Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in type 2 diabetics: symptom load and pathophysiologic aspects - a retro-pro study

Factors associated with gastro-duodenal ulcer in compensated type 2 diabetic patients: a Romanian single-center study

INTRODUCTION

Helicobacter pylori infection is accepted as the leading cause of chronic gastritis, ulcer disease and gastric cancer, with an important impact on health care burden, especially in countries with a high prevalence of infection. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of H. pylori infection, medication, associated medical conditions or social habits on endoscopic ulcer occurrence in the compensated type 2 diabetic population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two hundred and sixty type 2 diabetic patients investigated on endoscopy (57 patients with peptic ulcer and 203 controls) with a complete set of biopsies, demographic and medical data were enrolled.

RESULTS

On univariate regression analysis, H. pylori infection (42.1% vs. 35.5%, p = 0.359) or a history of peptic ulcer (61.4% vs. 61.6%, p = 0.981) was not a predictor for ulcer on endoscopy in the diabetic population, and heartburn was more frequent in diabetics without ulcer (21.2% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.033). Anemia was the best predictor for ulcer on endoscopy in both diabetics with (p < 0.001, OR = 4.77, 95% CI: 2.02-11.28) and without (p = 0.027, OR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.10-6.91) chronic proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. In diabetic patients on PPI more than 1 month anticoagulants - acenocoumarol or low-weight molecular heparin (p = 0.038, OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.04-5.40), low-dose aspirin 75-125 mg/day (p = 0.029, OR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.08-6.28) and alcohol consumption (p = 0.015, OR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.19-6.13) were predictors for ulcer on endoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

In diabetic patients, anemia is the most important predictor for ulcer on endoscopy, but not H. pylori or digestive symptoms, while low-dose aspirin or anticoagulant therapy and alcohol consumption are the most important predictors for ulcer in diabetics on chronic proton pump inhibitor therapy.

PECULIARITIES OF STATE OF PROTECTION AND AGGRESSION FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE II AND GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most serious problems of the clinical medicine. This is determined by the fact that it is followed by multisystemic affects, as well as complications on the side of other organs and systems, among which a special place is occupied by gastroesophageal reflux disease. As for the combination and mutual influence of diabetes mellitus and gastroesophageal reflux disease, this issue has not been studied yet, the data of modern literature are not complete and quite contradictory. The aim of the study: to investigate the state of the factors of aggression and protection of the oesophageal mucosa in patients with diabetes mellitus type II with concomitant gastroesophageal reflux disease without associated pathology. Method. There were two groups of patients under observation. The first group included 45 patients with diabetes mellitus type II with concomitant gastroesophageal reflux disease (26 men and 19 women). The second group included 38 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease without associated pathology – 20 men and 18 women. By sex, age, body weight, Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking and alcohol consumption, both groups were comparable. The surveillance program included determining the compensation ratio of carbohydrate metabolism and the state of the factor. The antioxidant protection factor was assessed by the level of catalase activity in the blood serum, as well as by the diameter of the celiac trunk and the blood flow velocity in it. Statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out with the aid of the program WINDOWS STATISTIKA 6.0. For all types of analysis, differences were considered statistically significant with p<0.05. Results. During the study, we found that in patients with diabetes mellitus type II with concomitant gastroesophageal reflux disease, as well as in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease without associated pathology, the level of pH-metry was reduced, but with varying measures of confidence. At the same time, we found that patients with GERD without associated pathology had a decrease in the blood flow velocity in the celiac trunk. Concurrently, we ascertained that the decrease in the blood flow velocity in patients of both groups reduced the diameter of the celiac trunk. Conclusions. In patients with diabetes mellitus type II, concomitant gastroesophageal reflux disease has a subtle clinical presentation that is affected by a significant decline in mucosal sealing protection factors. In patients with GERD without associated pathology, typical clinical manifestations, accompanied by inflammation, acid regurgitation and dyspepsia, are more vivid.

Metformin and Micronutrient Status in Type 2 Diabetes: Does Polypharmacy Involving Acid-Suppressing Medications Affect Vitamin B12 Levels?

Metformin is the first-choice drug in uncomplicated type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and is effective in improving glycaemic control. It is the most widely prescribed oral antidiabetic medicine and has a good safety profile. However, there is an abundance of evidence that metformin use is associated with decreased Vitamin B12 status, though the clinical implications of this in terms of increased risk of diabetic peripheral neuropathy are debated. There is growing evidence that other B vitamins, vitamin D and magnesium may also be impacted by metformin use in addition to alterations to the composition of the microbiome, depending on the dose and duration of therapy. Patients using metformin for prolonged periods may, therefore, need initial screening with intermittent follow-up, particularly since vitamin B₁₂ deficiency has similar symptoms to diabetic neuropathy which itself affects 40-50% of patients with T2DM at some stage. Among patients with T2DM, 40% are reported to experience symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), of whom 70% use oral antidiabetic medications. The most common medications used to treat GORD are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antagonists of histamine selective H₂ receptors (H₂RAs), both of which independently affect vitamin B₁₂ and magnesium status. Research indicates that co-prescribing metformin with either PPIs or H₂RAs can have further deleterious effects on vitamin B₁₂ status. Vitamin B12 deficiency related to metformin and polypharmacy is likely to contribute to the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy which may frequently be under-recognised. This review explores current knowledge surrounding these issues and suggests treatment strategies such as supplementation.

Diabetes in relation to Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinomas of the esophagus: A pooled study from the International Barrett's and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Consortium

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is positively associated with various cancers, but its relationship with tumors of the esophagus/esophagogastric junction remains unclear.

METHODS

Data were harmonized across 13 studies in the International Barrett's and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Consortium, comprising 2309 esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) cases, 1938 esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma (EGJA) cases, 1728 Barrett's esophagus (BE) cases, and 16,354 controls. Logistic regression was used to estimate study-specific odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for self-reported diabetes in association with EA, EGJA, and BE. Adjusted ORs were then combined using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Diabetes was associated with a 34% increased risk of EA (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.00-1.80; I2  = 48.8% [where 0% indicates no heterogeneity, and larger values indicate increasing heterogeneity between studies]), 27% for EGJA (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.05-1.55; I2  = 0.0%), and 30% for EA/EGJA combined (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.06-1.58; I2  = 34.9%). Regurgitation symptoms modified the diabetes-EA/EGJA association (P for interaction = .04) with a 63% increased risk among participants with regurgitation (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.19-2.22), but not among those without regurgitation (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.74-1.43). No consistent association was found between diabetes and BE.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes was associated with increased EA and EGJA risk, which was confined to individuals with regurgitation symptoms. Lack of an association between diabetes and BE suggests that diabetes may influence progression of BE to cancer.

Diabetes in the practice of otolaryngology

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disease, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. The hyperglycemic milieu leads to endothelial injury in blood vessels of variant size, which results in microangiopathy and macroangiopathy (atherosclerosis). Consequential ischemia of nerves and hyperglycemia by itself lead to nerve degeneration and generalized neuropathy, affecting most often the sensory peripheral nerves and the autonomic nervous system. Auditory, vestibular and olfactory sensorium may be compromised by DM. People with DM have an increased susceptibility to infection, as a result of neutrophil dysfunction and impaired humoral immunity. Therefore DM predisposes to certain infectious diseases, such as fungal sinusitis or malignant otitis externa, which are rare in general population. Recovery from infections or from injuries may be compromised by coexisting DM. In this review we discuss complications of DM in the head and neck region. Otolaryngologists and general practitioners should be alert to specific conditions related to DM and be minded of the relevant complications and consequences.

Decline in perception of acid regurgitation symptoms from gastroesophageal reflux disease in diabetes mellitus patients

Objectives

To determine if a discrepancy exists between subjective symptoms and the grade of endoscopic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients.

Methods

All 2,884 patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy completed the modified Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), an interview-based rating scale consisting of 16 items including a question on acid regurgitation. Patients were divided into DM and non-DM groups (1,135 and 1,749 patients, respectively). GERD was diagnosed endoscopically and graded according to the Los Angeles classification. Grade B or more severe GERD was defined as severe endoscopic GERD. The intergroup GSRS score was compared statistically.

Results

In severe endoscopic GERD patients, the prevalence of patients with a positive GSRS score in the acid regurgitation question was statistically lower in DM patients than non-DM patients. Of the 60 non-DM patients with severe endoscopic GERD, 40 patients (67%) had a positive GSRS score for acid regurgitation; however, of the 51 DM patients with severe endoscopic GERD, 23 patients (45%) had a positive GSRS score. Multivariate analysis showed that severe endoscopic GERD (OR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.21–3.33; p = 0.0066), non-DM (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.54–0.94; p = 0.0157), younger age (OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97–0.99; p = 0.0125), and hiatal hernia (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.12–1.90; p = 0.0042) were associated with acid regurgitation symptoms.

Conclusions

There is a discrepancy between subjective symptoms and endoscopic GERD grade in DM patients. The ability of DM patients to feel acid regurgitation may be decreased.

Prevalence and pattern of co morbidity among type2 diabetics attending urban primary healthcare centers at Bhubaneswar (India)

OBJECTIVE

India has the second largest diabetic population in the world. The chronic nature of the disease and high prevalence of co-existing chronic medical conditions or "co morbidities" makes diabetes management complex for the patient and for health care providers. Hence a strong need was felt to explore the problem of co morbidity among diabetics and its dimensions in primary health care practices.

METHOD

This cross sectional survey was carried out on 912 type 2 diabetes patients attending different urban primary health care facilities at Bhubaneswar. Data regarding existence of co morbidity and demographical details were elicited by a predesigned, pretested questionnaire"Diabetes Co morbidity Evaluation Tool in Primary Care (DCET- PC)". Statistical analyses were done using STATA.

RESULTS

Overall 84% had one ormore than one comorbid condition. The most frequent co morbid conditions were hypertension [62%], acid peptic disease [28%], chronic back ache [22%] and osteoarthritis [21%]. The median number of co morbid conditions among both males and females is 2[IQR = 2]. The range of the number of co morbid conditions was wider among males [0-14] than females [0-6]. The number of co morbidities was highest in the age group > = 60 across both sexes. Most of the male patients below 40 years of age had either single [53%] or three co morbidities [11%] whereas among female patients of the same age group single [40%] or two co morbidities [22%] were more predominantly present. Age was found to be a strong independent predictor for diabetes co morbidity. The odds of having co morbidity among people above poverty line and schedule caste were found to be[OR = 3.50; 95%CI 1.85-6.62]and [OR = 2.46; CI 95%1.16-5.25] respectively. Odds were increased for retired status [OR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.01-3.91] and obesity [OR = 3.96; 95%CI 1.01-15.76].

CONCLUSION

The results show a high prevalence of co morbidities in patients with type 2 diabetes attending urban primary health care facilities. Hypertension, acid peptic disease, chronic back ache and arthritis being the most common, strategies need to be designed taking into account the multiple demands of co morbidities.

Tension-Free Inlay Repair of Large Hiatal Hernias Using Dual-Sided Composite PTFE/ePTFE Meshes in Laparoscopic Surgery for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also frequently suffer from concomitant hiatal hernia. It has been described that a preoperative hiatal hernia of ≥3 cm is associated with a more than threefold relative risk for reflux symptom recurrence after fundoplication without mesh reinforcement. In this report, we describe our experience with the implantation of dual-sided composite PTFE/ePTFE meshes in a tension-free fashion during laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS).

METHODS

A prospective database containing data of all patients undergoing LARS and hiatal hernia repair with mesh implantation from January 2009 until December 2014 was interrogated. Ten patients with preoperative esophageal high resolution manometry and 24-hour pH impedance monitoring because of symptoms suggestive of GERD who received hiatal repair using dual-sided meshes in inlay technique were identified and included in this analysis.

RESULTS

There were no conversions to open surgery in the study group. Median operative time was 138 minutes (interquartile range Q1-Q3: 119-151 minutes) and average length of postoperative stay was 3.5 days (interquartile range Q1-Q3: 2.3-4.0 days). During a median follow-up period of 43.3 months (interquartile range Q1-Q3: 18.9-47.1 months), no redo operations had to be performed. Noteworthy, 2 patients complained about dysphagia (20%) during follow-up, but symptoms resolved after endoscopic interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Tension-free inlay repair of large hiatal hernias using dual-sided composite PTFE/ePTFE meshes during LARS provides promising results. It provides satisfactory symptom relief and prolonged control of GERD. Further studies to validate its efficiency in a larger collective are needed.

Metabolic syndrome is associated with increased risk of Barrett esophagus: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Barrett esophagus (BE) is considered precursor condition of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Its incidence and prevalence are increasing in general population. Studies reported that metabolic syndrome (MS) or diabetes mellitus (DM) is related to increased risk of BE. Current study was to assess and better understand the relationship between MS /DM and BE.

METHODS

Electronic search was conducted in the database Pubmed/Medline (-December, 2015), Embase (-December, 2015), Cochrane Library (-December, 2015), and Web of Knowledge (-December, 2015). Studies included were assessed with summary odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and compared exposure group with control group. The heterogeneity was examined by the funnel plot and the Egger's test. Subgroup analyses and sensitive analyses were performed for the detection of possible heterogeneity and impact on stability of analysis results.

RESULTS

Twelve publications met the criteria and included 355,311 subjects were analyzed. The pooled results showed MS was closely associated with increased risk of BE (OR = 1.23; 95%CI 1.03-1.47; P = 0.024), and yet DM did not significantly increase the risk of BE (OR = 1.07; 95%CI 0.82-1.38; P = 0.627). Substantial heterogeneities were detected. No significant publication bias was detected by Egger's test (P = 0.23).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of current meta-analysis, MS is associated with increased risk of BE. Further long-term follow-up prospective study needs to verify the current results, and definite pathophysiological mechanism needs to be further investigated and clearly elucidated.

Review of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the diabetic patient

This article reviews the known pathophysiological mechanisms of comorbid gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the diabetic patient, discusses therapeutic options in care, and provides an approach to its evaluation and management. We searched for review articles published in the past 10 years through a PubMed search using the filters diabetes mellitus, GERD, pathophysiology, and management. The search only yielded a handful of articles, so we independently included relevant studies from these review articles along with related citations as suggested by PubMed. We found diabetic patients are more prone to developing GERD and may present with atypical manifestations. A number of mechanisms have been proposed to elucidate the connection between these two diseases. Studies involving treatment options for comorbid disease suggest conflicting drug-drug interactions. Currently, there are no published guidelines specifically for the evaluation and management of GERD in the diabetic patient. Although there are several proposed mechanisms for the higher prevalence of GERD in the diabetic patient, this complex interrelationship requires further research. Understanding the pathophysiology will help direct diagnostic evaluation. In our review, we propose a management algorithm for GERD in the diabetic patient.

Treating Diabetic Neuropathy: Present Strategies and Emerging Solutions

Diabetic peripheral neuropathies (DPN) are a heterogeneous group of disorders caused by neuronal dysfunction in patients with diabetes. They have differing clinical courses, distributions, fiber involvement (large or small), and pathophysiology. These complications are associated with increased morbidity, distress, and healthcare costs. Approximately 50% of patients with diabetes develop peripheral neuropathy, and the projected rise in the global burden of diabetes is spurring an increase in neuropathy. Distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSPN) with painful diabetic neuropathy, occurring in around 20% of diabetes patients, and diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) are the most common manifestations of DPN. Optimal glucose control represents the only broadly accepted therapeutic option though evidence of its benefit in type 2 diabetes is unclear. A number of symptomatic treatments are recommended in clinical guidelines for the management of painful DPN, including antidepressants such as amitriptyline and duloxetine, the γ-aminobutyric acid analogues gabapentin and pregabalin, opioids, and topical agents such as capsaicin. However, monotherapy is frequently not effective in achieving complete resolution of pain in DPN. There is a growing need for head-to-head studies of different single-drug and combination pharmacotherapies. Due to the ubiquity of autonomic innervation in the body, DAN causes a plethora of symptoms and signs affecting cardiovascular, urogenital, gastrointestinal, pupillomotor, thermoregulatory, and sudomotor systems. The current treatment of DAN is largely symptomatic, and does not correct the underlying autonomic nerve deficit. A number of novel potential candidates, including erythropoietin analogues, angiotensin II receptor type 2 antagonists, and sodium channel blockers are currently being evaluated in phase II clinical trials.

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease among type-2 diabetes mellitus patients in a rural area

Background: One of the most neglected complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) is gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) which arises from autonomic neuropathy and diabetic gastropathy related to the extent of DM. This study was done to find prevalence of GERD in DM patients with GERD-questionnaire (GERDQ), dietary factor proportion, and their association with other GERD risk factor in rural area. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Puskesmas Pelaihari from August to September 2013. Subjects with DM aged ≥ 18 were selected consecutively from both newly and previously diagnosed patients with exclusion criteria: pregnancy, in proton-pump inhibitor therapy, and had other metabolic disease(s). DM was diagnosed with ADA criteria, while GERD was diagnosed in patients with score of ≥ 8 of Indonesian GERDQ. Results: There were 30 subjects (29.7%) with GERD among 101 patients with DM and dietary factors found in GERD patients were spicy diet (90%), high-fat food (90%), irritative beverages (87%), and irritative diet (23%). Only female gender was associated with GERD vs non-GERD in DM patients (87% vs 68%, p = 0.048). Meanwhile, duration of DM (2 [0-13] vs 2 [0-19], p = 0.976), obesity (37% vs 38%, p = 0.897), age (53.2±10.5 vs 54.7 ± 9.3, p = 0.481), and uncontrolled diabetes (90% vs 94%, p = 0.421) were not associated with the GERD among DM patients.Conclusion: Prevalence of GERD in DM is somewhat high in this study. Female group with DM needs to be screened for GERD as early as possible.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with diabetes: preliminary study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Some studies report that complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occur more frequently in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) than in non-diabetic patients. This study used transnasal endoscopy to elucidate the current status of concurrent GERD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and to examine the associations between intraesophageal pressure and GERD, as well as other neuropathic conditions.

METHODS

The study included 57 outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mean age was 67 years and the duration of DM was 13 years. The mean hemoglobin A1c was 6.8%. Transnasal endoscopic evaluation items were (i) the presence or absence of esophagitis and its severity; (ii) intraesophageal pressure; and (iii) Helicobacter pylori status, which was evaluated by endoscopic findings, such as the presence or absence of gastritis and peptic ulcer, and by urea breath test.

RESULTS

Of 57 patients, 24 (42.1%) were given a diagnosis of GERD based on endoscopy. Patients with concurrent GERD were younger, had shorter duration of DM, and were taller and heavier. Interestingly, no difference in body mass index was observed. There was no significant association between the presence of concurrent GERD and diabetic complications, including peripheral neuropathy, and infection or non-infection with H. pylori. Although there was no significant association between the presence of concurrent GERD and intraesophageal pressure values, we found aging, reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate, and the presence of autonomic nerve symptoms to correlate with reduced intraesophageal pressure.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study could be used to answer the question of whether or not endoscopic GERD is a diabetic complication; however, further study is required.

Cytoprotective effects of hydrogen sulfide in novel rat models of non-erosive esophagitis

Non-erosive esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the esophagus and is a form of gastroesophageal reflux disease. There are limited treatment options for non-erosive esophagitis, and it often progresses to Barrett's esophagus and esophageal carcinoma. Hydrogen sulfide has been demonstrated to be a critical mediator of gastric and intestinal mucosal protection and repair. However, roles for H2S in esophageal mucosal defence, inflammation and responses to injury have not been reported. We therefore examined the effects of endogenous and exogenous H2S in rat models of non-erosive esophagitis. Mild- and moderate-severity non-erosive esophagitis was induced in rats through supplementation of drinking water with fructose, plus or minus exposure to water-immersion stress. The effects of inhibitors of H2S synthesis or of an H2S donor on severity of esophagitis was then examined, along with changes in serum levels of a pro- and an anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-17 and IL-10, respectively). Exposure to water-immersion stress after consumption of the fructose-supplemented water for 28 days resulted in submucosal esophageal edema and neutrophil infiltration and the development of lesions in the muscular lamina and basal cell hyperplasia. Inhibition of H2S synthesis resulted in significant exacerbation of inflammation and injury. Serum levels of IL-17 were significantly elevated, while serum IL-10 levels were reduced. Treatment with an H2S donor significantly reduced the severity of esophageal injury and inflammation and normalized the serum cytokine levels. The rat models used in this study provide novel tools for studying non-erosive esophagitis with a range of severity. H2S contributes significantly to mucosal defence in the esophagus, and H2S donors may have therapeutic value in treating esophageal inflammation and injury.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease increases risk for gastroesophageal reflux symptoms

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now recognized as a leading cause of liver dysfunction. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder causing symptoms that often impair patients' quality of life. In recent years, the prevalence of both these diseases has increased, partially overlapping the rise of metabolic disorders.

AIMS

We investigated whether a relation does exist between NAFLD and GERD symptoms.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study among 206 outpatients diagnosed with NAFLD and 183 controls. We collected clinical and laboratory data, assessed severity and frequency of GERD symptoms and the esophageal endoscopic pattern.

RESULTS

The prevalence of GERD symptoms was higher in NAFLD patients than controls (61.2 vs. 27.9%, p < 0.001). We found a positive association between NAFLD and the experiencing of heartburn, regurgitation and belching. GERD symptoms were related to body mass index (BMI) and metabolic syndrome (MetS); a strong association persisted after adjustment for all the covariates (adjusted OR 3.49, 95 CI% 2.24-5.44, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that the prevalence of GERD typical symptoms is higher in patients with NAFLD. GERD was associated with higher BMI and MetS, but not with age and diabetes type 2. NAFLD remained strongly associated with GERD, independently of a coexisting MetS status. Consistent with these findings, MetS can be considered a shared background, but cannot completely explain this correlation. We suggest NAFLD as an independent risk factor for GERD symptoms.

The effect of diabetes mellitus on chronic rhinosinusitis and sinus surgery outcome

BACKGROUND

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are known to be prone to infection. However, the association between diabetes and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has not been well studied. We sought to determine the effects of DM on CRS culture results and quality of life (QOL) after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study. Adult CRS patients undergoing FESS were recruited from October 1, 2007 to December 31, 2011. Patient demographics, comorbidities, medication use, and Lund-Mackay CT scores were collected prior to FESS. Intraoperative culture was obtained. Preoperative and 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month postoperative QOL was measured by scores on the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). A mixed effects model was performed for analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 376 CRS patients included, 19 patients (5.05%) had DM. Compared to non-DM patients, DM patients were significantly more likely to have Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26.32% vs 7.56%; p = 0.004) and Gram-negative rods (26.32% vs 8.96%; p = 0.013), but there was no significant difference in the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus; DM patients were also significantly more likely to have nasal polyps and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Additionally, DM patients had significantly less improvement of postoperative SNOT-22 scores from baseline to 6-month follow-up than non-DM patients (adjusted mean = 11.14, 95% CI (0.14, 22.15), p = 0.047) after adjusting for all the other risk factors for CRS.

CONCLUSION

DM patients may be prone to Gram-negative bacterial sinus infections, and have significantly worse short-term postoperative QOL. Special postoperative care may need to be considered in CRS patients with DM.