Topical therapies for management of chronic rhinosinusitis: steroid implants

Symmetrical structure design of PLGA Biodegradable sinus stents and structure optimization based on surrogate models

This study aims to enhance the degradation uniformity of PLGA sinus stents to minimize fracture risk caused by stress corrosion. Symmetric stent structures were introduced and compared to sinusoidal structure in terms of stress and degradation uniformity during implantation and degradation processes. Three surrogate models were employed to optimize the honeycomb-like structure. Results showed honeycomb-like structures exhibited the superior stress distribution and highest degradation uniformity. The kriging model achieved the smallest error and degradation uniformity of 83.24%. In conclusion, enhancing the symmetry of stent structures improves degradation uniformity, and the kriging model has potential for the optimization of stent structures.

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.

Inflammation resolution and specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators in chronic rhinosinusitis

INTRODUCTION

In chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a complex pathophysiology results from varied pro-inflammatory stimuli but is consistently characterized by classic cellular, molecular, and microbial alterations. Normally, endogenous specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM) actively promote resolution of inflammation through numerous pathways, including those involved in host antimicrobial defense. However, these pathways appear to be disrupted in CRS.

AREAS COVERED

This paper describes features of CRS in the context of chronic tissue inflammation, and potential mechanisms by which specialized pro-resolving mediators promote active resolution of tissue inflammation.

EXPERT OPINION

Temporal phases of resolution must be tightly regulated to successfully resolve inflammation in CRS while preserving tissue functions such as barrier maintenance and special sensory function. Dysregulation of SPM enzymatic pathways has been recently shown in CRS and is associated with disease phenotypes and microbial colonization patterns. Current research in animal models and in vitro human cell culture, as well as human dietary studies, demonstrate relevant changes in cell signaling with lipid mediator bioavailability. Further clinical research may provide insight into the therapeutic value of this approach in CRS.

The efficacy and safety of several interventions of corticosteroids for CRSwNP patients after endoscope sinus surgery: A protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Corticosteroid has been a mainstay of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) medical therapy. While endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) will be performed when patients had failed to respond to maximal medical therapy. Many studies shown that several corticosteroids of interventions (e.g., nasal spray, oral, atomization/nebulization, nasal irrigation, direct infiltration, and steroid-eluting stent, etc) have each demonstrated significant efficacy compared with placebo or no corticosteroids intervention except intranasal corticosteroids for the treatment of CRSwNP after ESS. The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis is to answer the following question: which 1 is the best corticosteroid of intervention for CRSwNP patients after ESS?

METHODS

A systematic review will be conducted to identify studies involving randomized controlled trials which compared several different interventions of corticosteroids (e.g., nasal spray, oral, atomization/nebulization, nasal irrigation, direct infiltration, steroid-eluting stent, etc) for CRSwNP patients after ESS. The primary outcomes are efficacy (e.g., effective rate or cure rate), visual analogic scale of symptom severity, Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score, adverse events, and so on. We will comprehensively search PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wangfang and VIP journal database from inception to July, 2022. For studies which meet our inclusion criteria, 2 reviewers will extract data independently and assess the quality of literature using a revision of version 2 of the Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB 2.0). A random effects model will be used for all pairwise meta-analyses (with a 95% confidence interval). Network meta-analyses will be conducted to generate estimates of comparative effectiveness of each intervention class and rankings of their effectiveness.

RESULTS

The results of this study expect to provide a high-quality, evidence-based recommendation on which 1 is the best corticosteroid of intervention for CRSwNP patients after ESS?

DISCUSSION

This study will provide evidence regarding the comparability of several interventions of corticosteroids for CRSwNP patients after ESS. Also, the data generated from this review will provide health-care providers with a clear evidence synthesis of CRSwNP patients after ESS management strategies. These data will be incorporated into the development of a patient decision aid to assist patients and clinicians in making a preference-based decision when faced with a CRSwNP patients after ESS as well.

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.

Different Methods and Formulations of Drugs and Vaccines for Nasal Administration

Nasal drug delivery is advantageous when compared with other routes of drug delivery as it avoids the hepatic first-pass effect, blood–brain barrier penetration, and compliance issues with parenteral administration. However, nasal administration also has some limitations, such as its low bioavailability due to metabolism on the mucosal surface, and irreversible damage to the nasal mucosa due to the ingredients added into the formula. Moreover, the method of nasal administration is not applicable to all drugs. The current review presents the nasal anatomy and mucosal environment for the nasal delivery of vaccines and drugs, as well as presents various methods for enhancing nasal absorption, and different drug carriers and delivery devices to improve nasal drug delivery. It also presents future prospects on the nasal drug delivery of vaccines and drugs.

Endoscopic grading systems for nasal polyps: are we comparing apples to oranges?

Endoscopic grading of nasal polyps (NP) is typically a coprimary endpoint in clinical trials evaluating treatments for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). However, a consensus on the most effective way to grade nasal polyps has not been reached. Different scales have been used, hampering the interpretation of data across trials. This review compares the characteristics of NP grading systems used in registration trials for approved NP treatments. These fundamental differences in grading systems make quantitative comparison of outcomes between trials inaccurate and potentially misleading. In lieu of a universal grading system, reporting the baseline distribution of polyp grades (unilateral and/or summed/total grades), as well as changes from baseline over time by baseline grade may help improve interpretability of outcomes and reduce inaccuracy when attempting cross-trial comparisons and making therapeutic decisions.

A ready-to-use, thermoresponsive, and extended-release delivery system for the paranasal sinuses

A drug delivery system for the paranasal sinuses consisting of a freeze-dried thermoresponsive hydrogel with degradable microspheres, called FD-TEMPS (Freeze Dried-Thermogel, Extended-release Microsphere-based delivery to the Paranasal Sinuses), was developed. Glass transition temperatures (Tg') of the maximally freeze concentrated solutions consisting of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAm) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were determined by differential scanning calorimetry, which informed optimization of the thermogel formulation. By replacing low molecular weight (MW) PEG (200 Da) with a higher MW PEG (2000 Da), the resulting freeze-dried gel exhibited a brittle texture, porous structure, and low residual moisture (< 3% measured by thermal gravimetric analysis). When combined with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres (PLGA MSs) and freeze dried, the complete system (FD-TEMPS) exhibited enhanced shelf-stability. Specifically, the smooth, spherical morphology of the MSs and initial release kinetics were maintained following 6 weeks of storage under ambient conditions. Furthermore, FD-TEMPS remained in place after application to a simulated mucosal surface, suggesting that it could be more uniformly distributed along the sinonasal mucosa in vivo. Freeze drying enables this delivery system to be stored as a ready-to-use product for better ease of clinical translation without compromising the thermoresponsive or sustained release characteristics that would enable local delivery of therapeutics to the sinonasal mucosa.

Real-world evidence analysis of the impact of steroid-eluting implants on healthcare resource use among chronic rhinosinusitis patients undergoing sinus surgery

OBJECTIVE

To compare healthcare resource use (HCRU) in patients undergoing sinus surgery with or without steroid-eluting sinus implants.

METHODS

A retrospective, observational cohort study using real-world evidence data (OM1, Inc, Boston, MA, USA) was conducted on adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with or without nasal polyps who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery between 2014 and 2019 and had at least 18 months of data both before and after surgery. Patients receiving implants ("implant cohort") were matched to patients who did not receive implants ("non-implant cohort") based on a propensity score developed using baseline characteristics. Chi-square for binary variables and analysis of variance tests for continuous variables were applied to compare HCRU measures.

RESULTS

Comparison of the implant (N = 1983) and non-implant (N = 1983) cohorts during the 18-month follow-up period demonstrated significantly lower HCRU in those receiving implants, including all-cause outpatient visits (94.3% vs. 96.6%, p < .001), all-cause otolaryngologist visits (47.3% vs. 59.6%, p < .001) and all cause ER/urgent care visits (9.2% vs. 11.8%, p = .007), as well as sinus-related endoscopies (39.1% vs. 43.8%, p = .003). Although not statistically significant, fewer patients in the implant cohort had undergone repeat surgeries (4.6% vs. 5.3%, p = .273).

CONCLUSION

Patients with steroid-eluting sinus implants had lower HCRU over a post-operative period of 18 months. These findings support the contention that reductions in HCRU may be achieved using steroid-eluting implants during sinus surgery.What is known on this topicChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) causes severe symptoms that lead to poor quality of life.Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is 76-98% effective in improving CRS patients' symptoms.Surgical outcomes can be compromised in the immediate post-operative period by scarring, adhesion formation, and early polyp recurrence.Oral and topical corticosteroid therapy has become integral to the maintenance of successful surgical outcomes, the management of post-operative scarring and edema, and the prevention of nasal polyp recurrence.Steroid-eluting sinus implants have been shown in clinical trials to improve postoperative outcomes after ESS by delivering localized, sustained release of corticosteroids directly onto inflamed sinus tissue.What this study addsThis observational study is one of the first to use real-world evidence to assess the effect of steroid-eluting sinus implants on healthcare resource use (HCRU) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who underwent sinus surgery with or without implants.Use of implants significantly reduced HCRU, including all-cause outpatient visits (94.3% vs 96.6%, p < .001), all-cause otolaryngologist visits (47.3% vs 59.6%, p < .001), and all-cause ER/urgent care visits (9.2% vs 11.8%, p = .007), as well as sinus endoscopy (39.1% vs 43.8%, p = .003).Use of implants had no significant effect on sinus procedures such as debridement and polypectomy, as well as sinus-related imaging such as CT, MRI, and x-ray.

Biocompatible Materials in Otorhinolaryngology and Their Antibacterial Properties

For decades, biomaterials have been commonly used in medicine for the replacement of human body tissue, precise drug-delivery systems, or as parts of medical devices that are essential for some treatment methods. Due to rapid progress in the field of new materials, updates on the state of knowledge about biomaterials are frequently needed. This article describes the clinical application of different types of biomaterials in the field of otorhinolaryngology, i.e., head and neck surgery, focusing on their antimicrobial properties. The variety of their applications includes cochlear implants, middle ear prostheses, voice prostheses, materials for osteosynthesis, and nasal packing after nasal/paranasal sinuses surgery. Ceramics, such as as hydroxyapatite, zirconia, or metals and metal alloys, still have applications in the head and neck region. Tissue engineering scaffolds and drug-eluting materials, such as polymers and polymer-based composites, are becoming more common. The restoration of life tissue and the ability to prevent microbial colonization should be taken into consideration when designing the materials to be used for implant production. The authors of this paper have reviewed publications available in PubMed from the last five years about the recent progress in this topic but also establish the state of knowledge of the most common application of biomaterials over the last few decades.

Multi-institutional minimal clinically important difference of the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test in medically managed chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

With a rapid proliferation of clinical trials to study novel medical treatments for CRS, the objective of this study was to study the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) in medically-managed CRS patients.

METHODS

A total of 183 medically-treated CRS patients were recruited. All patients completed a SNOT-22 at enrollment and subsequent follow up visit. Distribution and anchor-based methods were used for MCID calculation. These data were combined with data from a previously published study on SNOT-22 MCID in 247 medically managed CRS patients to determine a final recommended MCID value using the combined cohort of 430 patients.

RESULTS

In our cohort, distribution- and anchor-based methods-using both sinus-specific and general health anchors-provided greatest support for a 12-point SNOT-22 MCID, which had approximately 55% sensitivity but 81% specificity for detecting patients explicitly reporting improvement in their sinus symptoms and general health. In the combined cohort of 430 patients, we also found greatest support for a 12-point SNOT-22 MCID, which had approximately 57% sensitivity and 81% specificity for detecting patients explicitly reporting improvement in their sinus symptoms and general health. We also find evidence that the MCID value may be higher in CRS patients without nasal polyps compared to those with nasal polyps.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results - which include data from patients from two different institutions and regions - confirm a SNOT-22 MCID of 12 in medically managed CRS patients. The SNOT-22 MCID was specific but not sensitive for identifying CRS patients experiencing improvement in symptoms or general health.

Effects of Fluticasone Exhalation Delivery System in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Nasal sprays with corticosteroids deliver medication to the restricted areas including anterior and inferior parts of the nasal cavity. The fluticasone exhalation delivery system (EDS-FLU) has recently been proved to improve care by increasing superior/posterior intranasal corticosteroid deposition.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of EDS-FLU in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

METHODOLOGY

A systematic literature review using Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was conducted to identify studies assessing the effect of EDS-FLU on outcomes in patients with CRSwNP.

RESULTS

Of the initial 108 abstracts reviewed, 4 full-text articles were included. The 22-item sinonasal outcome test scores were significantly decreased in patients with CRSwNP after receiving EDS-FLU twice a day (93, 186, or 372 μg) for 16 weeks when compared with exhalation delivery system (EDS)-placebo (all P < .001). Patients with CRSwNP reported significant improvement of smell after receiving twice daily EDS-FLU twice a day (93, or 372 μg) for 4 weeks when compared with EDS-placebo (all P < .05). The proportions of patients achieving ≥1-point improvement in total polyp grade were significantly higher in EDS-FLU group and dose dependent, with the highest rates in the 372 μg group. The proportions of patients achieving polyp elimination were significantly higher in EDS-FLU group with the highest rates in the 372 μg group.

CONCLUSION

This is the first systematic review of the clinical outcomes in patients with CRSwNP treated with EDS-FLU. EDS-FLU produced significant improvements regarding the quality of life, smell, and endoscopic assessment of polyp grade.

Biodegradable Electrospun Nanofibers: A New Approach For Rhinosinusitis Treatment

Biodegradable polymeric nanofibers containing mometasone furoate can be a new approach to drug delivery to treat chronic rhinosinusitis, providing controlled steroid delivery to the sinonasal mucosa. This study aimed to develop biodegradable polymeric nanofibers and explore the safety of these fibers in an in vivo rabbit model. The nanofibers' development has been optimized using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) obtained with Design of Experiments (DoE) with the best conditions related to the polymer concentration and proportion of solvents used in the electrospinning process. The nanofibers were prepared, operating as a determinant factor, the nanofiber formation and its diameter evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The ideal system obtained was assessed by SEM, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), assay, and drug delivery by UHLPC validated method. The results showed that the drug is dispersed in the polymeric matrix, is stable, and showed sustained release kinetics in a bio-relevant nasal environment (Higuchi model kinetics). In vivo tests, the level of inflammation at the animals' mucosa which received the nanofiber with the mometasone furoate was lower than those that received the nanofibers without the drug (α = 0.05). Histopathology analysis showed that the polymeric nanofibers containing mometasone are safe when topically applied on the sinonasal mucosa, opening a new horizon in chronic rhinosinusitis treatment.

Polymer-free corticosteroid dimer implants for controlled and sustained drug delivery

Polymeric drug carriers are widely used for providing temporal and/or spatial control of drug delivery, with corticosteroids being one class of drugs that have benefitted from their use for the treatment of inflammatory-mediated conditions. However, these polymer-based systems often have limited drug-loading capacity, suboptimal release kinetics, and/or promote adverse inflammatory responses. This manuscript investigates and describes a strategy for achieving controlled delivery of corticosteroids, based on a discovery that low molecular weight corticosteroid dimers can be processed into drug delivery implant materials using a broad range of established fabrication methods, without the use of polymers or excipients. These implants undergo surface erosion, achieving tightly controlled and reproducible drug release kinetics in vitro. As an example, when used as ocular implants in rats, a dexamethasone dimer implant is shown to effectively inhibit inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide. In a rabbit model, dexamethasone dimer intravitreal implants demonstrate predictable pharmacokinetics and significantly extend drug release duration and efficacy (>6 months) compared to a leading commercial polymeric dexamethasone-releasing implant.

Adverse Events Associated With Corticosteroid-Eluting Sinus Stents: A MAUDE Database Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Corticosteroid-eluting stents (CESs) are increasingly used after endoscopic sinus surgery to reduce the need for revision surgery, but their use is not without risks. The objective of this study is to describe adverse events related to CESs.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

SETTING

The US Food and Drug Administration's MAUDE database (2011-2020; Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience).

METHODS

The MAUDE database was queried for reports of adverse events involving the use of CESs approved by the Food and Drug Administration, including Propel, Propel Mini, Propel Contour, and Sinuva (Intersect ENT).

RESULTS

There were 28 reported adverse events in total, with all events being related to the Propel family of stents and none related to Sinuva stents. Overall, 22 were categorized as patient-related adverse events and 6 as device-related events. The most common adverse event was related to postoperative infection, accounting for 39% (n = 11) of all complications. Four of these patients developed periorbital cellulitis, and 5 developed a fungal infection. The second-most common adverse event was migration of the stent, representing 21% of all complications (n = 6). Overall, 8 patients (29%) in our cohort required reintervention in the operating room, with subsequent removal of the CES.

CONCLUSION

The most commonly reported adverse events were postoperative infection, including multiple cases of fungal infection, followed by migration of the stent. An increased awareness of the complications associated with CESs can be used to better inform patients during the consenting process as well as surgeons in their surgical decision making.

Current Perspective on Nasal Delivery Systems for Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis is an upper respiratory disease during which topical drug treatment via the nasal cavity is the most actively utilized therapeutic strategy. In addition to steroids, antibiotics, and antifungal agents, which are widely used in clinical practice, research on novel topical agents to improve the bacterial biofilm or mucociliary clearance remains ongoing. Moreover, owing to the complex structure of the nasal cavity, the effects of nasal drug delivery vary depending on factors related to delivery fluid dynamics, including device, volume, and compounds. In this article, we review methods and compounds that have been applied to chronic rhinosinusitis management and introduce recent advances and future perspectives in nasal drug delivery for upper respiratory diseases.

An Up-to-Date Review on Bio-Resource Therapeutics Effective against Bacterial Species Frequently Associated with Chronic Sinusitis and Tonsillitis

Upper respiratory tract infections include inflammations of the nose, sinuses (sinusitis), pharynx (tonsillitis, pharyngitis) and larynx (laryngitis) with bacteria or viruses as the main cause of these conditions. Due to their repetitive nature, chronic respiratory infections represent a global problem which is often a result of improper treatment. If not treated adequately, these conditions may have serious consequences. On the other hand, mis - and overuse of antibiotics has reduced their efficiency and accelerated the development of resistant bacterial strains, which further complicates the treatment of infections. This literature review will focus on current knowledge regarding medicinal plants and mushrooms which have been traditionally used in the treatment of infections caused by chronic sinusitis and tonsillitis commonly linked to bacteria - Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. The present literature overview might be considered as a starting point for the development of novel, natural antimicrobial products with potential practical use in the treatment of chronic tonsillitis and sinusitis.

Adult chronic rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) occurs in >10% of the adult population in Europe and the USA and can be differentiated into CRS without nasal polyps and CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Both phenotypes are characterized by a high disease burden and an overlapping spectrum of symptoms, with facial pain and loss of smell being the most differentiating. Great progress has been made in the understanding of CRS pathophysiology: from the epithelium and epithelial-mesenchymal transition to innate and adaptive immunity pathways and, finally, on the role of eosinophils and Staphylococcus aureus in the persistence of disease. Although clinical manifestations and diagnostic tools (including nasal endoscopy and imaging) have undergone major changes over the past few years, management (including pharmacotherapy, surgery and biologics) has experienced enormous progress based on the growing knowledge of key mediators in severe CRSwNP. The introduction of endotyping has led to a differentiation of 'tailored' surgical approaches, focusing on the mucosal concept in those with severe CRSwNP and on the identification of patients eligible for extended surgery and possibly biologics in the future.

Guidance for contemporary use of biologics in management of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: discussion from a National Institutes of Health-sponsored workshop

BACKGROUND

Biologic medications are emerging as options for treating chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Several questions remain regarding patient selection, indications, clinical efficacy, and cost effectiveness.

METHODS

In November 2019, a group of physicians and scientists gathered to consider strategies for future studies regarding biologics. During the discussion, gaps in knowledge highlighted a need for a consensus on the present day use of biologics in polyp patients.

RESULTS

The goal of this guideline is to propose recommendations for the current use of biologics in CRSwNP as new evidence continues to emerge and inform practice.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that physicians evaluate patients on an individual basis and closely monitor for improvement due to the high cost and unknown long-term effects of biologics.

Antibiotic eluting sinus stents

OBJECTIVES

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a multifactorial disease affecting up to 16% of the United States population and disproportionately affecting the cystic fibrosis (CF) patient population. Despite treating the underlying infection, the use of systemic antibiotics has shown little efficacy in alleviation of symptom burden. This review seeks to discuss recent research on novel antibiotic eluting stent therapy in vitro and within animal models as well as the factors that contribute to its efficacy.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed literature review.

REVIEW METHODS

A review of all published literature related to antibiotic eluting sinus stents was conducted to integrate and summarize this innovative approach to chronic sinus infections.

RESULTS

Placement of the ciprofloxacin sinus stent (CSS) and ciprofloxacin-ivacaftor sinus stent (CISS) exhibited improvement in endoscopic and radiographic findings in rabbit CRS models. While the CSS showed an overall trend toward improvement in microscopic findings and a reduction in biofilm mass, there remained a significant quantity of planktonic bacteria due to antibiotic depletion from an initial burst release in the first 48 hours of stent placement. The CISS and ciprofloxacin-azithromycin sinus stents (CASSs) exhibited controlled antibiotic release over the study period leading to greatly reduced planktonic bacterial load and biofilm mass. In vitro studies indicate that CASS may be just as efficacious at reducing biofilm mass.

CONCLUSION

Antibiotic eluting sinus stents show significant promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for CRS. The CISS may have particular promise for the CF patient population by addressing both the infectious and genetic components of disease. Animal studies demonstrate significant promise for translation into human studies. Human clinical trials are warranted to determine the efficacy of antibiotic sinus stents in human patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA.

Challenges in topical therapy of chronic rhinosinusitis: The case of nasal drops application - A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common health issue associated with a significant life quality impairment. Intranasal glucocorticoid is the treatment of choice both as initial therapy as well as after surgery. In contrast to nasal spray, liquid glucocorticoids in form of nasal drops have the advantage of reaching the middle and upper meatus. The efficiency of the glucocorticoid nasal drops is nevertheless strictly dependent on the head position they are being applied in. Several head positions have been described in the literature but no clear recommendation towards the best suited position exist to date.

METHODS

A systematic review was completed using the PubMed database. Journal articles assessing the effect of head position on intranasal drop fluid distribution, clinical effectiveness, or factors affecting patient compliance were included.

RESULTS

In total 15 publications meeting the inclusion criteria have been found, out of which 9 cover the effect of head position as a primary outcome using quantitative measures.

CONCLUSIONS

The positions Lying Head Back, Lateral Head Low, and variations of those can be recommended equally at the moment. Evidence speaks against the use of the classic Head Back position because of poor clinical outcome, and against the position Head Down and Forward as initial therapeutic approach because of high discomfort. For the olfactory cleft, a new head position has been described (Kaiteki), although no comparisons to other positions exist to date.

Medical Management Strategies in Acute and Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis, historically, has been considered to be caused by upper airway anatomical abnormalities. However, today that concept has changed, for it is now recognized as an inflammatory disorder of the nasal and sinus mucosa. Acute rhinosinusitis is usually caused by a viral infection, whereas chronic rhinosinusitis is a persistent and heterogeneous inflammatory disorder with increased expression of type 1, 2, or 17 cytokines in the nasal and sinus mucosa, similar to that which occurs in asthma. Exacerbations are caused by aeroallergens in the allergic individual and irritants, pollutants, and viral/bacterial infections in all subjects. It may be categorized by phenotypes, examples of which include chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps or chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps. Defined endotypes are based on underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Knowledge of chronic rhinosinusitis endotypes will optimize management by employing targeted medical therapies. Understanding that rhinosinusitis is a heterogeneous inflammatory disease has led to the identification of a variety of different predisposing conditions, new medical treatment options, and the concept that rhinosinusitis is primarily a medical problem.