammatory diseases has led Interasma (Global Asthma Association) to take a position on United Airways Diseases (UAD).

METHODS

Starting from an extensive literature review, Interasma executive committee discussed and approved this Manifesto developed by Interasma scientific network (INES) members.

RESULTS

The manifesto describes the evidence gathered to date and defines, states, advocates, and proposes issues on UAD (rhinitis, rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis), and concomitant/comorbid lower airways disorders (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, obstructive sleep apnoea) with the aim of challenging assumptions, fostering commitment, and bringing about change. UAD refers to clinical pictures characterized by the coexistence of upper and lower airways involvement, driven by a common pathophysiological mechanism, leading to a greater burden on patient's health status and requiring an integrated diagnostic and therapeutic plan. The high prevalence of UAD must be taken into account. Upper and lower airways diseases influence disease control and patient's quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with UAD need to have a timely and adequate diagnosis, treatment, and, when recommended, referral for management in a specialized center. Diagnostic testing including skin prick or serum specific IgE, lung function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), polysomnography, allergen-specific immunotherapies, biological therapies and home based continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) whenever these are recommended, should be part of the management plan for UAD. Education of medical students, physicians, health professionals, patients and caregivers on the UAD is needed.

Topical therapies for management of chronic rhinosinusitis: steroid implants

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) causes severe symptoms that lead to poor quality of life. When optimal medical therapy does not improve CRS symptoms, then endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) can be used in patients with persistent symptoms and radiographic evidence of CRS to improve patients' symptoms and quality of life. Despite appropriate and complete sinus surgery, there can be issues after sinus surgery such as synechiae formation and recurrence of polyps in certain CRS patients that can decrease long-term outcomes. Corticosteroids are used to decrease postoperative scarring and edema as well as prevent recurrence of nasal polyp formation after sinus surgery. However, the use of oral or systemic steroid can lead to serious short-term and long-term complications. Therefore, a safer alternative would be the topical delivery of steroid via steroid-eluting sinus implants.

METHODS

A literature review was performed to identify clinical studies evaluating steroid-eluting implants. Two forms of steroid-eluting implants were identified, Propel family products and Sinuva. The research findings from clinical studies using various steroid-eluting sinus implants are reviewed and discussed.

RESULTS

Four prospective randomized clinical studies were identified for the Propel family products. Two prospective randomized clinical studies were identified for Sinuva. The results from the clinical studies showed that the use of the various steroid-eluting sinus implants can improve postoperative results after ESS as well as treat the recurrence of nasal polyps after sinus surgery without the need for additional sinus surgery.

CONCLUSION

The novel steroid-eluting implants appear to be beneficial for CRS patients immediately post-operatively as well as for nasal polyps patients. Interestingly, these implants could be used as a substitute for the beneficial effect of systemic steroid use for CRS patients.

Efficacy of steroid-eluting stents in management of chronic rhinosinusitis after endoscopic sinus surgery: updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recently, there has been mounting evidence suggesting the efficacy of steroid-eluting stents (SES) for management of chronic rhinosinusitis after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). This meta-analysis serves to evaluate the efficacy of SES in improving postoperative outcomes after ESS.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed of PubMed for articles published between 1985 and 2018. The outcome variables were reported at, on average, 30 days postintervention.

RESULTS

Seven of the 76 published studies, all of which were industry-sponsored, were included for a collective cohort of 444 SES and 444 control sinuses. In patients who received SES vs controls, collective odds ratios (ORs) for postoperative need for intervention, surgery, and oral steroid were 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.62; p < 0.001), 0.30 (95% CI, 0.18-0.52; p < 0.001), and 0.58 (95% CI, 0.40-0.84; p = 0.004), respectively. In addition, collective ORs for frontal sinus ostia (FSO) patency, moderate-to-severe adhesion/scarring, and increase in polyp score were 2.53 (95% CI, 1.61-3.97; p < 0.001), 0.28 (95% CI, 0.13-0.59; p < 0.001), and 0.42 (95% CI, 0.25-0.74; p = 0.002), respectively. Collective mean differences for FSO/ethmoid inflammation and FSO diameter were -10.86 mm (p < 0.001) and +1.34 mm (p < 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Aggregate evidence suggests that SES can improve ESS outcomes by reducing rates of postoperative intervention and recurrent polyposis and inflammation, while promoting FSO patency. All included and analyzed studies were industry-sponsored and ruling-out publication bias was not possible. Future independent and nonsponsored studies to further evaluate SES's long-term efficacy are warranted.

Bioabsorbable steroid-releasing implants in the frontal sinus ostia: a pooled analysis

Background

Bioabsorbable steroid‐releasing implants (mometasone furoate, 370 μg) are effective for improving postsurgical outcomes in the frontal sinus ostia (FSO). In this study we evaluated the effect of these implants on frontal outcomes in various patient subgroups with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) using pooled data from 2 randomized, controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

A total of 160 subjects were enrolled in 2 RCTs. After surgery, subjects were randomized to receive an implant in 1 FSO with the contralateral side as control. Data through day 90 from the 2 studies were pooled and subgroup analyses were performed.

Results

At day 30, relative to controls, steroid‐releasing implants significantly reduced the need for postoperative interventions by 46.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], −60.7 to −27.9), for surgical interventions by 51.2% (95% CI, −68.2 to −25.2), and for oral steroid interventions by 37.2% (95% CI, −54.6 to −13.1) in the pooled data set. At day 90, statistically significant reductions (p < 0.05) in the need for postoperative interventions (relative reduction [RR], 30.2%), restenosis/occlusion rate (RR, 31.7%), and inflammation score (absolute difference, −6.0), and increase in estimated FSO diameter (absolute difference, 1 mm), favoring the treated side, were observed. Subgroup analyses of the pooled data showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) at day 90 in restenosis/occlusion rate, and estimated FSO diameter, favoring the treated side across subgroups, with no statistically significant subgroup‐by‐treatment interactions.

Conclusion

Bioabsorbable steroid‐releasing sinus implants improve outcomes of frontal sinus surgery through 90 days, irrespective of asthma status, previous endoscopic sinus surgery, extent of surgery, extent of polyps, or Lund‐Mackay computed tomography stage in the FSO.