A Randomized Comparison of the Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability of Fluticasone Propionate Delivered via Xhance Exhalation Delivery System Versus Flonase Nasal Spray and Flovent HFA Inhalational Aerosol

Effectiveness of the exhalation delivery system with fluticasone for treating chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

We evaluated the effects of two doses (186 µg and 372 µg) of exhalation delivery system with fluticasone (EDS-FLU) on chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyp as a novel sinonasal delivery system.

METHODS

We analyzed 5 studies retrieved from PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases up to April 2024, focusing on subjective and objective scores, and adverse and beneficial effects (responder and complete responder rates, improvements in Patient Global Impression of Change [PGIC] scores, and surgical indication rates before and after EDS-FLU use.

RESULTS

Over 3 months, EDS-FLU significantly reduced polyp (mean difference [MD] - 1.1605; 95% confidence interval [CI] [- 1.3277; -0.9934], I2 = 61.4%) and 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (MD - 20.7561; 95% CI [- 22.3473; -19.1648], I2 = 0.0%) scores compared to baseline. At 1 month, nasal congestion, facial pain, olfactory dysfunction, and rhinorrhea significantly improved compared to baseline. EDS-FLU significantly reduced the surgical indication rate (odds ratio 0.2594; 95% CI [0.1910; 0.3522], I2 = 0.0%) and improved patient satisfaction, with 63.34% of patients reporting significant improvement in PGIC scores after 3 months. However, adverse effects, including epistaxis, headache, nasal congestion, and nasopharyngitis, were reported, with incidence rates ranging from 4.46 to 8.99%. There were no significant differences in beneficial or adverse effects between high and low fluticasone doses, but the high dose was associated with a higher percentage of complete responders.

CONCLUSION

Both doses of EDS-FLU significantly improved subjective and objective outcomes of CRS patients with nasal polyps. However, epistaxis and nasal septal erosive or ulcerative lesions were also considered.

Bioequivalence Study of 2 Formulations of Fluticasone Nasal Spray in Healthy Chinese Volunteers

This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic characteristics, safety, and bioequivalence of 2 formulations of fluticasone nasal spray in healthy Chinese subjects. A single-center, randomized, open-label, single-dose, 2-formulation, 2-sequence, 2-period crossover bioequivalence study was conducted under fasting conditions. A total of 120 healthy male and female subjects were enrolled, of which 119 subjects completed the entire study. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of the parent drug, fluticasone propionate (FP), in plasma were as follows: For the test formulation, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was 10.3 pg/mL, area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0-t) was 65.6 pg•h/mL, and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC0-∞) was 86.4 pg•h/mL. For the reference formulation: Cmax was 8.80 pg/mL, AUC0-t was 58.2 pg•h/mL, and AUC0-∞ was 75.2 pg•h/mL. The 90% confidence intervals of the geometric means for AUC0-t, AUC0-∞, and Cmax between the 2 formulations were 105%-120%, 103%-120%, and 112%-124%, respectively. The results show that the test and reference formulations were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. According to the criteria for bioequivalence, the FP nasal spray (test formulation) is bioequivalent to the reference formulation.

Efficacy of Clarithromycin Combined with Fluticasone Propionate on Nasal Function, Nasal Mucociliary Transport Function, and Serum Inflammatory Markers in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients After Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Objective: This study aims to assess the efficacy of clarithromycin (CAM) combined with fluticasone propionate (FP) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), focusing on nasal function, nasal mucociliary transport (MCT) function, and serum inflammatory markers. Methods: The control group (n = 48) was treated with FESS alone, while the study group (n = 48) was treated with FESS plus CAM combined with FP. The clinical effects, symptom scores, nasal function, nasal MCT function, serum inflammatory marker levels, and the occurrence of adverse reactions were compared. Results: The total efficacy rate of the study group (95.83%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (83.33%). After treatment, the study group showed lower symptom scores for nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and dizziness, and headache compared to those in the control group. The study group also had lower nasal airway resistance, shorter distance from the minimal cross-sectional area to the nostril, and lower T&T olfactory scores. In contrast, their nasal cavity volume and minimal cross-sectional area were higher than those of the control group. Additionally, the nasal mucociliary clearance and MCT rates were higher in the study group. Serum levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, and procalcitonin were significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group (all P < .05). Conclusion: The use of CAM combined with FP in patients after FESS for CRS is effective, leading to the relief of clinical symptoms, improvement of nasal function, enhancement of MCT function, and reduction of inflammatory response, without increasing the incidence of adverse reactions.

Delivering Therapy to the Olfactory Cleft: A Comparison of the Various Methods of Administering Topical Nasal Medications

Background and objective Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory condition affecting the nasal mucosa, and it causes olfactory dysfunction (OD) in up to 78.2% of patients. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment to shrink nasal polyposis, reduce inflammation, and improve olfactory function. While many delivery methods for topical nasal corticosteroids exist, there is scarce data on the efficacy of the various medication delivery methods to the olfactory cleft (OC). In light of this, this study aimed to compare the following delivery methods to the OC: conventional nasal spray (NS), nasal drops in the Kaiteki position (KP), and exhalation delivery system (EDS). Methods We evaluated 16 sinonasal cavities from eight cadaver specimens in this study. Each sinonasal cavity was administered fluorescein dye solution via NS, KP, and EDS. Following administration, nasal endoscopy was employed to capture staining patterns in the OC. OC staining was rated with scores ranging from 0 (no staining) to 3 (heavy staining) after each administration of dye solution. Mean OC staining ratings were calculated and compared using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results The mean OC staining score for the different delivery methods was as follows - NS: 1.095 ± 1.008, EDS: 0.670 ± 0.674, and KP: 2.038 ± 1.097. Nasal drops in the KP had a significantly higher staining score compared to NS (p=0.041) and EDS (p=0.003). However, there was no significant difference in staining scores between NS and EDS. Conclusions Nasal drops in the KP are more effective at reaching the OC than NS or EDS and should be considered as a first-line modality for administering topical medications when treating OD.

Evaluation of the ocular safety associated with the exhalation delivery system with fluticasone

Background: Intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) are the cornerstone of treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis. Although INCS are generally considered safe and effective, there is a concern that chronic use may lead to ocular adverse effects. Objective: To assess ocular safety of the exhalation delivery system with fluticasone propionate (EDS-FLU) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Methods: Ocular safety data were collected during two randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled studies with open-label extensions. Ophthalmologists performed tonometry, slit-lamp, and visual acuity examinations to assess intraocular pressure (IOP) and the presence of cataracts. Ocular examinations were conducted before double-blind treatment, at the end of the 16-week double-blind phase, and at the end of the 8-week open-label phase. The results of pooled data from patients who received EDS-FLU 186 µg (n = 160), EDS-FLU 372 µg (n = 161), and EDS-placebo (n = 161) twice daily are reported here. Results: At the end of the double-blind phase, six patients developed elevated average IOP > 21 mm Hg: two patients (1.2%) in the EDS-placebo group, three patients (1.9%) in the EDS-FLU 186 µg group, and one patient (0.6%) in the EDS-FLU 372 µg group. In addition, 6 of 482 patients developed cataracts: 3 patients in the EDS-placebo group, 2 patients in the EDS-FLU 186 µg group, and 1 patient in the EDS-FLU 372 µg group. At the end of the open-label phase, two additional patients showed IOP > 21 mm Hg and two additional patients developed cataracts. Conclusion: No increased risk of elevated IOP was detected with EDS-FLU; the rate of cataract development was similar to EDS-placebo and to that reported with other INCS.Clinical trials NCT01622569 and NCT01624662, <ext-link xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov">www.clinicaltrials.gov</ext-link>.

Acute and Chronic Sinusitis

Based on a review of the most current medical literature, this article outlines the basic concepts and classifications of rhinosinusitis, and delineates best practices for clinical diagnoses and the most up-to-date management strategies. Learning to recognize and differentiate these conditions helps facilitate appropriate and timely diagnoses as well as helping practitioners provide their patients with better counseling and care.

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.

Exhalation Delivery Systems for Application of Intranasal Corticosteroids

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common sinonasal disorder which results in significant inflammation in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Topical nasal steroids play an important role in the treatment of CRS. Exhalation delivery system with fluticasone (EDS-FLU) utilizes a patient's forced exhalation to power the delivery of topical steroids to deeper areas of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses most affected by CRS. This review focuses on evidence surrounding the safety and efficacy of the EDS-FLU system.

METHODS

Literature search was conducted of articles investigating the safety and efficacy of EDS-FLU. Relevant efficacy and safety data were examined and summarized from the studies.

RESULTS

The efficacy and safety of EDS-FLU in CRS, both with and without polyps, has been established in open-label and placebo-controlled phase 3 trials. There was significant improvement in the cardinal symptoms of CRS and subjective patient-reported outcomes scores. Additionally, there was objective improvement in sinonasal inflammation as measured by polyp grade. Recent studies have also established significant improvement in health status and general quality of life following treatment using EDS-FLU. Emerging data have also examined patients who have previously had endoscopic sinus surgery and on appropriate medical therapy and noted improvement in polyp burden and overall Lund-Kennedy scores after using EDS-FLU.

CONCLUSION

Exhalation delivery system with fluticasone demonstrates significant results in both patient-oriented outcomes and objective measures of sinonasal inflammation in patients with CRS with and without polyps. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term outcomes of EDS-FLU and to compare the effects of EDS-FLU with ESS. Exhalation delivery system with fluticasone provides an additional effective treatment modality for patients suffering from CRS.