Prevalence of sinonasal outcome test (SNOT-22) symptoms in patients undergoing surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis in the England and Wales National prospective audit

Clinical Evidence of the Use of Mepolizumab in the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: A Prospective Observational Study

Background/Objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) poses significant therapeutic challenges. The introduction of Mepolizumab, an anti-interleukin-5 monoclonal antibody, offers a new therapeutic option for patients with severe, uncontrolled CRSwNP. This prospective observational study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of Mepolizumab for treating severe CRSwNP in Italy. Methods: A single-center prospective observational study conducted in real-life settings with the patients of our center. Prior to enrollment, each patient underwent an interdisciplinary evaluation involving a pulmonologist and an allergologist if deemed necessary. All patients who were referred for treatment with Mepolizumab in compliance with the AIFA guidelines and the EPOS/EUFOREA update were included in the study population: (1) subjects who were over the age of 18, (2) who had severe CRSwNP, (3) whose condition was not successfully managed with standard therapies alone, and (4) whose blood eosinophil counts were greater than 150 cells/mL. Mepolizumab was administered subcutaneously through a 100 mg injection once every four weeks in addition to the standard-of-care therapy. Results: At the end of the enrollment process, 20 patients with severe CRSwNP were enrolled. Significant improvements were observed in Nasal Polyp Score, quality of life (SNOT-22; p < 0.05), and nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea (p < 0.05), while no significant improvements were seen in olfactory function (p < 0.05). Eosinophil levels also significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Mepolizumab effectively manages severe CRSwNP, showing improvements in symptom control and quality of life with an acceptable safety profile.

Patient-centered outcomes for clinical trials in chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (inclusive of subtypes with nasal polyps [CRSwNP], without nasal polyps [CRSsNP], and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis [AFRS]) causes inflammation of the nose mucosa and paranasal sinuses. Unfortunately, evidence supporting use of clinical outcome assessments (COAs) in regulated clinical trials to assess key measurement concepts of these conditions is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To identify key disease-related symptoms and impacts, potential outcomes of interest for new treatments, and COAs available to measure those outcomes among adult and adolescent individuals living with CRSwNP, CRSsNP, and AFRS.

METHODS

Literature, clinical trial, and product label reviews were conducted to identify symptoms, impacts, and COAs used to assess CRSwNP, CRSsNP, and AFRS patient experiences in clinical trials. The disease related concepts identified in the literature were mapped to selected COAs to determine conceptual coverage of each COA.

RESULTS

Twenty-five articles, twenty-five clinical trial records, and four product labels were included in the review. Across conditions, nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, and altered smell were the most frequently identified symptoms. The most frequently identified impacts of CRSwNP and CRSsNP were on emotional functioning and sleep, and adopting new behaviors for AFRS. Findings for key symptoms and impacts in adolescents were limited. More than 20 COAs used in these conditions were identified, and 14 COAs (e.g., Sinonasal Outcome Test [SNOT-22]) were evaluated for conceptual coverage of the concepts identified in the literature.

CONCLUSION

Results specify several symptom and impact outcomes, that if improved, would reflect treatment benefit for patients living with CRSwNP, CRSsNP, and/or AFRS. Several COAs demonstrated coverage of key measurement concepts and warrant further evaluation for use in clinical trials.

Dupilumab improves sense of smell and clinical outcomes in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps with anosmia

OBJECTIVE

Loss of sense of smell is a cardinal symptom of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and significantly impacts health-related quality-of-life. Dupilumab significantly improved smell outcomes (loss of smell [LoS] score; University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test [UPSIT]) versus placebo in the phase 3 SINUS-24/-52 studies (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02898454/NCT02912468) in patients with severe CRSwNP. This post hoc analysis investigated the effect of dupilumab on olfaction using UPSIT smell impairment categories.

METHODS

Patients with baseline smell impairment (UPSIT ≤34/≤33 [women/men; score range 0-40] AND LoS score ≥1 [0-3] AND smell/taste item of the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test >0 [SNOT-22; 0-5]) treated with dupilumab 300 mg or placebo once every 2 weeks on background intranasal corticosteroids were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 724 patients, 665 (91.9%) had smell impairment at baseline; most had anosmia (UPSIT 0-18) (dupilumab/placebo: 80.9%/79.8%). At week 24, the proportion of dupilumab-treated patients with anosmia decreased to 28.5%, while 14.9% achieved normosmia; most placebo-group patients (79.2%) remained anosmic and only 1.2% achieved normosmia (odds ratio = 17.3; 95% confidence interval = 5.1-59.0; p <.0001); results were similar at week 52. Improvements in Nasal Polyp Score, nasal congestion, and SNOT-22 total score were moderately correlated with improvements in UPSIT at weeks 24 and 52 (r = -.38 to -.50).

CONCLUSION

Most patients with severe CRSwNP had anosmia at baseline. Dupilumab treatment significantly improved smell versus placebo, with 14.9% achieving normosmia by week 24. There was a trend for better clinical outcomes in patients with greater smell improvement.

Sino-nasal outcome Test-22 and Lund-Mackay CT score to select endoscopic sinus surgery in chronic rhinosinusitis

Objectives

Chronic rhinosinusitis is one of the common diseases that cause morbidity and affects a person's quality of life. We tried to provide a more appropriate and effective approach to selecting patients for endoscopic sinus surgery.

Methods

The study population is chronic rhinosinusitis children referred to the ear, nose, and throat clinic of two general hospitals in Tehran, Iran, who have previously undergone sufficient drug treatment and have not recovered. The Lund-Mackay score is calculated by examining the computed tomography (CT) scan. The Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) questionnaire was provided to the patients before the operation, after the operation, and 3 and 6 months later in the clinic.

Results

Before the operation, the most SNOT-22 score people were in the range of 40-59 points. The SNOT-22 score before the operation is significantly different from 3 and 6 months after the operation. The highest frequency of Lund-Mackay CT (LMCT) scan score was in the range of 18-23 points. The LMCT scan score did not show any significant relationship with the SNOT-22 score before surgery, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. Sensitivity to aspirin had a significant relationship with SNOT-22 scores and the history of asthma and nasal polyps had a significant relationship with the preoperative LMCT scan score.

Conclusions

The LMCT scan scoring system cannot be a good measure of chronic rhinosinusitis severity or the prognosis of patients after surgery. The SNOT-22 questionnaire can be used as a predictive tool to help the doctor and the patient in deciding to operate and the possibility of obtaining a relative recovery.

Effectiveness of septoplasty compared to medical management in adults with obstruction associated with a deviated nasal septum: the NAIROS RCT

Background

The indications for septoplasty are practice-based, rather than evidence-based. In addition, internationally accepted guidelines for the management of nasal obstruction associated with nasal septal deviation are lacking.

Objective

The objective was to determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of septoplasty, with or without turbinate reduction, compared with medical management, in the management of nasal obstruction associated with a deviated nasal septum.

Design

This was a multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing septoplasty, with or without turbinate reduction, with defined medical management; it incorporated a mixed-methods process evaluation and an economic evaluation.

Setting

The trial was set in 17 NHS secondary care hospitals in the UK.

Participants

A total of 378 eligible participants aged > 18 years were recruited.

Interventions

Participants were randomised on a 1: 1 basis and stratified by baseline severity and gender to either (1) septoplasty, with or without turbinate surgery (n = 188) or (2) medical management with intranasal steroid spray and saline spray (n = 190).

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 items score at 6 months (patient-reported outcome). The secondary outcomes were as follows: patient-reported outcomes - Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation score at 6 and 12 months, Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 items subscales at 12 months, Double Ordinal Airway Subjective Scale at 6 and 12 months, the Short Form questionnaire-36 items and costs; objective measurements - peak nasal inspiratory flow and rhinospirometry. The number of adverse events experienced was also recorded. A within-trial economic evaluation from an NHS and Personal Social Services perspective estimated the incremental cost per (1) improvement (of ≥ 9 points) in Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 items score, (2) adverse event avoided and (3) quality-adjusted life-year gained at 12 months. An economic model estimated the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained at 24 and 36 months. A mixed-methods process evaluation was undertaken to understand/address recruitment issues and examine the acceptability of trial processes and treatment arms.

Results

At the 6-month time point, 307 participants provided primary outcome data (septoplasty, n = 152; medical management, n = 155). An intention-to-treat analysis revealed a greater and more sustained improvement in the primary outcome measure in the surgical arm. The 6-month mean Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 items scores were -20.0 points lower (better) for participants randomised to septoplasty than for those randomised to medical management [the score for the septoplasty arm was 19.9 and the score for the medical management arm was 39.5 (95% confidence interval -23.6 to -16.4; p < 0.0001)]. This was confirmed by sensitivity analyses and through the analysis of secondary outcomes. Outcomes were statistically significantly related to baseline severity, but not to gender or turbinate reduction. In the surgical and medical management arms, 132 and 95 adverse events occurred, respectively; 14 serious adverse events occurred in the surgical arm and nine in the medical management arm. On average, septoplasty was more costly and more effective in improving Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 items scores and quality-adjusted life-years than medical management, but incurred a larger number of adverse events. Septoplasty had a 15% probability of being considered cost-effective at 12 months at a £20,000 willingness-to-pay threshold for an additional quality-adjusted life-year. This probability increased to 99% and 100% at 24 and 36 months, respectively.

Limitations

COVID-19 had an impact on participant-facing data collection from March 2020.

Conclusions

Septoplasty, with or without turbinate reduction, is more effective than medical management with a nasal steroid and saline spray. Baseline severity predicts the degree of improvement in symptoms. Septoplasty has a low probability of cost-effectiveness at 12 months, but may be considered cost-effective at 24 months. Future work should focus on developing a septoplasty patient decision aid.

Trial registration

This trial is registered as ISRCTN16168569 and EudraCT 2017-000893-12.

Funding

This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: 14/226/07) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 10. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

The Impact of Ambient and Wildfire Air Pollution on Rhinosinusitis and Olfactory Dysfunction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

With increasing industrialization, exposure to ambient and wildfire air pollution is projected to increase, necessitating further research to elucidate the complex relationship between exposure and sinonasal disease. This review aims to summarize the role of ambient and wildfire air pollution in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and olfactory dysfunction and provide a perspective on gaps in the literature.

RECENT FINDINGS

Based on an emerging body of evidence, exposure to ambient air pollutants is correlated with the development of chronic rhinosinusitis in healthy individuals and increased symptom severity in CRS patients. Studies have also found a robust relationship between long-term exposure to ambient air pollutants and olfactory dysfunction. Ambient air pollution exposure is increasingly recognized to impact the development and sequelae of sinonasal pathophysiology. Given the rising number of wildfire events and worsening impacts of climate change, further study of the impact of wildfire-related air pollution is a crucial emerging field.

Understanding the Impact of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis on Smell and Taste: An International Patient Experience Survey

The aim is to understand the patient experience of living with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), clinician interactions and how symptoms, smell and taste disturbance are managed. An anonymized, online survey was distributed through a UK charity, Fifth Sense, a UK otolaryngology clinic and online support groups to capture qualitative and quantitative data. Data were collected from 1st December 2022 to 1st February 2023. A total of 124 individuals participated. The majority were female (66%) and in the age range of 41-70 years; 74.2% of participants were from the UK with the rest from North America, Europe and Asia. A total of 107 participants declared they had CRSwNP. Rhinologists and general otolaryngology clinicians scored the highest for patient satisfaction whilst general practitioners scored the lowest. Satisfaction with the management of smell and taste disturbance was lower amongst all clinicians compared to overall satisfaction. Ratings correlated with response to therapy and clinician interactions. Respondents reported hyposmia/anosmia to be the most debilitating symptom. Surgery and oral steroids were considered to be effective; however, the benefit lasted less than six months (62%). Hyposmia/anosmia is a key CRSwNP symptom that has limited treatment options and is frequently undervalued by clinicians. There is a need for more effective management options, education and patient support.

Dupilumab in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis: current status, challenges, and future perspectives

INTRODUCTION

Chronic sinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) is a common heterogeneous disease that mainly manifests as chronic inflammation of the sinus mucosa. The effect of conventional treatments for CRSwNP, such as oral corticosteroids, intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) and polypectomy, is not always obvious, and postoperative recurrence is common in some CRSwNP patients. In recent years, some biologics have been shown to be very effective in treating refractory CRSwNP, of which dupilumab has attracted much attention as the first monoclonal drug approved to treat nasal polyps.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we discuss the research status of dupilumab in treatment of CRSwNP and how dupilumab differs from other treatment methods.

EXPERT OPINION

The European Union and United States have approved dupilumab as the first biological agent for treatment of CRSwNP. Dupilumab can improve symptoms of nasal congestion or obstruction, nasal secretion, and olfactory loss in patients with CRSwNP. It can also improve a patient's health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and reduce the need for systemic corticosteroids and nasal polyp surgery. While subcutaneous injection of dupilumab is a novel method for treating CRSwNP, it is still necessary to reasonably evaluate which patients might benefit most from biological therapy.

Therapeutic Strategies to Prevent the Recurrence of Nasal Polyps after Surgical Treatment: An Update and In Vitro Study on Growth Inhibition of Fibroblasts

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is the most bothersome phenotype of chronic rhinosinusitis, which is typically characterized by a Type 2 inflammatory reaction, comorbidities and high rates of nasal polyp recurrence, causing severe impact on quality of life. Nasal polyp recurrence rates, defined as the number of patients undergoing revision endoscopic sinus surgery, are 20% within a 5 year period after surgery. The cornerstone of CRSwNP management consists of anti-inflammatory treatment with local corticosteroids. We performed a literature review regarding the therapeutic strategies used to prevent nasal polyp recurrence after surgical treatment. Finally, we report an in vitro study evaluating the efficacy of lysine-acetylsalicylic acid and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ketoprofen and diclofenac) on the proliferation of fibroblasts, obtained from nasal polyp tissue samples. Our study demonstrates that diclofenac, even more so than lysine-acetylsalicylic acid, significantly inhibits fibroblast proliferation and could be considered a valid therapeutic strategy in preventing CRSwNP recurrence.

Snot-22 a Predictive and Assessment Tool for Subjective Improvement After Fess in Patients of Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common health problem with an estimated prevalence of 6.8% in Asia. The treatment of CRS involves an initial course of maximal medical therapy followed by Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). Here, we are assessing the outcomes of FESS on CRS using most recent Sino Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) questionnaire, for quantifying changes in symptoms and predicting extent of postoperative improvement. 75 patients who reported in the tertiary health care centre in Department of ENT, MGM Medical College & M.Y. Hospital, Indore and were diagnosed with CRS that did not relieve on medication were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The selected cases were asked to answer the SNOT-22 questionnaire before the surgery. FESS was done and after three months, the patients were again subjected to the SNOT-22 questionnaire. There was 83.67% overall improvement in postsurgical SNOT-22 evaluations, which was statistically significant (p value < 0.00001). Most common SNOT-22 symptom was the need to blow nose, which was seen in 28 (93.34%) cases, while ear pain was found in 10 (50%) patients and was the least common SNOT-22 symptom. FESS seems to be effective treatment of CRS patients. We observed SNOT-22 to be very effective and reliable in assessing the Quality of Life in CRS patients and to measure the improvement after FESS.

Core Outcome Measures in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps: In Practice and Research

Heterogeneity in outcomes used in clinical trials prevents meta-analysis and contributes to research waste. Core outcome sets aim to address this by defining a small number of essential outcomes that should be measured in all effectiveness trials. Adoption in routine clinical practice can further improve outcomes for patients.There has been a rapid growth in therapeutic options available for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, but difficulty comparing results leads to uncertainty into optimum management, and there is a need to define a core outcome set. We consider whether work already undertaken needs to be modified for patients with nasal polyps.We recommend that a core outcome set should include assessment of disease specific quality of life, nasal polyp score, evaluation of sense of smell, alongside need for OCS and surgical treatment and complications from the disease or treatment. Further work is required to achieve international consensus regarding the choice of nasal polyp scoring system.

Differentiation of eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis on preoperative computed tomography using deep learning

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to develop deep learning (DL) models for differentiating between eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) and non-ECRS (NECRS) on preoperative CT.

DESIGN

Axial spiral CT images were pre-processed and used to build the dataset. Two semantic segmentation models based on U-net and Deeplabv3 were trained to segment the sinus area on CT images. All patient images were segmented using the better-performing segmentation model and used for training and testing of the transferred efficientnet_b0, resnet50, inception_resnet_v2, and Xception neural networks. Additionally, we evaluated the performances of the models trained using each image and each patient as a unit.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 878 chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients undergoing nasal endoscopic surgery at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (Hubei, China) between October 2016 to June 2021 were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The precision of each model was assessed based on the receiver operating characteristic curve. Further, we analyzed the confusion matrix and accuracy of each model.

RESULTS

The Dice coefficients of U-net and Deeplabv3 were 0.953 and 0.961, respectively. The average area under the curve and mean accuracy values of the four networks were 0.848 and 0.762 for models trained using a single image as a unit, while the corresponding values for models trained using each patient as a unit were 0.893 and 0.853, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining semantic segmentation with classification networks could effectively distinguish between patients with ECRS and those with NECRS based on preoperative sinus CT images. Furthermore, labeling each patient to build a dataset for classification may be more reliable than labeling each medical image.

Health-Related Quality of Life Impairment Among Patients with Severe Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps in the SINUS-24 Trial

Purpose

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a predominantly type 2 inflammatory disease with a high symptom burden. Data are lacking on the comparative health status of patients with CRSwNP. This analysis compared baseline physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and overall health status of patients with severe CRSwNP enrolled in a Phase 3 clinical trial with general population norms and with other chronic diseases.

Methods

In this post hoc cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the SINUS-24 study (NCT02912468), HRQoL was measured using the 36-item Short Form (SF-36) questionnaire and general health status was measured using the EuroQol-5 Dimension visual analog scale (EQ-VAS). Analyses included the intention-to-treat (ITT) population and subgroups defined by prior sinonasal surgery, systemic corticosteroid use, and coexisting asthma or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease (NSAID-ERD). Scores were compared with published values for population norms (50 for SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS), 70.4-83.3 for EQ-VAS) and for rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and asthma.

Results

In the ITT population (n=276), mean SF-36 physical component summary (PCS), SF-36 mental component summary (MCS), and EQ-VAS scores were below general population norms (46.4, 48.6, and 66.0, respectively). Mean SF-36 PCS and EQ-VAS scores were below population norms across all subgroups; mean SF-36 MCS scores were below the population norm in all subgroups except no prior surgery. SF-36 PCS and MCS scores from SINUS-24 were generally similar to other chronic diseases, except SF-36 PCS which was lower in rheumatoid arthritis. EQ-VAS scores in SINUS-24 were lower than in other chronic diseases. HRQoL scores weakly correlated with objective measures of disease severity.

Conclusion

In patients with severe CRSwNP, including those with coexisting asthma/NSAID-ERD, HRQoL was worse than population norms and as burdensome as diseases such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Molecular and Clinical Predictors of Quality of Life in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

(1) Background: Factors influencing the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) are poorly understood. We set out to determine the predictive factors on patients' QoL using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22); (2) Methods: An ambispective analysis of data from patients diagnosed with CRSwNP in our institution. All the patients underwent a nasal polyp biopsy and completed the SNOT-22 questionnaire. Demographic and molecular data as well as the SNOT-22 scores were collected. Patients were classified in six subgroups considering the presence of asthma, non-steroidal drugs (NSAID) intolerance and corticosteroid resistance; (3) Results: The mean SNOT-22 score was 39. Considering the clinical parameters, the SNOT-22 value was significantly associated with NSAID intolerance (p = 0.04) and the endoscopic polyp score (p = 0.04). A high SNOT-22 value was also correlated with high tissue eosinophilia (p = 0.01) and high IL-8 expression; (4) Conclusions: Eosinophilia, IL-8 expression and NSAID intolerance can be used as predictors of worse QoL in patients with CRSwNP.

Measuring Nasal Patency and the Sense of Smell in CRSwNP Patients Treated with Dupilumab

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in the most severe forms is associated with a poor quality of life. Dupilumab has been suggested as an add-on treatment option for severe CRSwNP. Severe CRSwNP patients treated with dupilumab in different rhinological units were followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months from the first administration and were considered for this study. At baseline (T0) and at each follow-up, patients underwent nasal endoscopy and completed the sinonasal outcome test (SNOT)-22, a visual analogue scale (VAS) for smell/nasal obstruction, peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and the Sniffin' Sticks identification test (SSIT). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dupilumab in patients with severe uncontrolled CRSwNP on recovering nasal obstruction and smell impairment. Moreover, the method between PNIF and SSIT with the highest correlation with patients' response to dupilumab was evaluated. One hundred forty-seven patients were included. All parameters improved during treatment (p < 0.001). At T0, no correlations were found between PNIF and nasal symptoms. Nevertheless, during the following evaluations significant correlations between PNIF changes and both nasal symptoms and NPS were observed (p < 0.05). At T0, SSIT did not correlate with SNOT-22. Similarly to PNIF, during the follow-up SSIT changes significantly correlated with nasal symptom and NPS (p < 0.05). Comparing PNIF and SSIT correlations with SNOT-22 and NPS, PNIF showed a higher correlation with both. Dupilumab improves nasal obstruction and the sense of smell. PNIF and SSIT are effective tools in monitoring patients' response to dupilumab.

Dupilumab provides early and durable improvement of symptoms in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Objectives

To evaluate within-patient symptom improvement in the dupilumab SINUS-24/-52 studies in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) (NCT02912468/NCT02898454).

Methods

Patients received dupilumab 300 mg or placebo every 2 weeks for 24 (SINUS-24) or 52 weeks (SINUS-52) on background intranasal corticosteroids. Patients daily reported symptoms of nasal congestion (NC), loss of smell (LoS) and rhinorrhoea on a scale of 0-3 (0 - no symptoms, 1 - mild, 2 - moderate, 3 - severe symptoms). The proportions of patients with moderate-to-severe symptoms (score ≥ 2) at baseline who improved to no-to-mild symptoms (score ≤ 1) were determined at Weeks 2, 24 (pooled studies) and 52 (SINUS-52). Subgroups with prior sinonasal surgery and coexisting asthma were analysed.

Results

At baseline in the pooled intention-to-treat population (n = 724), the proportions of patients with scores ≥ 2 for NC, LoS and rhinorrhoea were 87, 94 and 64%, respectively. Significantly, more patients achieved scores ≤ 1 (no/mild symptoms) with dupilumab vs placebo for each symptom at each time point {Week 2 NC 12% vs 2% [odds ratio 8.9 (95% CI 3.0-26.3)], LoS 5% vs 1% [4.6 (1.3-16.8)], rhinorrhoea 9% vs 2% [4.8 (1.5-15.4)], all P < 0.05; Week 24 NC 54% vs 14% [8.7 (5.6-13.5)], LoS 43% vs 6% [14.4 (7.9-26.0)], rhinorrhoea 53% vs 16% [6.6 (4.1-10.9)], all P < 0.0001}. Results were similar in subgroups with prior surgery and coexisting asthma.

Conclusion

Significantly, more patients achieved improvement from moderate-to-severe symptoms to no-to-mild symptoms with dupilumab than placebo, regardless of prior surgery or coexisting asthma. Improvement was observed as early as Week 2 and continued through to Week 52.

MULTIFACTOR REGRESSION MODEL FOR PREDICTION OF CHRONIC RHINOSINUSITIS RECURRENCE

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To propose an approach to forecasting the risk of chronic rhinosinusitis recurrence based on multivariate regression analysis for effective diagnosis and carrying out treatment and preventive measures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: 104 patients aged 18 to 80, including 58 women and 46 men, diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis were examined.

RESULTS

Results: To build a multifactorial regression model for predicting the recurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis, probable factors of the occurrence of the disease were selected. 14 possible factors were analyzed using multivariate regression analysis. 13 risk factors were selected for predicting recurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis with a significance level of less than 0.05. Histograms of the residual deviations of predicting the recurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis were obtained, which are distributed symmetrically, and a normal-probability straight line is presented, on which there are no systematic deviations. The given results confirm the statistical hypothesis that the residual deviations correspond to the normal distribution law. Residual deviations relative to the predicted values are scattered chaotically, which indicates the absence of dependence on the predicted values of the risk of recurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis. The value of the coefficient of determination was calculated, which is 0.988, which gives grounds to claim that 98.8% of the factors are taken into account in the model for predicting the recurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis and its high reliability and acceptability in general.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: The proposed model makes it possible to predict in advance potential complications and the possibility of recurrence of the studied disease.

Omalizumab is effective in nasal polyposis with or without asthma, a real-life study

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) can be recalcitrant in some patients despite medical therapies and surgery and has higher morbidity. Omalizumab is a new treatment option for patients with CRSwNP. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of omalizumab (anti-IgE antibody) in patients with CRSwNP.

Methods

The efficiency and adverse effects of omalizumab were evaluated based on the data extracted from medical records of patients with CRSwNP. Patients were evaluated monthly for efficacy and adverse reactions. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) for rhinorrhea, postnasal drip, sneeze, smell, and nasal stuffiness complaints, sinonasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22), and nose obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) score.

Results

17 patients with CRSwNP formed our cohort. The mean (SD) age, weight, and total IgE level were 41.9 (9.4) years, 78.6 (15) kg, and 198.8 (169.2) IU/mL, respectively. 3 patients had mild, 6 had moderate and 1 had severe asthma as comorbidity. The mean (SD) duration of omalizumab treatment and polypectomy numbers were 9.2 (13.3) months and 2.9 (1.5), respectively. All patients had at least one polyp surgery. All sinonasal outcome parameters were significantly improved by the omalizumab treatment, also in subgroups with and without asthma. The median changes from baseline at the last visit date for omalizumab treatment were as follows: SNOT-22 score decreased from 98 to 19, NOSE score decreased from 100 to 20, the VAS for postnasal drip, rhinorrhea, nasal stuffiness, smell and sneeze decreased from 8 to 2, 8 to 2, 10 to 3, 10 to 2, 6 to 1, respectively (P < 0.001). Patients experienced no adverse reaction with omalizumab treatment.

Conclusion

Omalizumab was an effective treatment in patients with recalcitrant CRSwNP with or without asthma.

Mometasone Furoate in Non-Allergic Rhinitis: A Real-Life Italian Study

Background: In order to evaluate the efficacy of intranasal mometasone furoate in patients with non-allergic rhinitis (NAR), a real-life, observational, prospective study is performed. Methods: Thirty-one patients (age 18–64 years) receive intranasal (mometasone furoate, 200 µg b.i.d. for 15 consecutive days per month for 6 consecutive months), plus isotonic nasal saline. The cytologic pattern of local inflammation, nasal airflow, through peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), quality of life (QoL), through the rhinitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ), the sinonasal outcome test (SNOT-22), the short-form 36-item health survey (SF-36v2), and the combined symptom medication score (CSMS), and, finally, olfactory function, through Sniffin’ sticks-16 identification test (SSIT-16), are evaluated at baseline and after treatment. Results: NARNE is the most frequent cytological pattern (48% of the total sample). The therapeutic response shows improvement in olfactory function and QoL. Conclusions: The results of this study confirm that intranasal mometasone furoate is an effective treatment for patients with NAR.

The classification, diagnosis, and treatment of rhinosinusitis

Background: Rhinosinusitis, one of the most common conditions encountered by clinicians, affects quality of life and reduces work productivity. Despite its high prevalence and economic burden, there are considerable differences in practice regarding the management of rhinosinusitis. Based on many studies, including the updated guidelines, classifications have been subdivided, and new treatments have been added.Current Concepts: Rhinosinusitis can be classified as acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) or chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with a cut-off duration of 12 weeks. It is diagnosed based on subjective symptoms and objective findings on computed tomography or endoscopy. Viral infections account for the majority of the causes of ARS, with watchful waiting without antibiotics as its important initial management. Meanwhile, CRS is divided into primary and secondary CRS, which is further subdivided by anatomic distribution and endotype. Particularly, the Type 2 endotype is characterized by a high recurrence rate and high resistance to current therapies. Biologics using monoclonal antibodies could therefore be used as new therapeutic options for the treatment of primary type 2 CRS. Furthermore, given the chronicity of CRS, it is important to recognize that endoscopic sinus surgery and continuous postoperative medical treatment are important for its management.Discussion and Conclusion: Accurate diagnoses based on diagnostic criteria and subdivided classifications are necessary to determine the treatment plan and prognosis. In particular, it is important to differentiate the endotype of CRS and provide appropriate treatments to improve the patient’s symptoms and quality of life.

Twelve-year long-term postoperative outcomes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Evidence regarding long-term postoperative follow-up of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients is scarce in the literature. The objective of the present study was to report long-term 12-year postoperative outcomes for CRSwNP patients.

METHODS

CRSwNP patients were prospectively followed after endoscopic sinus surgery. Sinonasal symptoms, nasal polyp score (NPS), Barcelona Smell Test 24 (BAST-24), Lund-Mackay Score (LMS), and Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire were assessed before and 12 years after surgery.

RESULTS

At long-term follow-up (median, 12 years), a strong improvement was noted for all patients (N=76) in nasal symptoms score, NPS, BAST-24, and LMS scores compared with baseline. No long-term improvement in SF-36 was found.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CRSwNP have a long-term 12-year postoperative improvement in nasal symptoms, polyp size, computed tomography, and olfaction.

Expert Opinion on Biological Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps in the Gulf Region

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is defined as the inflammation of nose and paranasal sinuses, affecting the patients' quality of life and productivity. Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a principal clinical entity confirmed by the existence of chronic sinonasal inflammation and is characterized by anterior or posterior rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, hyposmia and/or facial pressure or facial pain. Several epidemiologic studies have revealed wide variations in the incidence of CRS among regions globally ranging from 4.6% to 12%. The Gulf countries are also witnessing an unprecedented burden of CRSwNP. According to the current clinical guidelines, glucocorticosteroids and antibiotics are the principal pharmacotherapeutic approaches. Endoscopic sinus surgery is recommended for those who have failed maximal pharmacotherapy. Recently, biologics are considered as an alternative best approach due to the complications associated with medical therapy and surgery. However, precise data on the clinical position of biologic agents in the management of CRSwNP in the Gulf region is not available. The present review article addresses the current diagnostic and management approaches for CRSwNP and also emphasizes the role of emerging biologics in the current treatment strategies for CRSwNP in the Gulf region. Further, a consensus protocol was convened to rationalize the guideline recommendations, strategize the best practices with biologics, and develop clinical practice guidelines for all primary-care specialists in the Gulf region. The consensus-based report will be a useful reference tool for primary-care physicians in primary-healthcare settings, regarding the appropriate time for the initiation of biological treatment in the Gulf region.

Dupilumab in CRSwNP: Responder Analysis Using Clinically Meaningful Efficacy Outcome Thresholds

Objectives/Hypothesis

Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that blocks the shared interleukin (IL)‐4/IL‐13 receptor component, significantly improved outcomes for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in the SINUS‐24 and SINUS‐52 studies. This post hoc analysis evaluated dupilumab's effect on patient‐reported symptoms and objective outcome measures using thresholds of clinically meaningful within‐patient change from baseline.

Methods

Patients with CRSwNP receiving subcutaneous dupilumab or placebo every 2 weeks in SINUS‐24/SINUS‐52 were analyzed. Patients recorded severity of nasal congestion (NC), loss of smell (LoS), and anterior/posterior rhinorrhea (each within range 0–3) daily. Total Symptom Score (TSS) was calculated as a composite severity score (0–9) for these symptoms. Objective measures included University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT; 0–40), nasal polyps score (NPS; 0–8), and Lund–Mackay computed tomography score (LMK‐CT; 0–24). Thresholds of within‐patient change in scores from baseline at weeks 24 and 52 considered clinically meaningful were ≥1.0 (NC, LoS), ≥3.0 (TSS), ≥8.0 (UPSIT), ≥1.0 (NPS), and ≥5.0 (LMK‐CT).

Results

A total of 724 and 303 patients were included in the week 24 and 52 analyses, respectively. Responder rates were significantly higher with dupilumab versus placebo at week 24 for NC (64% vs. 24%), LoS (63% vs. 14%), TSS (62% vs. 15%), UPSIT (54% vs. 6%), NPS (63% vs. 14%), and LMK‐CT (59% vs. 3%); all P < .0001. Results were consistent at week 52.

Conclusion

Significantly greater proportions of dupilumab‐treated patients with CRSwNP compared with placebo demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in patient‐reported sinonasal symptoms and objective outcomes.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 132:259–264, 2022

Development of Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) Domains in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps

Objectives/Hypothesis

The 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) is a validated chronic rhinosinusitis health‐related quality‐of‐life outcome (HRQoL) measure; however, SNOT‐22 domains have not been validated specifically for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

Study Design

Validation of SNOT‐22 domain structure, using data from 3 randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded, multicenter clinical trials of dupilumab in adults with moderate‐to‐severe CRSwNP.

Methods

Preliminary dimensional structure was derived by exploratory factor analyses of SNOT‐22 data from a phase 2 trial (NCT01920893) of dupilumab for the treatment of CRSwNP. Data from 2 phase 3 clinical trials (NCT02912468 and NCT02898454) were then used for confirmatory factor analysis, and evaluated for reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness. In all three trials, the SNOT‐22 was administered electronically on a tablet and trial participants were required to answer all items.

Results

Factor analysis supported five domains: Nasal, Ear/Facial, Sleep, Function, and Emotion. Correlations between domains were moderate to high, ranging from 0.53 (Nasal–Emotion) to 0.88 (Function–Sleep). Construct validity was mostly supported; relationships with other measures were almost always in the intended direction and magnitude. Internal consistency reliability also confirmed questionnaire structure with strong Cronbach's alpha values (all >0.80). Moderate‐to‐high correlations were observed between change in SNOT‐22 domain scores and other study patient‐reported outcome measures, along with large effect‐size estimates (≥0.7), demonstrating responsiveness of the Nasal, Sleep, and Function domains. Emotion and Ear/Facial domains had small‐to‐moderate effect sizes.

Conclusions

Psychometric analyses support the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of five domains of SNOT‐22 (Nasal, Ear/Facial, Sleep, Function, and Emotion) for assessing symptoms and impact on HRQoL in patients with CRSwNP. Laryngoscope, 132:933–941, 2022

Clinical evaluation and diagnosis of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a condition composed of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis and asthma that is defined by respiratory hypersensitivity reactions to the cyclooxygenase 1-inhibitory effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is diagnosed in 5% to 15% of patients with asthma and is even more common in those with comorbid nasal polyposis. Diagnosis is confirmed after an aspirin challenge procedure, yet many patients present with all components and can reliably be diagnosed by history. Patients with AERD commonly experience severe uncontrolled nasal polyposis and require multispecialty evaluation to properly stage and treat this condition. The presence of nasal polyposis plays a large component in the diminished quality of life in patients with AERD. In the last decade, multiple new therapeutic areas have been approved for type 2 airway diseases, offering patients with AERD many more options for control. This makes an early and accurate diagnosis of AERD important in the care of the larger population of type 2 airway diseases.

Six-Month Psychophysical Evaluation of Olfactory Dysfunction in Patients with COVID-19

This study prospectively assessed the six-month prevalence of self-reported and psychophysically measured olfactory dysfunction in subjects with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Self-reported smell or taste impairment was prospectively evaluated by SNOT-22 at diagnosis, 4-week, 8-week, and 6-month. At 6 months from the diagnosis, psychophysical evaluation of olfactory function was also performed using the 34-item culturally adapted University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (CA-UPSIT). 145 completed both the 6-month subjective and psychophysical olfactory evaluation. According to CA-UPSIT, 87 subjects (60.0%) exhibited some smell dysfunction, with 10 patients being anosmic (6.9%) and 7 being severely microsmic (4.8%). At the time CA-UPSIT was administered, a weak correlation was observed between the self-reported alteration of sense of smell or taste and olfactory test scores (Spearman’s r=-0.26). Among 112 patients who self-reported normal sense of smell at last follow-up, CA-UPSIT revealed normal smell in 46 (41.1%), mild microsmia in 46 (41.1%), moderate microsmia in 11 (9.8%), severe microsmia in 3 (2.3%), and anosmia in 6 (5.4%) patients; however, of those patients self-reporting normal smell but who were found to have hypofunction on testing, 62 out of 66 had self-reported reduction in sense of smell or taste at an earlier time point. Despite most patients report a subjectively normal sense of smell, we observed a high percentage of persistent smell dysfunction at 6 months from the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with 11.7% of patients being anosmic or severely microsmic. These data highlight a significant long-term rate of smell alteration in patients with previous SARS-COV-2 infection.

Indirect Treatment Comparison of Biologics in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

BACKGROUND

Among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of biologics, such as anti-interleukin-4/interleukin-13 (dupilumab) and anti-immunoglobulin E (omalizumab), have demonstrated efficacy compared with intranasal corticosteroids (INCS). However, no head-to-head RCTs exist between biologics.

OBJECTIVE

To perform an indirect treatment comparison (ITC) of the efficacy of biologics plus INCS versus placebo (INCS) as a common comparator.

METHODS

Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane were searched for RCTs of biologics in CRSwNP. Bucher ITCs were performed for outcomes at week 24: nasal polyp score (NPS) (range, 0-8), nasal congestion (NC) (range, 0-3), loss of smell (range, 0-3), University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (range, 0-40), total symptom score (range, 0-12), 22-item sinonasal outcome test (range, 0-110), and responder analyses based on NPS or NC improvement of 1 point or greater.

RESULTS

Assessment of trial design, baseline characteristics, and outcome measures suggested that ITC was feasible with four phase 3 RCTs: dupilumab SINUS-24 and SINUS-52 (NCT02912468/NCT02898454) and omalizumab POLYP 1 and POLYP 2 (NCT03280550/NCT03280537). In the intent-to-treat population, dupilumab had significantly greater improvements from baseline to week 24 versus omalizumab across key outcomes: NPS (least squares mean difference [95% confidence interval], -1.04 [-1.63 to -0.44]), NC (-0.35 [-0.60 to -0.11]), loss of smell (-0.66 [-0.90 to -0.42]), University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (6.70 [4.67-8.73]), and total symptom score (-1.18 [-1.95 to -0.41]). Improvement in the 22-item sinonasal outcome test was greater in dupilumab versus omalizumab but was not statistically significant. Dupilumab patients were significantly more likely to achieve ≥1-point improvement in NPS (odds ratio [95% CI] = 3.58 [1.82-7.04]) and NC (2.13 [1.12-4.04]) versus omalizumab.

CONCLUSIONS

Although ITCs have limitations, these results demonstrated that dupilumab had consistently greater improvements in key CRSwNP outcomes versus omalizumab at week 24.

Effects of chamomile extract nasal drop on chronic rhinosinusitis treatment: A randomized double blind study

OBJECTIVES

Recently, more attention has been paid to herbal treatment in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients. Chamomile (Matrricaria chamomilla) has extensive clinical uses in traditional-Persian medicine for its therapeutic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chamomile extract on the clinical symptoms of patients with CRS in a university hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a randomized double-blind placebo-group clinical trial, 74 CRS patients were examined by an otolaryngologist blinded to the study groups, and the effects of treatment (according to SNOT-22 questionnaire) and possible complications recorded. Statistical analysis performed using SPSS software version 21, and level of significance considered as P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Of the 74 patients (31 females and 43 male), 37 cases randomized in the intervention and 37 cases in the placebo group. The Lund-Mackay score, clinical findings in endoscopic nasal examination and mean score of the SNOT-22 were not significantly different at baseline visit between the two study groups. The adjusted mean score of quality of life during the four time periods in the intervention group (34.3, confidence interval of 95%: 31.8-36.7) was significantly lower than that of control group (45.9, confidence interval of 95%: 43.5-48.4) (P-value = 0.001). Also, clinical improvement in endoscopic nasal examination was significant in intervention group compared with placebo group.

CONCLUSION

Chamomile extract is effective in further reducing the clinical symptoms and improving the quality of life of CRS patients.

Systematic literature review of the epidemiology and clinical burden of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) to determine the epidemiology and clinical burden of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and to describe how the addition of biologics has affected outcomes for patients with CRSwNP.

METHODS

The SLR adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Embase, MEDLINE, and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews databases were searched using OVID. Relevant studies published between 1 January 2008 and 8 February 2019, for epidemiology, and 1 January 2008 and 16 February 2019, for clinical burden, and relevant conference abstracts from 1 January 2017 to 7 March 2019, for epidemiology and 1 January 2017-16 February 2019 for clinical burden were included.

RESULTS

For the epidemiology and clinical burden SLR, 147 and 119 records, respectively, met the inclusion criteria. We found the prevalence of CRSwNP was 1-2.6% and was greater in men. Asthma, allergy, and allergic rhinitis were the most common comorbidities identified. Reported risk factors included asthma, gene polymorphisms, age, and eosinophilia. Studies indicated that dupilumab, mepolizumab, and omalizumab each improved different clinical outcomes. Non-biologics (drugs such as corticosteroids or antibiotics, surgery, or aspirin desensitization) improved clinical outcomes as well.

CONCLUSIONS

CRSwNP is fairly prevalent in the general population. Despite the significant efficacy of existing treatments, several unmet needs remain. The high burden of uncontrolled symptoms, frequent recurrence of nasal polyps after surgery, and long-term adverse effects of oral corticosteroids indicate that new therapies addressing these unmet needs should be developed. Although data on biologics from randomized controlled trials look promising, the efficacy of biologics in the real world has yet to be established. The SLR of the epidemiology and clinical burden of CRSwNP revealed key gaps in the literature. There was a paucity of prevalence data across many geographic areas, and no prevalence projections could be determined. Studies showed varying efficacy of non-biologics and no studies directly compared biologics for efficacy. Data regarding clinical efficacy of agents for eosinophilic CRSwNP or severe CRSwNP were lacking, and these patient populations would be served by more trials.

Evaluating the Efficacy and Trend of Sinus Surgery

Introduction  From April 2009 to December 2016, 661 consecutive patients undergoing sinus surgery completed a quality of life (QOL) questionnaire (SNOT-22) preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Objective  (1) To evaluate the long-term efficacy of sinus surgery using QOL instruments. (2) To determine the optimal evaluation time for surgical efficacy. (3) To determine if surgical results improve with yearly experience.

Methods  The prospective study patients were split into two groups: Group A, those who completed the initial preoperative evaluation and all postoperative evaluations, and Group B, who completed the preoperative questionnaire and at least one but not all of the postoperative questionnaires. Group A included 93 patients. Group B included 240 patients at 3 months, 180 at 6 months, and 121 at 12 months postoperatively.

Results  Group A efficacy reported at 3 months was 82.8%, 80.6% at 6 months, and 84.9% at 12 months postoperatively. Group B efficacy reported at 3 months was 71.3%, 78.3% at 6 months, and 84.3% at 12 months postoperatively. An 8-year trend analysis of year-to-year 12 months postoperative data illustrates a significant improvement with an analysis of variance (ANOVA) linear rate of 1.594 ( p ≤0.12).

Conclusion  The 8-year trend at 12 months postoperatively shows a positive improvement in surgical results. Patients undergoing sinus surgery at tertiary medical center showed 84.9% improvement in sinus disease symptoms by 12 months postoperatively. Long-term improvement analysis showed no difference between 6 months postoperatively and 12 months, signifying 6 months as an effective evaluation for surgical efficacy.

Nasal Airway Obstruction Study (NAIROS): a phase III, open-label, mixed-methods, multicentre randomised controlled trial of septoplasty versus medical management of a septal deviation with nasal obstruction

BACKGROUND

Septoplasty (surgery to straighten a deviation in the nasal septum) is a frequently performed operation worldwide, with approximately 250,000 performed annually in the US and 22,000 in the UK. Most septoplasties aim to improve diurnal and nocturnal nasal obstruction. The evidence base for septoplasty clinical effectiveness is hitherto very limited.

AIMS

To establish, and inform guidance for, the best management strategy for individuals with nasal obstruction associated with a deviated septum.

METHODS/DESIGN

A multicentre, mixed-methods, open label, randomised controlled trial of septoplasty versus medical management for adults with a deviated septum and a reduced nasal airway. Eligible patients will have septal deflection visible at nasendoscopy and a nasal symptom score ≥ 30 on the NOSE questionnaire. Surgical treatment comprises septoplasty with or without reduction of the inferior nasal turbinate on the anatomically wider side of the nose. Medical management comprises a nasal saline spray followed by a fluorinated steroid spray daily for six months. The recruitment target is 378 patients, recruited from up to 17 sites across Scotland, England and Wales. Randomisation will be on a 1:1 basis, stratified by gender and severity (NOSE score). Participants will be followed up for 12 months post randomisation. The primary outcome measure is the total SNOT-22 score at 6 months. Clinical and economic outcomes will be modelled against baseline severity (NOSE scale) to inform clinical decision-making. The study includes a recruitment enhancement process, and an economic evaluation.

DISCUSSION

The NAIROS trial will evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of septoplasty versus medical management for adults with a deviated septum and symptoms of nasal blockage. Identifying those individuals most likely to benefit from surgery should enable more efficient and effective clinical decision-making, and avoid unnecessary operations where there is low likelihood of patient benefit.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

EudraCT: 2017-000893-12, ISRCTN: 16168569. Registered on 24 March 2017.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps in Older Adults: Clinical Presentation, Pathophysiology, and Comorbidity

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a common condition that significantly affects patients' life. This work aims to provide an up-to-date overview of CRSwNP in older adults, focusing on its aging-related clinical presentations, pathophysiology, and comorbidity associations including asthma.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent large population-based studies using nasal endoscopy have shown that CRSwNP is a mostly late-onset disease. Age-related changes in physiologic functions, including nasal epithelial barrier dysfunction, may underlie the incidence and different clinical presentations of CRSwNP in older adults. However, there is still a paucity of evidence on the effect of aging on phenotypes and endotypes of CRSwNP. Meanwhile, late-onset asthma is a major comorbid condition in patients with CRSwNP; they frequently present with type 2 inflammatory signatures that are refractory to conventional treatments when they are comorbid. However, as they are more commonly non-atopic, causative factors other than classical atopic sensitization, such as Staphylococcus aureus specific IgE sensitization, are suggested to drive the type 2 inflammation. There are additional comorbidity associations in older patients with CRSwNP, including those with chronic otitis media and head and neck malignancy. Age is a major determinant for the incidence and clinical presentations of CRSwNP. Given the heterogeneity in phenotypes and endotypes, longitudinal investigations are warranted to elucidate the effects of aging on CRSwNP.

Combined endoscopic and intra-oral approach for chronic maxillary sinusitis of dental origin-a prospective clinical study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The traditional Caldwell-Luc approach for maxillary diseases has been criticized for its shortcomings such as removal of a large amount of bone, numbness of the teeth, flap dehiscence, and recurrent sinusitis. On account of its minimal invasiveness and physiological approach, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) has come to replace the Caldwell-Luc approach for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Chronic maxillary sinusitis of dental origin (CMSDO) is a less common variant on the chronic rhinosinusitis spectrum whose treatment involves simultaneous management of both the diseased maxillary sinus and the dental source of infection. Thus, this study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of FESS when combined with an intra-oral approach for the treatment of CMSDO.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighteen patients with CMSDO in the age group of 18-50 years were treated with a combined endoscopic and intra-oral approach (buccal advancement flap with/without buccal fat pad) in this study. The patients were followed up for a total duration of 18 months. The primary outcome measurements were the SNOT-22 Quality of Life questionnaire and the Lund and Mackay CT Scan Scoring Criteria. The Friedman test was used to assess improvement in the above variables and the level of significance was set at 0.05.

OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS

There was a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) in both the above parameters at all post-operative intervals. Two patients presented with epistaxis (immediate post-operative phase) and synechiae (second week follow-up interval). Both complications were successfully resolved. Two patients showed recurrence at the 6th-month interval for which they underwent revision surgery successfully. Overall, results were maintained even at the 18th month follow-up interval.

CONCLUSION

The endoscopic approach appears to be a reliable, minimally invasive technique associated with less morbidity and stable long-term results. Thus, a multi-disciplinary approach between maxillofacial surgeons and otolaryngologists is essential in the treatment of CMSDO.

Symptom Profile of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Versus Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Tertiary Rhinology Clinic

Objectives:

Patients with undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often present to an otolaryngologist with symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This study analyzes symptom profiles of such patients to help identify those who may benefit from polysomnography.

Methods:

This is a 2-year retrospective analysis of adult patients at an academic practice with a rhinologic chief complaint. Results of the 22-Item Sinonasal Outcomes Test (SNOT-22) were compared between patients with untreated OSA without CRS (OSA group) and a control group of CRS patients (CRS group). Univariate analysis with Bonferroni correction and multiple logistic regression were used.

Results:

Forty-one patients were included in the OSA group (mean apnea-hypopnea index = 28.8, SD = 21.0) and 124 patients in the CRS group. CRS group demonstrated higher scores in nasal, extra-nasal, and ear/facial symptom domains ( P < .001), while OSA group displayed higher psychological ( P = .020) and sleep domain scores ( P = .048). Nasal discharge ( P < .001) and loss of smell/taste ( P = .004) scores were higher in CRS group, whereas facial pain ( P = .285) and nasal obstruction ( P = .822) were not significantly different. On logistic regression, thick nasal discharge, loss of smell/taste, and ear pain were predictive of CRS, while waking up tired was predictive of OSA. Finally, OSA group was more likely to choose a sleep-related issue as a most important symptom (MIS) ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

OSA and CRS have significant overlap in symptom profiles. The SNOT-22 can help identify those with undiagnosed OSA. OSA should be suspected in patients who report a sleep-related item as a MIS and display higher psychological and sleep domain scores.

Quality of life outcomes of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis after functional endoscopic sinus surgery, prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To compare the outcome of patients with unilateral CRSsNP (U CRSsNP) and bilateral CRSsNP (B CRSsNP) undergoing FESS. Also, we evaluate the impact of SNOT-22 domains to predict their quality of life (QOL) outcomes and compare these factors with those of CRSwNP group, published in previous work.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was performed in the hospital 20 August,66 patients who were presented between January 2016 and December 2017 were diagnosed with CRS according to guideline recommendations, and were beforehand refractory to initial medical therapy and elected to FESS. The Sino Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) was used to evaluate QOL.

RESULTS

A higher significant improvement was observed between preoperative and postoperative SNOT-22 scores in U CRSsNP group [37.13 ± 9.307 versus 14.11 ± 8.531] and in B CRSsNP group [41.76 ± 6.949 versus 18.57 ± 8.495]. In the U CRSsNP group, patients having a preoperative SNOT-22 score higher than 20 points attained MCID in 88%. For the other group, patients having preoperative SNOT-22 score superior to 40 points achieved MCID in 66%. A multivariate logistic regression model found preoperative predictors that have impact on QOL outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes from this study suggest that patients with U CRSsNP having a preoperative SNOT-22 scores between 10 and 19, and patients with B CRSsNP having a preoperative SNOT-22 scores between 10 and 19 or 20-29 had no chance of achieving an MCID improvement after FESS. Also, preoperative rhinologic symptoms and preoperative psychological dysfunction domains of SNOT-22 are helpful tools to predict improvement after FESS unlike the unilateral character of CRS.

Allergy accelerates the disease progression of chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

The role of allergy in the development of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in East Asians is not clear.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

The aim was to investigate the impact of allergies in the clinical characteristics of chronic rhinosinusitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 138 CRS patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery were included. A brief history of rhinosinusitis symptoms, blood eosinophil count, blood-specific allergen tests, computed tomography (CT) scan findings, Lund-Mackay (LM) CT scores, and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) Questionnaire scores, and sinoscopy findings at 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The ImmunoCAP test was positive in 71(51%) patients and negative in 67(49%) patients. The mean age of those who received endoscopic sinus surgery was 7-years younger in the allergic group compared with the non-allergic group (p = .008). The peripheral eosinophil count in the allergic group was higher than that of the non-allergic group (p = .008). The LM scores and SNOT-22 scores were not significantly different between the two groups. The recurrence rate of nasal polyps in the allergic group was higher but without statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

Allergy may accelerate the disease progression of CRS. The presence of the serum-specific IgE was correlated with peripheral eosinophil percentage, especially in the CRSwNP patients.

Cluster Analysis of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Suggests Gender-Based Differences

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the interaction between the overall severity of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) before treatment and subjective improvement following surgical or medical treatment.

PROCEDURES

A group of 97 patients with CRS completed the visual analog scale (VAS) symptom score and the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) questionnaire in the moment of their sinus computerized tomography (CT) scan. Data were analyzed via a 2-step cluster analysis based on gender, polyp presence, CT scan, and VAS scores for symptoms.

RESULTS

There were 3 clusters: the first cluster comprised 37 female patients with CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), the second cluster comprised 30 patients with CRS and NP (CRSwNP; 15 males and 15 females); and third cluster had 30 male patients with CRS without NP (CRSsNP). Different symptom patterns between clusters were identified. After adjustment for polyp presence, gender, eosinophilia (p = 0.021), and the SNOT-22 score (p = 0.005) were found to be better outcome predictors than the CT score (p = 0.26).

CONCLUSION

Long-term patient satisfaction is significantly associated with the subjective symptom severity prior to treatment, i.e., postnasal drip and overall disease severity (SNOT-22 score), but not with the objective severity of the disease (CT score and inflammation).

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of SNOT-22 Outcomes after Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis

Objective Wide variation exists regarding reported outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). This study seeks to combine data across studies to generate a summary measure and explore factors that might lead to variation. Data Sources OVID Medline, Scopus, EbscoHost, Database of Abstracts and Reviews of Effects, Health Technology Assessment, and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database. Review Methods A search was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. Two independent researchers conducted a search using the mentioned data sources. Studies published before August 29, 2016, that involved ESS to treat CRSwNP were included. Mean changes in Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) scores were determined through metaregression of the following independent variables: publication year, sex, age, allergy status, asthma, tobacco use, prior surgery, follow-up length, and preoperative SNOT-22. Results Fifteen articles with 3048 patients treated with ESS met inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses of SNOT-22 scores revealed a mean change of 23.0 points (95% CI, 20.2-25.8; P < .001). A metaregression of patient factor effects on the mean change of SNOT-22 scores demonstrated that age ( r = 0.71, P = .01), asthma ( r = 0.21, P = .01), prior ESS ( r = 0.29, P = .01), and preoperative SNOT-22 score ( r = 0.4, P < .01) correlated with greater improvement in SNOT-22 scores. Tobacco use ( r = -0.91, P = .01) and longer lengths of follow-up ( r = -0.45, P < .01) were associated with less improvement in SNOT-22 scores. Conclusions Quality-of-life outcomes are significantly improved after ESS among patients with CRSwNP. Patient-specific factors may affect the degree of SNOT-22 change after surgery.

Relative frequencies of symptoms and risk factors among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps using a case-control study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the relative frequency of important symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), the link between CRSwNP and the lower airways and the importance of smoking in CRSwNP.

METHOD

Three hundred and sixty-eight patients with CRSwNP and 1349 controls were recruited to the study and underwent a structured interview about symptoms from the upper and lower airways, and about smoking habits. Furthermore, all participants were clinically examined using nasal endoscopy.

RESULTS

Due to interactions between the outcome variables, a multiple logistic regression model was fitted to the data. Nasal secretions, nasal blockage and impaired sense of smell were symptoms associated with CRSwNP. Furthermore, male gender, increasing age and asthma were also associated with the disease. Current smoking was less frequent among patients with CRSwNP.

CONCLUSION

By comparing symptoms and risk factors of patients with CRSwNP with those of a large population-based control group and testing them in a multiple logistic regression model, we have been able to generate data that address key research interests in CRSwNP.

Sino-Nasal outcome test-22 outcomes after sinus surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

The goal of the study was to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the mean change in the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) across patients who have had endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in the literature.

METHODS

A literature search was performed to identify studies that assessed SNOT-22 scores before and after ESS in adult patients with CRS. A random effects model with inverse variance weighting was used to generate the mean change after surgery, along with the forest plot and 95% confidence interval (CI). The impact of patient-specific factors across studies was assessed using a mixed-effects meta-regression.

RESULTS

The final study list included 40 unique patient cohorts published from 2008 to 2016. All studies showed a statistically significant change in mean SNOT-22 scores between baseline and postoperative time points (P < .001), ranging from 12.7 to 44.8, at an average follow-up of 10.6 months. The summary change in mean SNOT-22 across all studies was 24.4 (95% CI: 22.0-26.8). After forward, step-wise multivariate modeling, studies with higher mean preoperative SNOT-22 score and higher asthma prevalence were associated with greater changes in SNOT-22 score after ESS, whereas studies with longer mean follow-up had smaller changes in SNOT-22 score.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies evaluating quality-of-life outcomes after sinus surgery using the SNOT-22 instrument universally show significant improvement after ESS. Across the published literature, the magnitude of change is quite variable and appears to be influenced by a number of factors including baseline SNOT-22 score, asthma prevalence, and length of follow-up. Laryngoscope, 128:581-592, 2018.

Health utility reporting in chronic rhinosinusitis patients

OBJECTIVES

Direct comparison of different diseases allows clinicians and researchers to place the burden of symptoms and impact on quality of life of each condition in context. Generic health-related quality-of-life assessment tools allow such analysis, and limited data are available for British patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

DESIGN

As part of a larger feasibility study, patients underwent baseline assessment using the SNOT-22, SF-12 and EQ-5D-5L tools. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and algorithms available for the analysis of the later two tools. We plotted EQ-5D-5L VAS and utility scores and SF-12 MCS and PCS scores separately against SNOT-22 scores and quantified associations using bivariate ordinary least squares regression analysis.

SETTING

Patients were prospectively recruited from six UK outpatient clinics.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNPs).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Baseline SNOT-22, SF-12 and EQ-5D-5L scores.

RESULTS

Fifty-two adults were recruited with a mean age of 55 years, 51% were male. The mean SNOT-22 score was 43.82. Mental and physical component scores of the SF-12 were 46.53 and 46, respectively. Mean index score computed form the EQ-5D-5L was 0.75. Worse (higher) SNOT-22 scores were associated with lower EQ-5D-5L VAS and utility scores and SF-12 MCS and PCS scores.

CONCLUSION

The EQ-5D-5L suggests that British CRSsNPs patients are negatively impacted with regards to quality of life. We found the SF-12 to be less sensitive and conclude that the EQ-5D-5L tool is a quick and accessible method for assessing QOL in order it can be compared with other disease states.

Outcomes of endoscopic ethmoidectomy performed on a day-case basis: a prospective bi-centric study

Evaluation of endoscopic ethmoidectomy performed as a day-case in terms of security, quality, and satisfaction of the patient. This prospective observatory bi-centric study over 1 year included 74 patients undergoing an ethmoidectomy respecting the eligibility criteria of ambulatory care. We recorded patients' demographic data, operative details, satisfaction, postoperative course, and follow-up results. Nasal symptoms were evaluated by SNOT-22 on preoperative appointment and postoperatively at D30. No non-absorbable nasal packing was used, eventually in the case of preoperative-bleeding absorbable gelatine packing. The postoperative follow-up took place at D1 by phone call and at D10 and D30 to assess complications, Visual Analogue Scale, and state of ethmoidal corridors by endoscopic exam. Patients benefited of bilateral ethmoidectomy in 82.4 % cases associated with septoplasty in 42 %. The majority (95 %) was discharged on the same day. Only one patient had bleeding at D0 and was kept in standard hospitalization, such as three other patients for medical or organizational reasons not related to surgery. At D1, 23 % described postoperative light bleeding but needed no revisit and pain was estimated at 1.3 (VAS). No readmission was observed, and no major complication was noted. SNOT-22 decreased successfully by 56 %, statistically related to postoperative treatment of corticosteroids and in the case of Samter triad. 97 % of patients were satisfied of the ambulatory care. These results suggest that within an experienced and dedicated day-case medical and paramedical team, ethmoidectomy can be safely performed on a day-case basis with high quality of taking care and satisfaction of patients.

Differences in the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 and visual analog scale symptom scores in chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with and without polyps has a high impact on health-related quality of life (HRQL), but the difference in HRQL and symptom presentation between two clinical phenotypes of CRS has not been specifically evaluated before now.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate patterns of symptoms and HRQL disease-specific domains affected in patients with CRS by comparing differences between two clinical phenotypes, adjusted for demographics, major risk factors, comorbidities, current medical treatment, and previous surgery.

METHODS

A group of 251 patients with CRS completed the visual analog scale (VAS) symptom severity score and the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) questionnaire. Data sets were analyzed by using principal component analysis (PCA) to identify a set of symptom components, together with the items excluded from PCA, which were then analyzed for differences between patients with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and patients with CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP).

RESULTS

PCA of SNOT-22 items identified six components, three referred to CRS-specific symptoms termed "nasal"; "extranasal, rhinologic"; and "olfactory/cough"; and three referred to HRQL impairment termed "sleep disturbance," "functional disturbance," and "emotional disturbance." Nasal obstruction, ear pain, ear fullness, and fatigue were excluded from PCA and treated as separate outcomes. Patients with CRSwNP had significantly worse nasal symptoms, olfactory/cough symptoms, and nasal obstruction. Patients with CRSsNP scored significantly worse with regard to fatigue and to sleep and functional disturbances. The PCA results for VAS scores identified three symptom components: pain, nasal symptoms, and pharyngeal symptoms. Patients with CRSwNP had significantly worse VAS nasal symptoms but less pronounced VAS pain symptoms than patients with CRSsNP. The total SNOT-22 score between the groups was not significantly different.

CONCLUSION

With controlling of covariates that may influence the severity of the disease, this study showed significant differences in symptom patterns and different aspects of HRQL impairment between patients with CRSwNP and patients with CRSsNP, however, with no difference in the total HRQL score.