One-year low-dose erythromycin treatment of persistent chronic sinusitis after sinus surgery: clinical outcome and effects on mucociliary parameters and nasal nitric oxide

Efficacy and Safety of Long-Term Low-Dose Clarithromycin in Patients With Refractory Chronic Sinusitis After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Prospective Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To observe the efficacy and safety of postoperative long-term low-dose oral administration of clarithromycin in patients with refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (RCRS), to explore the characteristics of postoperative microbiota in the nasal cavity in patients with RCRS, and to compare the differences and changes in microbiota in the nasal cavity before and after medication.

METHODS

This was a prospective, self-controlled study. Eighteen patients with RCRS who had persistent symptoms after endoscopic sinus surgery and standard therapy with normal immunoglobulin E and eosinophil level were included. Low dose (250 mg, once daily) clarithromycin was orally administrated for 12 weeks. Symptom severity and endoscopic findings were evaluated before, after 4 weeks, and 12 weeks of treatment, and nasal cavity microbiota was analyzed simultaneously.

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients with RCRS were enrolled and 17 patients completed the study. Four weeks after oral administration of clarithromycin, significant improvement was observed in subjective symptoms including nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, postnasal drip, and general discomfort, as well as endoscopic findings including general surgical cavity condition, rhinedema, and rhinorrhea (P < .05). After continuous treatment to the 12th week, symptoms showed significant improvement compared with baseline, and endoscopic score showed significant improvement compared with both baseline and 4 weeks after treatment. Analysis of middle nasal meatus flora revealed a significant decrease of Streptococcus pneumoniae after 12 weeks of clarithromycin treatment (P < .05), while the richness, composition, and diversity were similar before and after treatment. Patients enrolled experienced no adverse drug reaction or allergic reaction, nor clinical significant liver function impairment observed.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative low-dose long-term oral administration of clarithromycin in patients with RCRS can improve the clinical symptoms and facilitate the mucosal epithelialization, with good tolerance and safety. The efficacy of clarithromycin in patients with RCRS may be related to its regulatory effect on nasal cavity microbiota.

The Mechanism of Action and Clinical Efficacy of Low-Dose Long-Term Macrolide Therapy in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Various chronic inflammatory airway diseases can be treated with low-dose, long-term (LDLT) macrolide therapy. LDLT macrolides can be one of the therapeutic options for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) due to their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory actions. Currently, various immunomodulatory mechanisms of the LDLT macrolide treatment have been reported, as well as their antimicrobial properties. Several mechanisms have already been identified in CRS, including reduced cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β, inhibition of neutrophil recruitment, decreased mucus secretion, and increased mucociliary transport. Although some evidence of effectiveness for CRS has been published, the efficacy of this therapy has been inconsistent across clinical studies. LDLT macrolides are generally believed to act on the non-type 2 inflammatory endotype of CRS. However, the effectiveness of LDLT macrolide treatment in CRS is still controversial. Here, we reviewed the immunological mechanisms related to CRS in LDLT macrolide therapy and the treatment effects according to the clinical situation of CRS.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Macrolides Considering Evidence from Human and Veterinary Medicine

Macrolide antimicrobial agents have been in clinical use for more than 60 years in both human and veterinary medicine. The discovery of the non-antimicrobial properties of macrolides and the effect of immunomodulation of the inflammatory response has benefited patients with chronic airway diseases and impacted morbidity and mortality. This review examines the evidence of antimicrobial and non-antimicrobial properties of macrolides in human and veterinary medicine with a focus toward veterinary macrolides but including important and relevant evidence from the human literature. The complete story for these complex and important molecules is continuing to be written.

Introducing a Novel Combination Therapy with Macrolides for the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Macrolides have shown beneficial effects in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This study aimed to compare the effect of azithromycin and clarithromycin in combination with conventional therapies for the treatment of CRS.

METHODS

This single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted during 2018-2019 at the Otorhinolaryngology Clinic of Shahid Mohammadi Hospital, Bandar Abbas, Iran. Out of 102 selected patients, 90 were included in the analysis. Patients were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two equal groups. In addition to conventional therapies (nasal irrigation, betamethasone injection, oxymetazoline and fluticasone spray, guaifenesin syrup, and steam inhalation), the patients in the clarithromycin group received clarithromycin 500 mg tablets twice daily for four weeks. The other group received azithromycin 500 mg tablets daily for four weeks. Patients' symptoms were evaluated pre- and post-intervention, and the Lund-Mackay (LM) scoring system was used for the staging of CRS based on computed tomography scan findings. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Patients in both groups were comparable in terms of age and sex. Complete resolution of symptoms was significantly higher in the azithromycin group than the clarithromycin group (71.1% vs. 24.4%, P<0.001). Baseline LM scores did not differ significantly between the groups (P=0.120). However, post-intervention, LM scores reduced considerably in both groups, but the change was significantly higher in the azithromycin group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

In combination with conventional therapies for CRS in adults, a four-week course of treatment with azithromycin is more effective than clarithromycin.Trial Registration Number: IRCT20201209049661N1.

Azithromycin in high-risk, refractory chronic rhinosinusitus after endoscopic sinus surgery and corticosteroid irrigations: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains a significant burden for patients, often leaving them with few therapeutic options that provide low-morbidity, long-term, and meaningful symptomatologic and endoscopic disease improvement. Macrolides have long been thought to offer both an immunomodulatory and antimicrobial effect. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose, long-term azithromycin in a carefully selected high-risk population failing appropriate medical therapy of budesonide nasal irrigations (BNIs) and endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

METHODS

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was completed in a single tertiary-care center assessing the addition of 250 mg azithromycin, 3 times per week for 16 weeks, in adults failing ESS and high-volume BNIs. Associated comorbidities, as well as symptomatologic, microbiologic, and serologic values, were systematically collected.

RESULTS

A total of 128 patients were enrolled and underwent ESS followed by BNI. At the 4-month post-ESS visit, 48 patients showed disease persistence and were randomized to azithromycin or placebo. Overall, azithromycin, when compared with placebo, did not show a statistically significant difference in disease clearance (54% vs 33%, respectively; p = 0.146), although patients with disease clearance who were on azithromycin showed significantly better 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test score improvements than patients on placebo (18 vs -0.9, respectively; p = 0.046). In a subgroup analysis excluding aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) patients, azithromycin significantly improved disease clearance when compared with placebo (71% vs 35%, respectively; p = 0.031), with a number needed to treat of 3 (2.8).

CONCLUSION

Low-dose azithromycin is a therapeutic option with few side effects. Its use can show favorable clinical outcomes in this difficult-to-treat population, especially if patients are AERD-negative.

The Role of Macrolides and Doxycycline in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Antibiotic therapy has become an important adjunct in the management of recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) because of some antibiotics' immunomodulatory properties even at subtherapeutic antimicrobial levels. Macrolide antibiotics, such as clarithromycin and azithromycin, decrease production of proinflammatory cytokines, impair neutrophil recruitment, inhibit bacterial biofilm formation, and improve mucus quality. Doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, inhibits the activity of matrix metalloproteinases in CRS with nasal polyposis. This article reviews the clinical applications for macrolide and doxycycline use in CRS, considerations for dosing and duration of treatment, and important side effects and drug interactions associated with these medications.

Prospective evaluation of clarithromycin in recurrent chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Introduction

The antiinflammatory effects of macrolides, especially clarithromycin, have been described in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps and also other chronic inflammatory airway diseases. There is no consensus in the literature regarding the effectiveness of clarithromycin in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with sinonasal polyposis and the national literature does not report any prospective studies on the efficacy of clarithromycin in chronic rhinosinusitis in our population.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of clarithromycin in the adjunctive treatment of recurrent chronic rhinosinusitis with sinonasal polyposis refractory to clinical and surgical treatment.

Methods

Open prospective study with 52 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and recurrent sinonasal polyposis. All subjects received nasal lavage with 20 mL 0.9% SS and fluticasone nasal spray, 200 mcg / day, 12/12 h for 12 weeks; and clarithromycin 250 mg 8/8 h for 2 weeks and, thereafter, 12/12 h for 10 weeks. The patients were assessed by SNOT 20, NOSE and Lund-Kennedy scales before, immediately after treatment and 12 weeks after treatment. The patients were also evaluated before treatment with paranasal cavity computed tomography (Lund-Mackay) and serum IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE and eosinophil levels. The outcomes evaluated were: SNOT-20, NOSE and Lund-Kennedy.

Results

Most patients were women, aged 47 (15) years (median / interquartile range), and 61.5% (32/52) had asthma. All patients completed the follow-up after 12 weeks and 42.3% (22/52) after 24 weeks. Treatment resulted in a quantitative decrease in the SNOT-20 [2.3 (1.6) vs. 1.4 (1.6); Δ = −0.9 (1.1); p < 0.01]; NOSE [65 (64) vs. 20 (63); Δ = −28 (38), p < 0.01] and Lund-Kennedy [11 (05) vs. 07 (05); Δ = −2 (05); p < 0.01] scores. SNOT-20 showed a qualitative improvement (>0.8) in 54% (28/52, p < 0.04) of patients, a group that showed lower IgE level [108 (147) vs. 289 (355), p < 0.01]. The group of patients who completed follow-up 12 weeks after the end of treatment (n = 22) showed no worsening of outcomes.

Conclusion

Long-term adjuvant use of low-dose clarithromycin for chronic rhinosinusitis patients with recurrent sinonasal polyposis refractory to clinical and surgical treatment has resulted in improved quality of life and nasal endoscopy findings, especially in patients with normal IgE levels. This improvement persisted in the patient group evaluated 12 weeks after the end of the treatment.

Macrolide antibiotics in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis: evidence from a meta-analysis

Background

The purpose of this study was to systematically assess the subjective and objective outcomes of macrolide therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for clinical trials detailing the effects of macrolide therapy in patients with CRS and published up to December 2017. Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT), endoscopic scores and computed tomography scans (CT) scores were assessed by mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the source of heterogeneity according to study design and geographic locations. I² metric was used to assess the heterogeneity.

Results

Seven randomised clinical trials (RCTs) and four cohort trials meeting pre-determined selection criteria were enrolled in this meta-analysis. Assessment of the findings for SNOT after 12 weeks' macrolide treatment demonstrated a significant improvement in subgroup of trials in Asian patients (SMD =-0.51; 95% CI: -0.96, -0.02; P=0.04), but not in non-Asians (SMD =-0.01; 95% CI: -0.65, 0.63; P=0.98). At 12 or 24 weeks' visit no significant difference in SNOT was noted compared with control group, either in RCTs or cohort trials subgroups. However, findings for endoscopic scores were found to be significantly improved compared to placebo in the subgroup of non-RCT studies after 8 weeks (SMD =-0.77; 95% CI: -1.07, -0.46; P<0.00001) and 12 weeks (SMD=-1.40; 95% CI: -1.97, -0.82; P<0.00001) of macrolide therapy. Similarly, findings for CT scores showed significant improvements in CT scores compared to baseline after 12 weeks' treatment (MD=-5.81; 95% CI: -8.10, -3.52; P<0.00001) in cohort trials.

Conclusions

Macrolide therapy can significantly improve endoscopic and CT scores in CRS patients, compared to baseline. Further well-designed studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of macrolides in CRS treatment.

The development of diffuse panbronchiolitis during the treatment with long-term, low-dose clarithromycin for chronic sinusitis

Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) is a progressive inflammatory airway disease characterized by a chronic cough, copious sputum expectation, dyspnea, and chronic sinusitis. Owing to the long-term treatment of low-dose macrolides, the prognosis has been remarkably improved. However, in some cases, patients are refractory to macrolides, and the subsequent treatment strategies are controversial. We herein present a patient with the onset of DPB during treatment with long-term, low-dose clarithromycin (CAM) for chronic sinusitis who was successfully treated by switching to long-term treatment with normal-dose CAM. We should recognize that DPB may develop in patients with chronic sinusitis despite treatment with a long-term, low-dose macrolide. We also propose that increasing the dose of macrolide may be a useful strategy for treating refractory patients.

Functional outcome after long-term low-dose trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in chronic rhinosinusitis with purulence: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole has been suggested as a treatment option for chronic rhinosinusitis with purulence. This study aimed to assess the functional and endoscopic outcomes after a three-month course of low-dose trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed, comprising patients referred to a tertiary care medical centre with a diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis with purulence. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was prescribed at 960 mg/day for three months. Sinonasal complaints and endoscopic findings were documented, and bacteriological data were compared.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were included. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacterium cultured (86 per cent). Improvement in nasal function, as measured by the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test, was highly significant at three months (p < 0.0005). This improvement slightly decreased but remained significant at 6, 9 and 12 months. No side effects were noted. Endoscopic scores revealed similar and concordant improvements.

CONCLUSION

Long-term low-dose trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole therapy seems to be a safe option for selected patients. Additional randomised multicentre studies remain necessary.

The Immunomodulatory Effects of Macrolides-A Systematic Review of the Underlying Mechanisms

Background

The mechanisms underlying the non-antimicrobial immunomodulatory properties of macrolides are not well understood.

Objectives

To systematically review the evidence for the immunomodulatory properties of macrolides in humans and to describe the underlying mechanism and extent of their influence on the innate and adaptive immune system.

Methods

A systematic literature search was done in MEDLINE using the OVID interface from 1946 to December 2016 according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA). Original articles investigating the influence of four macrolides (azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, and roxithromycin) on immunological markers in humans were included.

Results

We identified 22 randomized, controlled trials, 16 prospective cohort studies, and 8 case–control studies investigating 47 different immunological markers (186 measurements) in 1,834 participants. The most frequently reported outcomes were a decrease in the number of neutrophils, and the concentrations of neutrophil elastase, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, eosinophilic cationic protein, and matrix metalloproteinase 9. Inhibition of neutrophil function was reported more frequently than eosinophil function. A decrease in T helper (Th) 2 cells cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6) was reported more frequently than a decrease in Th1 cytokines (IL-2, INF-gamma).

Conclusion

Macrolides influence a broad range of immunological mechanisms resulting in immunomodulatory effects. To optimize the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases by macrolides, further studies are necessary, particularly comparing different macrolides and dose effect relationships.

The Role of Macrolides in Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRSsNP and CRSwNP)

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We assess the literature on the pharmacokinetics, indications, important considerations, and effectiveness of long-term, low-dose macrolide antibiotics in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

RECENT FINDINGS

The key to effective implementation of macrolide therapy in CRS is appropriate patient selection. Macrolides have demonstrated the most benefit in Th1-mediated non-eosinophilic CRS when used for durations of at least 3 months. Macrolide antibiotics have demonstrated great benefit when used for their anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory properties, which include the blockage of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). They have been used in CRS patients not responding to traditional corticosteroid-based treatment regimens, but appear to be most effective specifically in Th1-mediated non-eosinophilic CRS in long durations and low doses. Further research is needed to better identify characteristics known to correlate with macrolide response so early directed therapy can be implemented.

Clarithromycin in the Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Preliminary Results of a Possible Its New Use

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prolonged therapy with low-dose clarithromycin in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps (CRSwP) after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). A total of 10 patients with CRSwP were identified and subjected to bilateral ESS. In post-operative patients they were treated with nasal wash with saline solution and steroid sprays (beclomethasone). During follow-up, after 30-40 days after the operation (M = 35.4 SD = +4.33), patients reported a worsening of symptoms with onset of nasal obstruction; reduction/loss of smell; headache; onset of viscous secretions and therefore all patients continued therapy with saline nasal irrigation, topical steroid therapy and started macrolide (clarithromycin 500 mg/pill: 1 pill/day for 3 days a week for 1 month). 22-item SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and a score to the endoscopic evaluation (endoscopic appearance score, EAS) before and after treatment were performed to evaluate efficacy of treatment. The results of the SNOT-22 and EAS showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) for some parameters such as: the need to blow nose, sneezing, hyposmia, viscous mucous secretions about the SNOT-22 and reduction of secretions and edema of the nasal mucosa about the EAS. The preliminary results of our study show that the low-dose clarithromycin for a period of 1 month can improve patient complaints with CRSwP not only through the antibacterial properties but also for the immunomodulatory characteristics.

Nasal nitric oxide in relation to quality-of-life improvements after endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND

The level of nasal nitric oxide (nNO) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has been proven to increase after surgical treatment. The relationship between nNO and treatment outcome has not been documented to date.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the levels of and changes in nNO after sinus surgery and its effects on quality-of-life improvements for patients with CRS after surgical treatment.

METHODS

By using a clinical cohort study design, we identified patients who were receiving bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) with a 1-year follow-up. We assessed the demographics, preoperative prognostic predictors, pre- and postoperative nNO levels, and disease-related quality of life via a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients were enrolled, including 53 with CRSwNP and 16 with CRSsNP. The CRSwNP group had lower initial nNO levels and higher endoscopic and image scores but similar demographics and questionnaire scores. In the patients with CRSwNP, nNO levels recovered and reached a plateau at the third month after surgery. However, nNO levels in the CRSsNP group continued to increase until 6 months after surgery before reaching a steady level. Higher preoperative nNO levels were significantly related to better quality-of-life improvements at 3 months after surgery in both groups.

CONCLUSION

The nNO levels in patients with CRS increased and reached a plateau after sinus surgery for both groups. Under similar subjective disease severity, the CRSsNP group had higher preoperative nNO levels and maintained a continuously longer rise before reaching a steady level after surgery. For both CRS groups, a higher initial nNO level brought better quality-of-life improvements and could be provided as a preoperative prognostic indicator.

Effects of Preoperative Clarithromycin Administration in Patients with Nasal Polyposis

OBJECTIVE

In recent years, various investigators have shown considerable interest in the use of macrolide antibiotics for treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of preoperative long-term, low-dose clarithromycin administration in patients with nasal polyposis.

METHODS

Eighty nasal polyp patients (42 non-atopic and 38 atopic) were included in this prospective, non-placebo controlled investigation and randomized equally to either the combined clarithromycin-surgical or surgical group. Forty patients received 500 mg of clarithromycin daily for eight weeks, and, after evaluation, they were treated by functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The other 40 patients were treated only surgically. The nasal symptom scores and endoscopic scores after macrolide treatment/surgical treatment, and after six and 12 months of follow-up were evaluated.

RESULTS

After clarithromycin therapy, we found improvement in symptom scores in 25/40, and improvement in endoscopic scores in 19/40 patients. We found no significant difference in nasal symptom score between allergic and non-allergic patients regarding the outcome to macrolide (p = 0.352) or surgical treatment (p = 0.396). When we compared differences between endoscopic scores at the time points of 12 months and six months postoperatively (ESt12 minus ESt6), we found statistically lower differences in the clarithromycin-surgery group than in the surgery group (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative clarithromycin administration postponed nasal polyp relapse after FESS. Allergies have no influence on the clinical efficacy of clarithromycin therapy and on the efficacy of FESS.

Efficacy and safety of long-term antibiotics (macrolides) for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis

Long-term treatment of airway inflammation/infection with macrolide antibiotics has now been in use for almost 30 years. Whereas the beneficial clinical effect in cystic fibrosis and COPD have been backed up by randomized controlled trials, the evidence from the upper airways is not as strong. We have identified 22 open studies in chronic rhinosinusitis, with and without polyps, but only 2 randomized controlled trials. Of the controlled trials, the one including CRS patients just without polyps, showed a significant effect in sino-nasal outcome test, saccharine transit time, nasal endoscopy, and IL-8 levels in lavage fluid after 12 weeks of roxithromycin, whereas, in the other RCT with a mixed study group of CRS patients with and without polyps, 12 weeks of azithromycin showed no effect compared to placebo. Concerns regarding the risk of macrolides to induce arrhythmia have been raised. Recent FDA guidelines changes has recommended caution in patients with risk factors such as long QT syndrome, bradycardia, hypokalemia, or hypomagnesemia. Ototoxicity is another concern. Long-term macrolide antibiotics in the treatment of CRS patients is still a viable option in a select group of patients.

Azithromycin add-on therapy in high-risk postendoscopic sinus surgery patients failing corticosteroid irrigations: A clinical practice audit

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has a high potential for recurrence after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), despite a postoperative therapy of topical corticosteroid irrigations. Azithromycin (AZI) is a macrolide antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties that may be of benefit in such steroid-unresponsive patients. Follow-up study was performed to (1) review the effectiveness of the management strategy of adding AZI in high-risk post-ESS patients failing standard management and (2) identify predictive factors for steroid nonresponsiveness.

METHODS

A retrospective audit of the postoperative evolution of all patients undergoing ESS for CRS in 2010 by a single surgeon was undertaken. Patients deemed at high risk of recurrence based on preoperative history and/or perioperative findings received nasal irrigation with 0.5 mg of budesonide (BUD) in 240 mL of saline twice daily after ESS. Patients showing signs of endoscopic recurrence at 4 months, despite BUD, had AZI at 250 mg three times a week added to their treatment regimen.

RESULTS

A total of 57 high-risk patients underwent ESS during this period. At 4 months, 63.2% (36/57) had a favorable outcome solely with BUD. Twelve of the 21 nonresponders received AZI, with an additional 66.7% (8/12) subsequently showing a favorable response. Failure of BUD was associated with female gender (p = 0.048), having elevated alpha-1-antitrypsin levels (p = 0.037) and lower recovery rates of Staphylococcus aureus (p = 0.063). Although the AZI subgroup was too small for statistical analysis, female gender was more frequently associated with failure of both BUD and AZI, while IgE was not useful.

CONCLUSION

A significant subgroup of high-risk patients showing disease recurrence after ESS despite topical corticosteroid therapy may respond to the addition of AZI as part of their therapy. These findings suggest that topical steroid-unresponsive CRS may represent a distinct entity and that alternate anti-inflammatory agents may be required for optimal management.

Antibiotics for treatment and prevention of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Acute exacerbations (AE) can be recurrent problems for patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increasing morbidity and mortality. Evidence suggests that ≥50% of acute exacerbations involve bacteria requiring treatment with an antibiotic which should have high activity against the causative pathogens. However, sputum analysis is not a pre-requisite for antibiotic prescription in outpatients as results are delayed and patients are likely to be colonised with bacteria in the stable state. Clinicians rely on the clinical symptoms, sputum appearance and the patient's medical history to decide if an AE-COPD should be treated with antibiotics. This article reviews the available data of antibiotic trials in AE-COPD. Management of frequent exacerbators is particularly challenging for physicians. This may include antibiotic prophylaxis, especially macrolides because of anti-inflammatory properties; though successful in reducing exacerbations, concerns about resistance development remain. Inhalation of antibiotics achieves high local concentrations and minimal systemic exposure; therefore, it may represent an attractive alternative for antibiotic prophylaxis in certain COPD patients. Inhaled antibiotic prophylaxis has been successfully used in other respiratory conditions such as non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis which itself might be present in COPD patients who have chronic bacterial infection, particularly with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Optimal duration of macrolide treatment for chronic sinusitis after endoscopic sinus surgery

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to determine the appropriate duration of postoperative macrolide therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis to obtain a favourable outcome with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

METHODS

The effectiveness of postoperative macrolide treatment was examined in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who underwent ESS, by comparing 3-month (44 patients) and 6-month administration (66 patients) of clarithromycin (CAM) (200mg/day). Evaluation was made based on subjective symptoms and endoscopic findings at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Seventeen (3-month CAM group) and 22 (6-month CAM group) subjects were able to be followed up to 12 months after surgery. No difference in effectiveness was observed between the groups until 6 months after surgery, but the 6-month treatment group showed significantly higher disappearance rates and significantly lower visual analogue scale (VAS) scores in the subjective symptoms of rhinorrhea and postnasal drip at 12 months after surgery. The positive finding rate of postnasal drip by endoscopic examination was also significantly lower in the 6-month treatment group at 12 months after surgery. These changes over time indicated gradual deterioration after discontinuation of CAM treatment in the 3-month treatment group, whereas a small improvement was observed after discontinuation in the 6-month treatment group.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that chronic sinusitis patients with rhinorrhea or postnasal drip should be treated with macrolides for 6 months after surgery in order to improve the long-term outcome of endoscopic sinus surgery.

Effect of long-term, low-dose clarithromycin on T helper 2 cytokines, eosinophilic cationic protein and the 'regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted' chemokine in the nasal secretions of patients with nasal polyposis

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the effects of macrolides on the cytokines and chemokines that modulate the function of eosinophils in nasal polyposis.

METHODS

Twenty-two non-allergic and 18 allergic patients with nasal polyps were administered clarithromycin 500 mg/day (single oral dose) for eight weeks. We measured the nasal secretion levels of the T helper 2 (also known as Th2) cytokines interleukin 4, 5 and 6, the 'regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted' (also known as RANTES) chemokine, and the eosinophilic cationic protein, before and after treatment.

RESULTS

After clarithromycin treatment, we found reduced levels of the 'regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted' chemokine in samples from both non-allergic and allergic patients (p < 0.05). Clarithromycin treatment decreased the levels of eosinophilic cationic protein only in non-allergic patients (p < 0.05), and decreased the level of interleukin 6 only in allergic patients (p < 0.05). Decreased levels of the 'regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted' chemokine were associated with a reduction in polyp size both in non-allergic and allergic patients.

CONCLUSION

Clarithromycin has a strong anti-inflammatory effect in nasal polyposis, but has different immunomodulatory effects in allergic and non-allergic nasal polyposis patients.

Antimicrobials and chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyposis in adults: an evidenced-based review with recommendations

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by inflammation of the mucosa of the nose and paranasal sinuses. The role of bacterial or fungal infection in CRS is unclear, yet antimicrobials are commonly prescribed for this condition. Published guidelines offer little direction regarding antibiotic strategies for CRS. The purpose of this article is to provide an evidence-based approach to the use of antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics in the management of CRS.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed following recommendations of the Clinical Practice Guideline Manual, Conference on Guideline Standardization (COGS), and the Appraisal of Guidelines and Research Evaluation (AGREE). Inclusion criteria were: age ≥18 years old, chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyps, antibiotic treatment as the experimental group, and clearly defined primary clinical endpoint. Studies involving patients with cystic fibrosis or acute invasive fungal sinusitis were excluded.

RESULTS

The review identified and evaluated the literature on 8 classes of antimicrobials for CRS: oral antibacterial antibiotics ≤3 weeks, oral antibacterial antibiotics >3 weeks, macrolide antibiotics, intravenous antibacterial antibiotics, topical antibacterial antibiotics, oral antifungals, intravenous antifungals, and topical antifungals.

CONCLUSION

Based on the available evidence, oral antibacterial antibiotics and prolonged macrolide antibiotics are considered therapeutic options in the treatment of CRS while the use of topical antibacterial antibiotics, intravenous antibacterial antibiotics and oral, topical, or intravenous antifungals would be recommended against. These evidence-based recommendations should not necessarily be applied to all patients with CRS and are not intended to supersede clinical judgment based on individual patient circumstances.

Macrolide therapy in respiratory viral infections

BACKGROUND

Macrolides have received considerable attention for their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions beyond the antibacterial effect. These two properties may ensure some efficacy in a wide spectrum of respiratory viral infections. We aimed to summarize the properties of macrolides and their efficacy in a range of respiratory viral infection.

METHODS

A search of electronic journal articles through PubMed was performed using combinations of the following keywords including macrolides and respiratory viral infection.

RESULTS

Both in vitro and in vivo studies have provided evidence of their efficacy in respiratory viral infections including rhinovirus (RV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza virus. Much data showed that macrolides reduced viral titers of RV ICAM-1, which is the receptor for RV, and RV infection-induced cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. Macrolides also reduced the release of proinflammatory cytokines which were induced by RSV infection, viral titers, RNA of RSV replication, and the susceptibility to RSV infection partly through the reduced expression of activated RhoA which is an RSV receptor. Similar effects of macrolides on the influenza virus infection and augmentation of the IL-12 by macrolides which is essential in reducing virus yield were revealed.

CONCLUSION

This paper provides an overview on the properties of macrolides and their efficacy in various respiratory diseases.

Prevalence of Biofilms and Their Response to Medical Treatment in Chronic Rhinosinusitis without Polyps

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of biofilms and the effects of medical treatment modalities in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients without nasal polyps.

Study Design. Randomized controlled trial.

Settings. Tertiary referral hospital.

Subjects and Methods. The authors randomly divided 32 adult patients with CRS without nasal polyps into 2 groups. In the first group (n = 16), oral clarithromycin was administered 500 mg/bid for 2 weeks and then 250 mg/d for the following 6 weeks. In the second group (n = 16), an 8-week course of 200-mcg/d topical mometasone furoate was added to the clarithromycin regimen, identical to the first group. The pre- and posttreatment nasal tissue samples were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy for biofilm prevalence and graded from 0 to 3 according to density and extension.

Results. Biofilms were detected in 24 of 32 patients (75%) before the treatment (grades 1-3). Biofilms were detected in 14 of 32 patients (43.8%) after the treatment (grades 1-2). When each group was evaluated independently, there was a significant improvement after the treatment in both groups I and II. When the biofilm grades of group I were compared to those of group II, there was no significant difference both in the pre- and posttreatment evaluation.

Conclusion. The prevalence of biofilms in CRS without polyps was 75% in our study. Regression of biofilms to 43% was observed under medical treatment. Adding nasal steroids to macrolides gave no further benefit.

Lack of efficacy of long-term, low-dose azithromycin in chronic rhinosinusitis: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In persistent chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), conventional treatment is often insufficient. Long-term, low-dose administration of macrolides has been suggested as a treatment option. The MACS (Macrolides in chronic rhinosinusitis) study is a randomized placebo-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of azithromycin (AZM) in CRS.

METHODS

We describe a group of patients with recalcitrant CRS with and without nasal polyps unresponsive to optimal medical and (in 92% also) surgical treatment. Patients were treated with AZM or placebo. AZM was given for 3 days at 500 mg during the first week, followed by 500 mg per week for the next 11 weeks. Patients were monitored until 3 months post-therapy. The assessments included Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22), a Patient Response Rating Scale, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36), rigid nasal endoscopy, peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), Sniffin' Sticks smell tests and endoscopically guided middle meatus cultures.

RESULTS

Sixty patients with a median age of 49 years were included. Fifty per cent had asthma and 58% had undergone revision sinus surgery. In the SNOT-22, Patient Response Rating Scale, VAS scores and SF-36, no significant difference between the AZM and the placebo groups was demonstrated. Nasal endoscopic findings, PNIF results, smell tests and microbiology showed no relevant significant differences between the groups either.

CONCLUSION

At the investigated dose of AZM over 3 months, no significant benefit was found over placebo. Possible reasons could be disease severity in the investigated group, under-dosage of AZM and under-powering of the study. Therefore, more research is urgently required.

Comparison of two minimally invasive techniques for treating chronic rhinosinusitis in the pediatric population

OBJECTIVE

To compare two minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis in young children.

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common diagnosis in young children. Maxillary sinus aspiration & irrigation with adenoidectomy (MSI) followed by an extended course of oral antibiotics has been shown to be an alternative to functional endoscopic sinus surgery. However, since MSI is not performed under direct visualization, it has inherent risk. This study analyzes the techniques of MSI and endoscopically guided middle meatus cultures & antral biopsy with adenoidectomy (EGC) in the (1) diagnosis of bacterial infection by culture, (2) time to resolution using double antibiotic therapy, and (3) associated morbidity of the two procedures.

METHODS

The medical records at Wayne State University, Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery were reviewed from 2004 to 2010. All children who presented with CRS who underwent MSI or EGC were included in this retrospective case series.

RESULTS

Patients presented with a history of cough, nasal discharge, and congestion. The mean age was 3.7 years. Symptom duration prior to treatment was 7.4 months in the 64 patients who underwent MSI and 9.1 months in the 46 patients who underwent EGC. MSI identified bacteria in 80% of patients compared to 73% in EGC patients (p=0.45). The MSI group underwent antibiotic treatment for 8.7 weeks and achieved symptom resolution in 8.7 weeks compared to 6.9 weeks and 4.9 weeks respectively in the EGC group (p=0.08 and 0.01). However, if patients presented with snoring or cough, time to resolution of symptoms was significantly lower in patients undergoing EGC versus MSI (p=0.02 and p=0.01, respectively). One patient who underwent MSI experienced epistaxis requiring nasal packing, and two patients had pseudoproptosis following irrigation that resolved spontaneously shortly thereafter. No complications were reported in the EGC group.

CONCLUSION

EGC is an effective treatment for young children with CRS. EGC and MSI are equally effective in obtaining diagnostic cultures. EGC decreases time to symptom resolution, and it lowers the risk of complication when compared to MSI.

Nasal nitric oxide and sinonasal disease: a systematic review of published evidence

OBJECTIVE

To critically and systematically review the data available on the sinonasal application of nasal nitric oxide measurement, particularly its use as a diagnostic, prognostic, or treatment effect indicator.

DATA SOURCES

EMBASE 1980 to February 10, 2010; Medline 1950 to February 10, 2010; Cochrane Collaboration database; NHS Evidence Health Information Resources database. Review Methods. The databases were searched using a search strategy designed to include manuscripts relevant both to nitric oxide measurement and sinus or nasal problems. A title search was carried out on these manuscripts to select those relevant to clinical or basic science aspects of nitric oxide measurement. A subsequent abstract search selected those manuscripts concerning the application of nitric oxide measurement to sinonasal problems. The manuscripts selected were subject to a full-text review to extract data sets of nasal nitric oxide readings for different patient groups.

RESULTS

Initially, 1088 manuscripts were selected. A title search found 335 manuscripts of basic scientific or clinical interest. An abstract search found 35 manuscripts directly relating to nitric oxide measurement in sinonasal disease. Full-text analysis produced 20 studies with extractable data on nasal nitric oxide levels in clearly defined patient groups. Studies did not show sufficient homogeneity to enable substantial meta-analysis of aggregated data.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence shows that nasal nitric oxide is not a clinically useful measure for sinonasal disease. Although there is some evidence that sinus surgery is associated with lowered nasal nitric oxide levels, there is no evidence that this is associated with deterioration in sinus health.

Immunomodulatory and Clinical Effects of Long-Term Low-Dose Macrolide Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis

Immunomodulatory treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) by macrolide antibiotics represents a challenging alternative to conventional therapy and surgery, still being at the very beginning. Immune and inflammatory processes in nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa, crucial in the etiopathogenesis of nasal polyps (NPs) are reflected in levels of various local mediators, found both in mucosa and nasal fluid. In this prospective study, we assessed the immunomodulatory and clinical effects of longterm low-dose oral macrolide treatment in the management of CRSwNP. Twenty-two (n = 22) nonasthmatic, nonallergic patients with CRSwNP were administered clarithromycin (CAM) 500 mg/day single oral dose for eight weeks. We measured the levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, TNF-β, and IL-1β, Th1 cytokines IL-2, IL-12, and IFN-γ, Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-10, and chemokine IL-8 in the nasal fluid samples, before and after treatment, using a flow cytometric method. We also scored each of the 22 patients before and after therapy according to Tsicopoulos' global nasal symptom score and Malm's endoscopic score. Following treatment, we found significantly reduced levels of IL-8 (p<0.01) and TNF-α (p<0.01) in nasal secretions. Macrolide therapy decreased the size of polyps in 45.45% of the patients. We concluded that long-term low-dose treatment with CAM was effective in the management of CRSwNP. We suggest that macrolides can be an alternative to topical and systemic corticosteroids in the management of CRSwNP.

Mechanisms of action and clinical application of macrolides as immunomodulatory medications

Macrolides have diverse biological activities and an ability to modulate inflammation and immunity in eukaryotes without affecting homeostatic immunity. These properties have led to their long-term use in treating neutrophil-dominated inflammation in diffuse panbronchiolitis, bronchiectasis, rhinosinusitis, and cystic fibrosis. These immunomodulatory activities appear to be polymodal, but evidence suggests that many of these effects are due to inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) activation. Macrolides accumulate within cells, suggesting that they may associate with receptors or carriers responsible for the regulation of cell cycle and immunity. A concern is that long-term use of macrolides increases the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Nonantimicrobial macrolides are now in development as potential immunomodulatory therapies.

[Revision of surgical treatment of rhinosinusitis]

The aim of this revision paper is to provide an update of available resources to achieve the best endoscopic sinus surgery outcomes of adult rhinosinusitis. The cause and mechanisms of rhinosinusitis remain unknown, and curative treatment does not exist. Recent new insights into paranasal sinus pathophysiology, along with technical advances in imaging and endoscopy, have revolutionised surgical treatment of rhinosinusitis. Since an increasing number of patients undergo functional endoscopic sinus surgery as a therapeutic regimen for their disease, appropriate use of computed tomography is critical in providing a "roadmap" for the surgeon to delimit the surgical procedure, as well as to ensure safety and accuracy. With proper training and technique, endoscopic surgery is quite safe, but prevention and management of complications must be known.

[Usefulness of macrolides as anti-inflammatories in respiratory diseases]

The macrolides are antibiotics that, besides their anti-bacterial action, have an anti-inflammatory effect, by decreasing the activity of the immune cells and bacteria cell changes. An increase the survival of patients suffering from diffuse panbronchiolitis was already seen in the 1980s, after being treated with erythromycin. Currently, the use of macrolides in various chronic inflammatory diseases has increased significantly. Clinical improvements associated to the administration of macrolides have been observed in diseases such as, cystic fibrosis, asthma, and bronchiectasis. However, despite the apparent clinical benefit they seem to provide, the published results up until now are controversial and conclusive results are unable to be obtained. This means that further clinical trials are necessary to confirm or refute the long-term use of these drugs, which are not free of adverse effects, mainly the appearance of resistant bacteria.

Antibiotics for the allergist: part 1

OBJECTIVE

To review antibiotic use and selection for disorders commonly seen in allergy practice.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE searches were performed cross-referencing the keywords antibiotic, antimicrobial, management, and treatment with multiple disorders commonly seen in allergy practice. References of the chosen articles were also examined.

STUDY SELECTION

Articles were selected based on their relevance to the subject matter.

RESULTS

A large body of research is available that is relevant to both conventional and novel uses of antibiotics. The use of antibiotics is in question for some disorders, whereas novel approaches to therapy with macrolide antibiotics are areas of active investigation. Meanwhile, patterns of microbial resistance continue to evolve.

CONCLUSION

For decades, antibiotics have been traditional first-line treatments for many disorders. Recently, this paradigm appears to be shifting as periods of observation come into favor and nonbacterial causes of inflammation are under greater scrutiny. Nonetheless, appropriate antibiotic selection often remains a key element in the treatment of these disorders. Knowledge of the relevant microbiology is an inherent requirement in selecting antibiotic therapies and necessitates awareness of current trends in bacterial resistance.

Effects of long-term clarithromycin treatment on lavage-fluid markers of inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis

Macrolides can be clinically effective in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, little is known about how these drugs affect pathophysiological features of CRS in vivo. In the present study, patients with CRS were subjected to long-term treatment with clarithromycin. Nasal lavages with and without histamine (40 and 400 microg ml(-1)) were carried out prior to and late into the treatment period. Histamine was included as a tool to produce plasma exudation, a process known to move free cellular products from the mucosal tissue into the airway lumen thereby enriching nasal surface liquids with such products. Interleukin-8 (IL-8), myeloperoxidase (MPO), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), alpha(2)-macroglobulin and fucose were monitored as indices of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, neutrophil and eosinophil granulocyte activities, plasma exudation and mucinous secretion, respectively. Clarithromycin reduced the lavage fluid levels of IL-8 at the low-dose histamine observation (P<0.001). There was a trend towards reduced MPO by the treatment, whereas ECP was significantly reduced at the low-dose histamine observation (P<0.05). alpha(2)-Macroglobulin was reduced by clarithromycin (saline lavages) (P = 0.05), whereas fucose was unaffected. The exudative responsiveness to high-dose histamine was significantly reduced by the treatment (P<0.05). Furthermore, significantly lower levels of fucose were observed at the low-dose histamine observation (P<0.01). We conclude that long-term clarithromycin treatment likely exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in CRS.

Evidence-based recommendations regarding the differential diagnosis and assessment of nasal congestion: using the new GRADE system

Nasal congestion is an important symptom in nasal pathology and can be defined as an objective restriction of nasal cavity airflow because of mucosal pathology and/or increased mucus secretion (excluding anatomical variants). Using the new Grading Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system, evidence-based recommendations are made that will encompass different clinical questions regarding diagnostic modalities of nasal congestion: (i) their usefulness in assessment of presence and severity of congestion; (ii) their usefulness in assessment of etiological pathology responsible for congestion; and (iii) their usefulness in follow up and treatment effectiveness evaluation of nasal congestion.

Systemic treatment of rhinosinusitis in children

Systemic acute rhinosinusitis therapy consists mostly of antibiotic treatment because pathogens play a major role. Amoxicillin is the drug of choice for treatment of acute rhinosinusitis, with second- and third- generation cephalosporins, azythromycin, clarithromycin, and telithromycin as possible options, especially in the case of allergy to amoxicillin. If the clinical course suggests that an anaerobic pathogen is more likely, clindamycin or metronidazole can be considered in combination with a broad-spectrum drug. In antimicrobial treatment of chronic sinusitis there is no consensus on treatment length, organism coverage, or which antibiotics are most effective because the bacteriology is variable with polymicrobial anaerobic and aerobic organisms present. Adjuvant therapies need to be proven by additional studies. Chronic rhinosinusitis is heterogeneous and treatment should vary according to the causative factor involved. Short courses of systemic steroids have been found very useful to decrease mucosal swelling and inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis. However, no randomized controlled studies have been performed to validate their efficacy in children. A variety of other agents are used in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis including antihistamines, decongestants, and leukotriene modifiers. To date, there is no good evidence from randomized controlled studies to support the use of any of these agents in the treatment of this disease in either children or adults.

[Anti-inflammatory effects of macrolides: applications in lung disease]

Besides their antibiotic effect, C14 and C15 macrolides exhibit immunomodulatory properties which can have therapeutic applications for chronic inflammation of the airways. In vitro studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of macrolides: decreased productions of IL-6, IL-8, TNF alpha, chemotactism of polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Cell activity is modified with reduced production of elastase and oxidizing agents. These immunomodulator effects appear to result from an interaction with transcription factors which regulate the expression of cell gens. In addition, they lead to a modified bronchial mucosal secretion and have an action on the biofilm and the pseudomonas pilis. Their clinical activity has been demonstrated in panbronchiolitis and is in favor of use in cystic fibrosis. Use of macrolides should be carefully monitored in the event of bronchectasia, COPD, asthma, or chronic rhinosinusitis.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of macrolide in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis

OBJECTIVES

The antiinflammatory effect of macrolide antibiotics has been well-established, as has their role in the treatment of certain disorders of chronic airway inflammation. Several studies have suggested that long-term, low-dose macrolides may be efficacious in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis; however, these studies have lacked a control group. To date, this effect has not been tested in a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

METHOD

The authors conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial on 64 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Subjects received either 150 mg roxithromycin daily for 3 months or placebo. Outcome measures included the Sinonasal Outcome Test-20 (SNOT-20), measurements of peak nasal inspiratory flow, saccharine transit time, olfactory function, nasal endoscopic scoring, and nasal lavage assays for interleukin-8, fucose, and a2-macroglobulin.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant improvements in SNOT-20 score, nasal endoscopy, saccharine transit time, and IL-8 levels in lavage fluid (P<.05) in the macrolide group. A correlation was noted between improved outcome measures and low IgE levels. No significant improvements were noted for olfactory function, peak nasal inspiratory flow, or lavage levels for fucose and a2-macroglobulin. No improvement in any outcome was noted in the placebo-treated patients.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that macrolides may have a beneficial role in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis, particularly in patients with low levels of IgE, and supports the in vitro evidence of their antiinflammatory activity. Additional studies are required to assess their place in clinical practice.

Anti-inflammatory effects of macrolide antibiotics in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis

Apart from their obvious antibiotic effects, the macrolides have some potentially useful immunomodulatory properties. Which pathway dominates the clinical effect is debatable. Favoring the anti-inflammatory effects are the substantial in vitro data and serum concentrations well below minimal inhibitory concentrations for several pathogens. Furthermore, tissue reparative effects are seen in diffuse panbronchiolitis regardless of the presence of P. aeruginosa, a pathogen not sensitive to macrolide antibiotics. Clinical studies support the view that prolonged treatment is likely to be beneficial in most patients who have CRS. The evidence concerning CRS is still weak because placebo-controlled trials are missing. One should remember, however, the general lack of placebo-controlled trials even in the "more established" medical management of CRS. The concern for an increasing incidence of macrolide-resistant bacterial strains must be taken seriously. Therefore the authors advocate repeated nasal cultures during macrolide therapy. It is hoped that the future will bring larger, prospective, randomized, controlled trials that will investigate the efficacy and safety of macrolides in CRS.

Treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with low-dose, long-term macrolide antibiotics: an evolving paradigm

The 14-membered and 15-membered ring macrolide antibiotics express immunomodulatory effects in chronic respiratory disorders in humans that are distinct from their antimicrobial properties. These drugs downregulate the excessive immune and inflammatory responses observed in these conditions while promoting tissue repair. To this end, chronic rhinosinusitis is characterized by mucosal inflammation of nasal and sinus mucosa for more than 3 months and accounts for significant health care resource allocation due to difficulties in treatment. Clinical efficacy of macrolide antibiotics as biologic response modifiers in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis is suggested by compelling basic research and small, uncontrolled clinical studies. Hence, long-term, prospective double-blind placebo-controlled clinical studies are indicated to establish the utility of these drugs in the treatment of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Potential New Avenues of Treatment for Chronic Rhinosinusitis: an Anti-inflammatory Approach

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a complex disease process, one that is characterized by much more than just infection. Until its pathophysiology is understood fully, truly definitive therapy may remain elusive. As this underlying inflammatory process begins to unravel, however, new avenues of therapy will begin to emerge. This article discusses some of these new therapies and provides some clues as to where future avenues may go.

Alternative medical treatment strategies for chronic hyperplastic eosinophilic sinusitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common chronic illnesses in the United States. Although CRS has been viewed traditionally as an infectious disease, treatment focused on antibiotics and surgery has not infrequently provided disappointing results.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recently much of CRS has been shown to be an eosinophilic inflammatory disease and new anti-inflammatory treatments are being studied.

SUMMARY

This review discusses medical management for chronic hyperplastic eosinophilic sinusitis, including antifungal treatment, low-dose macrolide treatment, antilipid mediator therapy, and new immune-modifying treatments.

Immunomodulatory effects of macrolides: implications for practicing clinicians

Macrolides are regarded as the drugs of choice for the treatment of diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) due to their favorable effects on patient outcomes. These drugs decrease sputum production, thereby improving pulmonary function. Moreover, these effects are independent of dosing with respect to clarithromycin, erythromycin, and roxithromycin. The marked success of macrolides in this disease is a direct effect of impeding the inflammatory cascade. With their abilities to reduce the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, ameliorate the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the airways, and reduce mucus secretion, macrolides are able to improve pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases of the airways. Although prolonged use of macrolides raises concerns of increased adverse effects, data do not support such occurrences. With respect to concerns of resistance, it should be noted that in Japan, where macrolides are part of the treatment for DPB, these agents continue to be used effectively as antimicrobial agents. Therefore, the potential benefits of the immunomodulatory effects of macrolides in other conditions such as cystic fibrosis, chronic sinusitis, asthma, and chronic bronchitis are under investigation.

Clinical implications of the immunomodulatory effects of macrolides on sinusitis

This article reviews the treatment of chronic sinusitis with macrolides. Chronic sinusitis is often the result of bacterial infections that lead to chronic inflammation with thickening of the sinus mucosa and hypersecretion of mucus. In addition to their anti-infective properties, some macrolides possess immunomodulatory effects. These macrolides have been used successfully to treat diffuse panbronchiolitis, a progressive inflammatory lung disease, and may be useful for treatment of asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, cystic fibrosis, and bronchiectasis. The clinical benefits of macrolides in patients with chronic sinusitis include decreased nasal secretions and postnasal drip, with improvement in nasal obstruction. In vivo and in vitro studies show that some macrolides affect neutrophil chemotaxis and infiltration, inflammatory cytokine production, mucus production, and the transportability of airway secretions. These findings indicate that macrolides are promising agents for treating chronic inflammation of the airways.