The negative impact of chronic rhinosinusitis on the health-related quality of life among adult patients with cystic fibrosis

ECFS standards of care on CFTR-related disorders: Identification and care of the disorders

This is the third paper in the series providing updated information and recommendations for people with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-related disorder (CFTR-RD). This paper covers the individual disorders, including the established conditions - congenital absence of the vas deferens (CAVD), diffuse bronchiectasis and chronic or acute recurrent pancreatitis - and also other conditions which might be considered a CFTR-RD, including allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, chronic rhinosinusitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and aquagenic wrinkling. The CFTR functional and genetic evidence in support of the condition being a CFTR-RD are discussed and guidance for reaching the diagnosis, including alternative conditions to consider and management recommendations, is provided. Gaps in our knowledge, particularly of the emerging conditions, and future areas of research, including the role of CFTR modulators, are highlighted.

[Chronic rhinosinusitis in people with cystic fibrosis-an up-to-date review from the perspective of otorhinolaryngology]

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex systemic disease involving numerous organ systems. With improved treatment options and increasing life expectancy of persons with CF (PwCF), extrapulmonary manifestations are coming increasingly into the focus. From birth, almost all PwCF have radiologically detectable pathologies in the upper airways attributable to CF-associated chronic rhinosinusitis (CF-CRS).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work is to provide an up-to-date overview of CF-CRS from the otorhinolaryngology perspective and to provide the reader with background knowledge and current developments.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene defect leads to increased viscosity of sinonasal secretions and reduced mucociliary clearance, causing chronic infection and inflammation in the upper airway segment and, consequently, to CF-CRS.

CLINICAL PICTURE AND DIAGNOSTICS

The clinical picture of CF-CRS comprises a wide spectrum from asymptomatic to symptomatic courses. CF-CRS is diagnosed clinically and radiologically.

THERAPY

Sinonasal saline irrigation is recommended as a conservative treatment measure. Topical corticosteroids are also commonly used. Surgical therapy is reserved for highly symptomatic treatment-refractory patients without a sufficient response to conservative treatment including CFTR modulator (CFTRm) therapies. Depending on the CFTR mutation, CFTRm therapies are the treatment of choice. They not only improve the pulmonary and gastrointestinal manifestations in PwCF, but also have positive effects on CF-CRS.

CONCLUSION

The ENT specialist is part of the interdisciplinary team caring for PwCF. Depending on symptom burden and treatment responsiveness, CF-CRS should be treated conservatively and/or surgically. Modern CFTRm have a positive effect on the clinical course of CF-CRS.