Long-term outcome analysis of endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis

The role of large cavity sinus surgery in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease: a single-centre experience and long-term outcomes

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to discuss the role of large cavity functional endoscopic sinus surgery in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in patients with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of patients undergoing large cavity functional endoscopic sinus surgery for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease from January 2016 to March 2022. Population characteristics, pre- and post-operative number of functional endoscopic sinus surgical procedures, endoscopic polyp grade, Lund-Mackay score and nasal symptoms were recorded.

RESULTS

Thirteen consecutive patients with a median age of 47 years were included. They all failed maximal medical treatment and/or conservative functional endoscopic sinus surgery and underwent large cavity sinus surgery followed by post-operative maximal medical therapy. All patients showed an improvement in nasal symptoms with improved Lund-Mackay scores post-operatively. The median length of follow up was 1.5 years.

CONCLUSION

Large cavity functional endoscopic sinus surgery seems to halt the progression of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease. In this case series, large cavity functional endoscopic sinus surgery combined with optimal post-operative medical treatment appeared to switch off chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in patients with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease.

Blood Basophils Relevance in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is characterized by eosinophilic asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and intolerance to cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitors. Interest is emerging in studying the role of circulating inflammatory cells in CRSwNP pathogenesis and its course, as well as their potential use for a patient-tailored approach. By releasing IL-4, basophils play a crucial role in activating the Th2-mediated response. The main aim of this study was to, first, investigate the level of the pre-operative blood basophils' values, blood basophil/lymphocyte ratio (bBLR) and blood eosinophil-to-basophil ratio (bEBR) as predictors of recurrent polyps after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in AERD patients. The secondary aim was to compare the blood basophil-related variables of the AERD series (study group) with those of a control group of 95 consecutive cases of histologically non-eosinophilic CRSwNP. The AERD group showed a higher recurrence rate than the control group (p < 0.0001). The pre-operative blood basophil count and pre-operative bEBR were higher in AERD patients than in the control group (p = 0.0364 and p = 0.0006, respectively). The results of this study support the hypothesis that polyps removal may contribute to reducing the inflammation and activation of basophils.

Canadian multidisciplinary expert consensus on the use of biologics in upper airways: a Delphi study

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) often coexists with lower airway disease. With the overlap between upper and lower airway disease, optimal management of the upper airways is undertaken in conjunction with that of the lower airways. Biologic therapy with targeted activity within the Type 2 inflammatory pathway can improve the clinical signs and symptoms of both upper and lower airway diseases. Knowledge gaps nevertheless exist in how best to approach patient care as a whole. There have been sixteen randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trails performed for CRSwNP targeted components of the Type 2 inflammatory pathway, notably interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-13, IL- 5R, IL-33, and immunoglobulin (Ig)E. This white paper considers the perspectives of experts in various disciplines such as rhinology, allergy, and respirology across Canada, all of whom have unique and valuable insights to contribute on how to best approach patients with upper airway disease from a multidisciplinary perspective.

METHODS

A Delphi Method process was utilized involving three rounds of questionnaires in which the first two were completed individually online and the third was discussed on a virtual platform with all the panelists. A national multidisciplinary expert panel of 34 certified specialists was created, composed of 16 rhinologists, 7 allergists, and 11 respirologists who evaluated the 20 original statements on a scale of 1-9 and provided comments. All ratings were quantitively reviewed by mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation and inter-rater reliability. Consensus was defined by relative interrater reliability measures-kappa coefficient ([Formula: see text]) value > 0.61.

RESULTS

After three rounds, a total of 22 statements achieved consensus. This white paper only contains the final agreed upon statements and clear rationale and support for the statements regarding the use of biologics in patients with upper airway disease.

CONCLUSION

This white paper provides guidance to Canadian physicians on the use of biologic therapy for the management of upper airway disease from a multidisciplinary perspective, but the medical and surgical regimen should ultimately be individualized to the patient. As more biologics become available and additional trials are published we will provide updated versions of this white paper every few years.

Cluster analysis of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma after endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and asthma (CRSwAS) are highly heterogenous in severity and prognosis. The clinical phenotypes and inflammatory endotypes of CRSwAS and their association with outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) have not been fully studied yet.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to find out the clinical phenotypes of CRSwAS and explore their relationship with ESS outcomes using cluster analysis.

METHODS

We recruited 103 consecutive adult patients with CRSwAS who had undergone ESS and been followed up for more than 1 year. For cluster analysis, we collected the data from 63 variables pertaining to demographic characteristics, preoperative disease status, surgical techniques, postoperative medical treatment, and outcomes. Eosinophilic CRS was defined as greater than or equal to 10 eosinophils/high-power field, and sinus computed tomography was evaluated by Lund-Mackay sinus computed tomography score (LM score).

RESULTS

We screened 92 eligible patients and 13 preoperative variables for balanced iterative reducing and clustering using hierarchies cluster analysis. Patients with CRSwAS were divided into 4 clusters with distinct ESS outcomes: (1) cluster 1, characterized by aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, eosinophilic CRS, high preoperative LM score, moderate-to-severe asthma, and uncontrolled CRS after ESS; (2) cluster 2, characterized as having female dominance (66.67%), non-aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, eosinophilic CRS, high preoperative LM score, moderate-to-severe asthma, and uncontrolled CRS after ESS; (3) cluster 3, characterized as having female dominance (95.83%), noneosinophilic CRS, low preoperative LM score, moderate asthma, and controlled CRS after ESS; and (4) cluster 4, characterized as men-only, smoker, noneosinophilic CRS, low preoperative LM score, mild asthma, and controlled CRS after ESS.

CONCLUSION

CRSwAS has distinct clusters, each corresponding to unique clinical and inflammatory characteristics and ESS outcomes.

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.

The role of aspirin desensitization followed by oral aspirin therapy in managing patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease: A Work Group Report from the Rhinitis, Rhinosinusitis and Ocular Allergy Committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is characterized by the clinical triad of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, asthma, and an intolerance to medications that inhibit the cycloxgenase-1 enzyme. Patients with AERD on average have more severe respiratory disease compared with patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and/or asthma alone. Although patients with AERD traditionally develop significant upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms on ingestion of cycloxgenase-1 inhibitors, most of these same patients report clinical benefit when desensitized to aspirin and maintained on daily aspirin therapy. This Work Group Report provides a comprehensive review of aspirin challenges, aspirin desensitizations, and maintenance aspirin therapy in patients with AERD. Identification of appropriate candidates, indications and contraindications, medical and surgical optimization strategies, protocols, medical management during the desensitization, and recommendations for maintenance aspirin therapy following desensitization are reviewed. Also included is a summary of studies evaluating the clinical efficacy of aspirin therapy after desensitization as well as a discussion on the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms explaining how this therapy provides unique benefit to patients with AERD.

Olfactory outcomes in the management of aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease related chronic rhinosinusitis

Patients with aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) experience a severe and recalcitrant form of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and asthma, which are exacerbated by aspirin/NSAID ingestion. As compared with aspirin-tolerant CRSwNP, patients with AERD experience more severe olfactory dysfunction, which is one of the key contributors to the observed decrease in quality of life (QOL) in this disease. The objective of this paper is to review the published olfactory outcomes observed with various treatment modalities.

The Effect of Dupilumab on Intractable Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps in Japan

Objectives/Hypothesis

Dupilumab, which blocks the shared receptor component for interleukin‐4 and interleukin‐13, reduced polyp size, sinus opacification, and symptom severity, and was well tolerated in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in the SINUS‐52 study (NCT02898454). We assessed dupilumab in patients enrolled at Japanese centers.

Methods

Patients on a background of mometasone furoate nasal spray, received dupilumab 300 mg every 2 weeks (q2w) for 52 weeks (Arm A); dupilumab 300 mg q2w for 24 weeks, followed by every 4 weeks (q4w) for 28 weeks (Arm B); or placebo (Arm C). Co‐primary endpoints were week 24 nasal polyp score (NPS), nasal congestion (NC) score, and sinus Lund–Mackay CT (LMK‐CT) scores. Symptoms, sense of smell, health‐related quality of life, and safety were assessed during the 52‐week treatment period.

Results

Of 49 patients enrolled in Japan, 45 completed the study. Week 24 least squares (LS) mean improvement versus placebo were as follows: NPS (Arm A: −3.1, P < .0001; Arm B: −2.1, P = .0011); NC score (Arm A: −1.2, P < .0001; Arm B: −0.9, P < .0001); and LMK‐CT (Arm A: −5.1, P = .0005; Arm B: −2.8, P = .0425). The most common treatment‐emergent adverse event in dupilumab and placebo‐treated patients was nasopharyngitis.

Conclusion

Dupilumab provided rapid, significant, and clinically meaningful improvements for patients with CRSwNP in Japan. Dupilumab was well tolerated, and safety and efficacy were consistent with the overall study population.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 131:E1770–E1777, 2021

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.

Systematic literature review of humanistic and economic burdens of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) of randomized controlled trials and real-world evidence (RWE) studies to determine the humanistic (e.g. health-related/disease-specific quality of life [QOL]) and economic (e.g. direct and indirect costs) burdens of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (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 involving adult patients with CRSwNP published between 1 January 2008 and 16 February 2019 were included, with relevant conference abstracts from 1 January 2017, onward.

RESULTS

Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test (SNOT)-22 was the most frequently used disease-specific health-related QOL/patient-reported outcomes instrument for patients with CRSwNP. Baseline SNOT-22 scores ranged from 25 to 73 for surgical candidates and from 14 to 56 for medically managed patients with CRSwNP. Mean baseline EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) index for patients with CRSwNP ranged from 0.81 to 0.86, and mean baseline Short Form-6 Dimensions (SF-6D) ranged from 0.67 to 0.75. Three months (EQ-5D) and 5 years (SF-6D) post-endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), rates increased from 0.81 to 0.89 and from 0.69 to 0.80, respectively. One year post-diagnosis, patients with CRSwNP had significantly more systemic prescriptions, underwent significantly more medical procedures, demonstrated greater health care resource utilization and had significantly greater mean health care costs compared with matched controls (all p < .001). Overall, for patients with initial ESS, CRSwNP was associated with higher disease-related expenditures compared with CRS without nasal polyposis (NP), even for patients who did not undergo revision surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

This SLR identified substantial humanistic burden among surgery candidates. RWE shows that surgeries were used to treat relatively more severe CRSwNP patients as recommended by guidelines. Patient QOL is improved significantly after surgery; however, there is a lack of evidence on patients with revision surgery. Surgery is also associated with higher costs, and the presence of NP was a predictor of revision surgery. Patients with CRSwNP demonstrate greater health care resource utilization and costs compared to those with CRS without NP. Costs associated with different severity of CRSwNP and revision surgery need to be assessed further.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps and Asthma

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) characterized by a type 2 immune signature often have severe and recurrent disease. Lower airway conditions such as asthma are common comorbidities and share similar pathophysiology. CRSwNP with asthma is characterized by tissue eosinophilia and high local IgE levels. Clinically, CRSwNP with comorbid asthma is associated with more severe sinonasal symptoms and worse quality of life, and it is more difficult to treat both medically and surgically. Asthma in the presence of nasal polyposis is also more difficult to control, being more exacerbation prone, with increased airway obstruction and more extensive eosinophilic inflammation. Aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a recognized phenotype of CRSwNP with comorbid asthma. Patients with CRSwNP with comorbid AERD are among those with the most severe and difficult-to-treat disease, and tend to have severe NP. The shared pathophysiology of the upper and lower airways has important implications for both the diagnosis and management of respiratory comorbidities. However, in clinical practice, the nose and lungs are often treated as separate entities. The underlying systemic inflammatory link between CRSwNP and asthma provides a compelling rationale for systemic treatment with novel biologics targeting shared underlying type 2 inflammatory pathways.

Appropriate extent of surgery for aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

The current literature lacks strong guidelines regarding surgical management of patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), who present with the clinical triad of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), bronchial asthma, and aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug intolerance. To further define the effectiveness of sinus surgery in treating AERD patients, this review article discusses current evidence regarding outcomes associated with more extensive surgery, the benefits of frontal sinus surgery on polyposis, and the role of Draf III intervention. Numerous studies suggest that Draf III frontal sinusotomy may be an efficacious early intervention due to increased neo-ostial patency and subsequent distribution of topical therapies. Future studies that further investigate the efficacy and safety of extensive surgery in AERD patients are warranted.

Predictive markers of long-term recurrence in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

In last years, many attempts were made to recognize chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) phenotypes focusing on identifying relevant key pathogenic molecules. Polyps recurrence rate ranges from 4% to 60%, so it's clear that not all clinical and immunologic factors associated with recurrence are known.

OBJECTIVE

We investigate the inflammatory profile in patients with long term recurrent and non-recurrent CRSwNPs and if a specific profile is associated with recurrence, comparing eosinophilic, neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, as well as IL-5 and IL-8 expression to long term recurrence rate.

METHODS

This prospective study included 44 adult patients with CRSwNP treated with endoscopic sinus surgery between 2008 and 2010. Long term follow-up data (8-10 years) indicated that among 44 patients, 18 (40.1%) experienced long term recurrence of nasal polyposis needing maximal medical treatment or revision surgery. We realized two groups: one with patients who didn't present long term recurrence (26 patients) and another with patients who presented long term recurrence (18 patients) and in both groups eosinophilic, neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration and IL-5 and IL-8 expression were measured.

RESULTS

The parameters that reached statistical significance (p < 0.05) comparing the two groups were eosinophilic infiltration and IL-5 expression, whereas neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, as IL-8 expression didn't show any significant difference. Asthma and aspirin intolerance seemed significantly more frequent in patients with recurrence, while allergy presented not statistically significant difference between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We can conclude that high eosinophilic infiltration and high IL-5 expression in CRSwNP correlate with higher rate of long term recurrence, while neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, and IL-8 expression don't correlate with it. These findings provide the opportunity to improve our ability to predict the prognosis of surgical intervention, although it is still needed to explore the optimal predictor of outcome in CRSwNP.

Asthma Is the Dominant Factor for Recurrence in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

Factors associated with recurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are still poorly recognized.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate which risk factors could influence the risk of recurrence among patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery in long-term follow-up.

METHODS

Patients with CRS who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery were followed for an average period of 12 years in a nonconcurrent cohort. After surgery, patients were considered to an additional endoscopic sinus surgery if appropriate medical therapy failed during this period. The presence of nasal polyps, asthma, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease, smoking habits, peripheral blood eosinophilia, and atopy were assessed. The recurrence-free interval between groups (with or without these risk factors) was analyzed by Kaplan-Meyer curves, and the indication for a revisional surgery was considered to be the unfavorable event.

RESULTS

A total of 201 patients were enrolled in this study. Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) were more likely than patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) to need revisional surgery (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.02). Asthma was the only factor that was significantly related to recurrence both in patients with CRSsNP (hazard ratio, 5.54) and in patients with CRSwNP (hazard ratio, 3.27). Although eosinophilia itself was not related to a higher chance of recurrence, its presence influenced the outcome of CRSwNP compared with CRSsNP and the impact of asthma among patients with CRSwNP.

CONCLUSIONS

Prognosis in patients with CRSwNP was inferior to that in patients with CRSsNP. Asthma was the only factor that increased the chance of recurrence in patients with either CRSsNP or CRSwNP.

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery in the management of adult chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

There is a striking lack of long-term, prospective outcomes data for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) using validated instruments. Our primary objective in this study was to report long-term outcomes (>10 years) after ESS for CRS obtained by prospective data collection.

METHODS

An observational cohort (n = 59) of adult patients with CRS electing ESS was enrolled between 2004 and 2008. Long-term, disease-specific quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes, health utility values (HUV), revision surgery rate, development of asthma, and patient expectations/satisfaction with outcomes of ESS were examined using descriptive statistics and simple fixed-effects linear modeling.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine adult patients were followed for 10.9 years (±13.8 months), on average. Mean QOL significantly improved between baseline and 6 months and remained durable to 10 years. HUV improved to normal. A 17% revision surgery rate within the 10-year follow-up period was observed with a 25% revision rate in CRS with polyposis. New-onset asthma after ESS occurred at a rate of 0.8%/year. Patient satisfaction with ESS outcomes was generally high.

CONCLUSIONS

Ten-year prospective outcomes of ESS for CRS demonstrate that the initial clinically significant improvements in QOL seen 6 months postoperatively are durable over the long term. Over 75% of patients reported clinically significant long-term QOL and HUV improvement. HUV returned to normal. Revision surgery rate was 17% and worse postoperative endoscopy scores within 18 months of initial ESS were associated with higher likelihood of revision surgery. Most patients would pursue ESS again and recommend the procedure to other patients considering this treatment option.

Evaluating narrative operative reports for endoscopic sinus surgery in a residency training program

Objective

The narrative operative report (NR) bears testimony to critical elements of patient care. Residents’ NRs also provide insights into their comprehension of the procedure. NR documentation is an informal element of surgical residency training but data regarding quality of such training are scant. We aim to evaluate the NR within a residency training program.

Methods

The quality of NRs for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was evaluated through a retrospective analysis of 90 NRs for ESS. Thirty‐four elements that the attending surgeon regards as “critical” variables, or quality indicators (QIs), that should be documented, were studied to evaluate quality. A “performance metric (PM),” defined as the average percent of QIs dictated/total word count, was determined. Subgroup analysis by the level of training was additionally performed.

Results

Surgical indications, procedural steps, and immediate postoperative findings were accurately documented in 71%, 84%, and 82% of patients, respectively. The attending surgeon had the highest proportion of included key elements (89% ± 6.2%) followed by junior residents (87% ± 5.7%) and then senior residents (80% ± 14%) (P = .008). The attending surgeon also demonstrated the highest PM, followed by senior and then junior residents (P < .0001).

Conclusions

The quality of NRs was found to be high overall, but not “perfect” for either the attending or trainee surgeon. The PM among residents was expectedly lower than the attending surgeon. We propose that a synoptic reporting system that ensures inclusion of key elements may be helpful in training residents (and attendings) in creating comprehensive and efficient NRs.

Level of Evidence

3

Aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease: Current topics and trends

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease is a chronic and treatment-resistant disease, characterized by the presence of eosinophilic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyposis, bronchial asthma, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs hypersensitivity. Alterations in arachidonic acid metabolism may induce an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory substances, expressed as an overproduction of cysteinyl leukotrienes and an underproduction of prostaglandin E2. Although eosinophils play a key role, recent studies have shown the importance of other cells and molecules in the development of the disease like mast cells, basophils, lymphocytes, platelets, neutrophils, macrophages, epithelial respiratory cells, IL-33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin, making each of them promissory diagnostic and treatment targets. In this review, we summarize the most important clinical aspects of the disease, including the current topics about diagnosis and treatment, like provocation challenges and aspirin desensitization. We also discuss recent findings in the pathogenesis of the disease, as well as future trends in diagnosis and treatment, including monoclonal antibodies and a low salicylate diet as a treatment option.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

Patients with severe asthma and concomitant chronic rhinosinusitis often have severe, refractory upper and lower airway inflammation. This inflammation has been proposed to be similar throughout the upper and lower airways leading to the unified airways concept. This article reviews chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps, and the subgroup with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, while focusing on the relationship with asthma. Additionally, diagnosis and treatment with current and newer therapies are discussed.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps, Asthma, and Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

BACKGROUND

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) comprises the triad of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), asthma, and intolerance to inhibitors of the cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) enzyme. The prevalence of AERD remains unclear, and few studies have compared the clinical characteristics of patients with AERD to those with CRSwNP alone, asthma alone, or both CRSwNP and asthma.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of AERD within a tertiary care setting, and to identify unique clinical features that could distinguish these patients from those with both CRSwNP and asthma or with CRSwNP alone.

METHODS

Electronic medical records of patients at Northwestern in Chicago, Illinois, were searched by computer algorithm and then manual chart review to identify 459 patients with CRSwNP alone, 412 with both CRSwNP and asthma, 171 with AERD, and 300 with asthma only. Demographic and clinical features including sex, atopy, and sinus disease severity were characterized.

RESULTS

The prevalence of AERD among patients with CRSwNP was 16%. Patients with AERD had undergone 2-fold more sinus surgeries (P < .001) and were significantly younger at the time of their first surgery (40 ± 13 years) than were patients with CRSwNP (43 ± 14 years; P < .05). Atopy was significantly more prevalent in patients with AERD (84%) or asthma (85%) than in patients with CRSwNP (66%, P < .05). More patients with AERD (13%) had corticosteroid-dependent disease than patients with both CRSwNP and asthma (4%, P < .01) or asthma (1%, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

AERD is common among patients with CRSwNP; even though patients with AERD have CRSwNP and asthma, the clinical course of their disease is not the same as of patients who have CRSwNP and asthma but are tolerant to COX-1 inhibitors.

Current complications and treatment of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

INTRODUCTION

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease is defined by the clinical tetrad of aspirin sensitivity, nasal polyps, asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis. Patients experience acute upper and lower airway reactions with exposure to aspirin and other cyclooxygenase-1 inhibiting medications. However, airway inflammation and disease progression occur even in the absence of exposure to these medications, often leading to aggressive polyp formation and need for systemic corticosteroids to treat exacerbations in asthma and rhinosinusitis. Areas covered: This review focuses on the direct and indirect complications of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease. Current and potential management strategies are discussed with emphasis on aspirin desensitization. Expert commentary: Aspirin desensitization remains the gold standard of treatment. Demonstrated benefits of desensitization include improved symptom scores, reduction in use of systemic corticosteroids, slowing of polyp regrowth, and tolerance of aspirin and other NSAIDs for various therapeutic purposes. Continued investigation into the pathogenic mechanisms of AERD is likely to yield new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease as an Endotype of Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) and Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) are both characterized by the presence of chronic sinonasal inflammation and nasal polyps. Unlike in CRSwNP, AERD patients develop respiratory reactions following ingestion of COX-1 inhibitors. AERD patients also, on average, have worse upper respiratory disease with increased sinonasal symptoms, mucosal inflammation and requirements for revision sinus surgery when compared to CRSwNP patients. While no single genetic factor has been identified in either CRSwNP or AERD to date, differences in the metabolism of arachidonic acid as well as innate immune cell activation may uniquely contribute to AERD pathogenesis.

The Effectiveness of Budesonide Nasal Irrigation After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Asthma

Objectives

Budesonide nasal irrigation was introduced recently for postoperative management of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The safety and therapeutic effectiveness of this procedure is becoming accepted by many physicians. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative steroid irrigation in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma.

Methods

This prospective study involved 12 chronic rhinosinusitis patients with nasal polyps and asthma who received oral steroid treatment for recurring or worsening disease. The 22-item Sinonasal Outcomes Test (SNOT-22) and Lund-Kennedy endoscopy scores were checked before nasal budesonide irrigation, and 1, 2, 4, and 6 months after irrigation. We also calculated the total amount of oral steroids and inhaled steroids in the 6 months before irrigation and the 6 months after it.

Results

The mean SNOT-22 score improved from 30.8±14.4 before irrigation to 14.2±8.7 after 6 months of irrigation (P=0.030). The endoscopy score also improved from 7.4±4.7 before irrigation to 2.2±2.7 after 6 months (P<0.001). The total amount of oral steroid was decreased from 397.8±97.6 mg over the 6 months before irrigation to 72.7±99.7 mg over the 6 months after irrigation (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Nasal irrigation with budesonide is an effective postoperative treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis with asthma, which recurs frequently, reducing the oral steroid intake.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is an important clinical entity diagnosed by the presence of both subjective and objective evidence of chronic sinonasal inflammation. Symptoms include anterior or posterior rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, hyposmia, and/or facial pressure or pain that last for a duration of more than 12 weeks. Nasal polyps are inflammatory lesions that project into the nasal airway, are typically bilateral, and originate from the ethmoid sinus. Males are more likely to be affected than females, but no specific genetic or environmental factors have been strongly linked to the development of this disorder to date. CRSwNP is frequently associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the clinical symptoms are not fully understood. Defects in the sinonasal epithelial cell barrier, increased exposure to pathogenic and colonized bacteria, and dysregulation of the host immune system are all thought to play prominent roles in disease pathogenesis. Additional studies are needed to further explore the clinical and pathophysiological features of CRSwNP so that biomarkers can be identified and novel advances can be made to improve the treatment and management of this disease.

The Role of Surgery in Management of Samter's Triad: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) represents a severe form of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) characterized by nasal polyposis, bronchial asthma, and aspirin intolerance. This syndrome, known as Samter's triad, is more difficult to manage than routine CRS and poses a challenge to the treating clinician. We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the role of endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with AERD who are on adjuvant medical therapies.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Methodology Register, Cochrane Technology Assessments, Cochrane Economic Evaluations, Cochrane Groups, and Clinicaltrials.gov.

REVIEW METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed using the 2009 PRISMA guidelines. Studies with both preoperative and postoperative data for patients with AERD who underwent sinus surgery were considered appropriate for inclusion. Publications were written in English, included patients aged 18 years or older, and had a minimum follow-up of 3 months.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies met criteria for inclusion in our review. The primary outcome was change in symptom profile as measured by sinonasal and asthma symptom scores. Most studies demonstrated improvement in sinus- and asthma-related symptoms and quality-of-life measures after endoscopic sinus surgery.

CONCLUSION

This review, which did not exclude the use of concomitant medical therapy, suggests that surgery is beneficial in AERD management. Evidence demonstrates improvement in sinonasal and asthma symptom severity and frequency, radiographic and endoscopy scores, and quality of life after surgery.

Outcomes of modified endoscopic Lothrop in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease with nasal polyposis

BACKGROUND

Patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) are often reported to be recalcitrant to standard medical and surgical intervention. Failure rates of standard endoscopic sinus surgery in these patients are reported to be as high as 90%. We review the outcomes for our cohort of AERD patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery and endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure (EMLP).

METHODS

Data was collected prospectively between January 2001 and December 2013. Information including demographics, asthma status, aspirin sensitivity, 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), Lund-Mackay scores, and endoscopic ostium assessment were collected for up to 5 years. Minimum follow-up was 6 months.

RESULTS

A total of 31 AERD patients underwent complete sphenoethmoidectomy, maxillary antrostomy and EMLP during the study period with an average follow-up of 36 months. Polyp recurrence was seen in a total of 18 patients (58%). Seven patients required revision EMLP following initial surgery demonstrating a failure rate of 22.5%. AERD patients had a statistically significant increased risk of both nasal polyps recurrence and need for revision surgery. Revision EMLP was needed due to recurrence of nasal polyps in 6 cases and frontal ostium stenosis in a single case. Time to revision EMLP was similar between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Complete sphenoethmoidectomy, maxillary antrostomy, and EMLP is successful in a significant majority of patients with AERD and CRSwNP. It is well tolerated with a low complication rate and facilitates successful ongoing medical management of the condition in patients with AERD.

State of the art: a systematic review of the surgical management of aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sinus surgery is an important modality to the armamentarium of the otolaryngologist managing chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Within the spectrum of CRS, there exists a subset of patients who are recalcitrant to conventional treatment strategies, including those with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Although surgery is frequently undertaken in this group, there has been no general consensus on the efficacy or optimal extent of surgery.

METHODS

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review of published studies was conducted. Inclusion criteria included original publications of adult patients with AERD undergoing surgery, cohorts of greater than five subjects, a minimum follow-up of 3 months, and measurable clinical outcomes. An electronic search was performed using OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies met the criteria for analysis. For our primary objective, sinus surgery appeared to improve patient-reported quality of life (QoL) and symptom profile in AERD. Overall, most studies reported a decrease in radiographic grading, endoscopy scores, and asthma severity. Compared with aspirin-tolerant asthmatic patients, AERD patients may have worse objective measures of disease severity both pre- and postoperatively; however, patient-reported QoL and symptom improvement may be similar after sinus surgery. Finally, this review showed that patients with AERD required revision surgeries sooner and more frequently compared with other subtypes of CRS. We also discussed the role of maximal surgical techniques and additional benefit of postoperative adjunctive therapies in the management of this disease entity.

CONCLUSION

The state of the art in the management of AERD patients suggests that surgery does play an important role in helping establish symptomatic control. In the future, more rigorous studies evaluating the comprehensiveness of surgery and postoperative adjuncts are required to understand their impact on long-term patient outcomes.

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease: characteristics and management strategies

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease is a clinical entity comprising chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, asthma and intolerance to COX-1 inhibiting drugs. The pathogenesis is not completely understood at this point, but abnormal arachidonic acid metabolism is a key feature in this syndrome. The diagnosis is confirmed only by direct drug challenge. Aspirin desensitization followed by daily aspirin therapy is a useful treatment option in these patients. In this review article are discussed the important characteristics and treatment of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease.

Differences in initial immunoprofiles between recurrent and nonrecurrent chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) often fails because of recurrence of disease. So far, we do not know if specific cytokine profiles are linked to recurrence after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or can predict recurrence. In this study we investigate the cytokine profile in CRSwNPs that underwent FESS for the first time and recurrent CRSwNPs.

METHODS

Tissue samples (n = 21) of CRSwNP patients with no recurrence after the first surgery were randomly selected out of 131 primary FESS surgeries and compared with tissue samples (n = 15) from patients who had a first and second surgery because of recurrence. Interleukin (IL)-1beta, IgE, specific IgE, IL-5, interferon (IFN) gamma, IL-6, IL-17, transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1, and myeloperoxidase were measured on tissue homogenates.

RESULTS

Levels of IgE, specific IgE to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin, eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), and IL-5 were significantly increased in recurrent versus nonrecurrent CRSwNPs at the moment of the first surgery, whereas IL-17, IL-6, TGF-beta1,and IL-1beta did not show any significant difference. IFN-gamma protein levels were significantly higher in nonrecurrent CRSwNPs. The odds ratio for recurrence of CRSwNPs was reduced to 0.029, if IFN-gamma was present in tissue homogenates. Asthma and aspirin intolerance were significantly more frequent in the recurrent CRSwNPs compared with nonrecurrent CRSwNPs.

DISCUSSION

Nonrecurrent and recurrent CRSwNPs needing revision surgery have different types of inflammatory patterns. Nonrecurrent CRSwNPs exhibits a mixed pattern of T helper (Th) cytokines with significant higher levels of IFN-gamma and lower concentrations of IgE, ECP, and IL-5 as compared with recurrent CRSwNPs that had a predominant Th2 type of inflammation.

Endoglin (CD105) expression in sinonasal polyposis

Despite appropriate surgical therapy, 5-10 % of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and nasal polyps (NP) experience disease recurrences. It has been suggested that angiogenesis may relate to the pathogenesis and prognosis of CRS with NP. Endoglin (CD105) is a component of the receptor complex of transforming growth factor-beta, a pleiotropic cytokine that modulates angiogenesis. A series of patients treated surgically for CRS with NP was analyzed to assess the relationship between CD105 expression, main clinicopathological features, and recurrence rate. The immunohistochemical expression of CD105 was assessed in 70 patients consecutively operated for CRS with NP. In the univariate setting, the presence of CD105 (1/0) showed a trend towards a significant association with increasing NP dimensions (p = 0.054). Intensity of CD105 reaction was also significantly associated with NP size (0.04) and with an eosinophilic histology (p = 0.048). In our multivariate setting, only asthma (p = 0.016), hypereosinophilia (p = 0.022), and preoperative polyposis score (p = 0.046) retained their independent prognostic significance in relation to NP recurrence. Further efforts are needed to elucidate the biological, angiogenic and proliferative mechanisms behind recurrent NP. Our preliminary results support the clinical utility of extra postoperative care, in terms of closer follow-ups and medication with oral anti-histamines, topical and/or oral steroids, and antileukotrienes in patients with asthma, advanced nasal polyposis at presentation, and serum hypereosinophilia.

Long-term sinonasal outcomes of aspirin desensitization in aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess sinonasal outcomes in patients with aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) undergoing aspirin desensitization following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review.

SETTING

University hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of sinonasal outcomes was conducted for 30 AERD patients undergoing aspirin desensitization and maintenance therapy following ESS. Sinonasal outcomes were prospectively assessed by the Sinonasal Outcomes Test-22 (SNOT-22) and endoscopic polyp grading system. Data were collected preoperatively, 1 and 4 weeks postsurgery (before desensitization), and 1, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 months after aspirin desensitization.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight of 30 patients (93.3%) successfully completed aspirin desensitization, whereas 2 of 30 (6.7%) were unable to complete desensitization due to respiratory intolerance. Of the 21 patients who successfully completed a minimum of 24 weeks of follow-up, 20 (95.2%) patients demonstrated sustained endoscopic and symptomatic improvement for a median follow-up period of 33 months. After surgical treatment but before desensitization, patients experienced significant reductions in SNOT-22 and polyp grade scores. In the first 6 months after aspirin desensitization, patients experienced further significant reductions in SNOT-22 scores, whereas polyp grade remained stable. The improvements in symptom endoscopic scores were preserved throughout the follow-up period after desensitization. No patients required additional sinus surgery. One patient had to discontinue aspirin therapy due to gastrointestinal side effects. No other adverse reactions to aspirin were noted.

CONCLUSION

Aspirin desensitization following ESS appears to be a well-tolerated and effective adjunctive therapy for long-term control of nasal polyposis in patients with AERD.

Assessment of quality-of-life outcomes after surgery for nasal polyposis with the DyNaChron questionnaire

This prospective study assesses outcomes at 6 weeks and 7 months after radical ethmoid surgery in 65 patients with nasal polyposis using a new and detailed instrument, the DyNaChron questionnaire, which was filled in the day prior to surgery and at 6 weeks and 7 months after surgery at follow-up visits. Before surgery, the leading bothersome symptoms were olfactory disturbances (7.74 ± 2.81) and nasal obstruction (6.66 ± 2.28). After surgery (6th week and 7th month), there was a clear improvement of all symptoms including nasal obstruction, olfactory disturbances, anterior rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, facial pain/headache and cough in comparison to baseline (p < 0.0001). Nasal obstruction was the most improved symptom (effect size of 2.24). At 7th post-operative month, the sense of smell continued to improve slightly. By contrast, the postnasal discharge score that was significantly improved at 6th post-operative week tended to worsen at 7 months (p = 0.0045). Before surgery, strong psychosocial impacts were observed in association with nasal obstruction and anterior rhinorrhea. The physical impacts of each symptom were proportionally correlated to the symptom score before and after surgery. The quality of life (QOL) related to each symptom was clearly better at 6 weeks and remained steady at 7 months after surgery. In conclusion, olfactory disorders and postnasal rhinorrhea were the main remaining symptoms after sinus surgery despite a global improvement of symptoms and quality of life. The earlier time point to stabilize QOL outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery could be suggested at 6 weeks after surgery.

A modified Lund-Mackay system for radiological evaluation of chronic rhinosinusitis

OBJECTIVE

The Lund-Mackay system (L-M system) is widely used for computed tomography (CT) evaluation of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, a major drawback of the L-M system is its insufficiency of gradation. To avoid this deficiency, a new staging system proposed by American societies and the Zinreich system were reported as modifications of the L-M system. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of gradation and the accuracy of the visual quantification of these modified staging systems.

METHODS

Preoperative CT scanning was performed on 20 adult patients with CRS. A computer workstation was used to measure the volume of each sinus and the volume of inflammatory disease in each sinus. Then the soft tissue density rate (STDR) and objective scores, which were adapted to each system, were calculated. Visual evaluation of the CT images was performed using these systems. The visual score with each staging system and STDR value were evaluated for a correlation, and the rate of agreement was determined between the visual and objective scores obtained with each staging system.

RESULTS

The correlation between the visual scores and the STDR values was shown with all staging system including L-M system. The coefficients of correlation between the visual scores and the STDR values with these modified systems were higher than with the L-M system. While the agreement rates with these modified systems were significantly lower than with the L-M system, differences of 2 or greater between the subjective and objective scores were rare.

CONCLUSION

We cannot conclude that one of these three staging systems is superior to the other. With this study, the simple grading system such L-M staging score was considered easy and accurate method to use the clinical level. The modified staging systems showed more efficient ability to gradate in evaluating rhinosinusitis inflammation compared with the L-M system and also showed acceptable accuracy.

Long-term successes of various sinus surgeries: a comprehensive analysis

Outcome studies often examine the efficacy of sinus surgery with 1 year of follow-up data, while longer-term postoperative data is less easily available. This article reviews long-term outcomes of various endoscopic techniques to further delineate risk factors for surgical failure. A systematic review of the literature was performed and studies were stratified based on surgical technique and recognized risk factors of postoperative failure. A total of 126 abstracts were identified, 82 articles were retrieved for full review, and 56 were included in this report. A total of 30 studies had longer than 1 year of follow-up data and the longest follow-up period was 10 years. Based on the available evidence, endoscopic sinus surgery has a high success rate, but with well-recognized risk factors for failure. Aggressive postoperative local care and medical therapy should be tailored to each patient's particular disease process, and form an integral part of surgical management.

Nonallergic drug hypersensitivity reactions

BACKGROUND

Nonallergic drug hypersensitivities, also referred to as pseudoallergic or anaphylactoid reactions, have clinical manifestations that are often indistinguishable from allergic reactions.

METHODS

We performed a PubMed search using the terms 'drug allergy, drug hypersensitivity, pseudoallergies, anaphylaxis and nonallergic drug reactions' and reviewed 511 publications dated between 1970 and 2012. A total of 160 papers that were relevant to the most common nonallergic drug hypersensitivity reactions were selected for discussion.

RESULTS

Nonallergic drug hypersensitivities do not involve either IgE-mediated (type 1) or delayed (type 4) hypersensitivity. Nonallergic hypersensitivities are commonly referred to as pseudoallergic or idiosyncratic reactions. The common nonallergic drug hypersensitivities are secondary to chemotherapeutic drugs, radiocontrast agents, vancomycin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, local anesthetic reactions and opiates. Protocols for skin testing of radiocontrast, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, local anesthetics and chemotherapeutic agents have been developed, though most have not been validated or standardized. Other diagnostic tests include in vitro-specific IgE tests, and the current 'gold' standard is usually an oral challenge or bronchoprovocation test. In the case of aspirin, even though it is not believed to be IgE-mediated, a 'desensitization' protocol has been developed and utilized successfully, although the mechanism of this desensitization is unclear.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic methods exist to distinguish allergic from nonallergic drug hypersensitivity reactions. The best option in nonallergic drug hypersensitivity is avoidance. If that is not possible, premedication protocols have been developed, although the success of premedication varies amongst drugs and patients.

Negative impact of occupational exposure on surgical outcome in patients with rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a frequent condition that is treated by functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) when medical treatment fails. Endogenous as well as exogenous factors may be responsible for persisting symptoms after FESS. The role of occupational exposures on success of FESS has never been investigated.

METHODS

In this case-control study, we tested the hypothesis that the outcome of FESS procedures is related to exposures at work. Questionnaires were sent to 890 patients who had undergone one or more FESS procedures and to 182 controls. Three independent experts assessed blindly the reported work exposures to inhaled agents. The relationship between exposure and the number of FESS procedures was analyzed.

RESULTS

Relevant occupational exposure was reported by 25% of all responding patients undergoing FESS (n = 467) and 12% of controls (n = 69). The prevalence of occupational exposures increased linearly with the number of FESS procedures from 21% in those who had one FESS to 44% in those who had four or more FESS (χ(2)  = 12.74, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis with adjustments for potential confounders, including smoking, atopy, and asthma, confirmed that the odds ratio (OR) for reporting occupational exposures was significantly higher in those needing more than one FESS (OR = 1.64) or more than two FESS (OR = 1.97). These results were mainly driven by exposure to low molecular weight agents.

CONCLUSION

Exposure at work appears to be a risk factor for the occurrence of CRS and for its recurrence or persistence, as evidenced by the need for revision surgery.

Outcomes of middle meatal antrostomy after different surgical strategies

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference in the postoperative outcomes between different surgical options for treating chronic maxillary sinusitis (CMS).

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the improvement in symptoms, and changes in endoscopic and CT grade in patients undergoing different surgical management of the maxillary sinus ostium.

METHODS

In 32 patients (group A), the pathologic mucosa was radically removed with a power microdebrider. In 28 patients (group B), only part of the pathologic mucosa was removed; gross pathologic lesions were left in situ. In 38 patients (group C), only enlargement of the maxillary ostium was performed. Pre- and postoperative changes in symptoms, endoscopic polyp grade, and Lund-Mackay CT score were compared between groups.

RESULTS

In all groups, the symptoms were significantly improved after 1 month and throughout the follow-up period. Patients in groups A and B had meaningful improvement of the endoscopic polyp grade 1 month after surgery. The endoscopic grade of patients in group C at 1 and 3 months after surgery was not significantly different from the preoperative grade; however, there was a meaningful difference after 6 months. At 12 months after surgery, all groups had a significant decrease in the CT score (p < 0.01); however, there was no difference between groups.

Laser vaporization of the dorsal turbinate as an alternative method of accessing and evaluating the paranasal sinuses

OBJECTIVE

To report a technique for stoma creation into the conchofrontal sinus (CFS) through the dorsal turbinate and to evaluate stoma as a site for sinoscopy.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective experimental study.

ANIMALS

Cadaveric equine heads (n=2) and normal adult horses (5).

METHODS

Technique feasibility was established on 2 cadaver heads. A diode laser fiber with a contact probe was passed into the nasal passage through a custom built, laser introducer rod (LIR). A videoendoscope was passed ventral to the LIR. A site on the caudal, medial aspect of the turbinate overlying the dorsal conchal sinus (DCS) was identified. A stoma to facilitate endoscope passage was created through the turbinate and sinoscopy performed to identify structures within the CFS and caudal maxillary sinus (CMS) and to evaluate the quality of the approach. The procedure was then performed in standing, sedated horses. Time required, laser energy used and complications were recorded. Endoscopy was performed ≥5 weeks postoperatively to assess stoma size and long-term effects of the procedure.

RESULTS

A stoma was successfully created through the turbinate in both cadaveric skulls and in 4 horses; the stoma persisted for ≥5 weeks. The location of the stoma in 1 horse precluded sinoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Laser vaporization of the dorsal turbinate through the nasal passage creates a stoma that lasts for at least 5 weeks providing a portal to the paranasal sinuses. Based on experience in 1 horse stoma location is critical to ensure adequate endoscope manipulation and sinoscopy.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Standing endoscopic sinusotomy within the nasal cavity through the DCS is an alternative to more invasive sinusotomy techniques with fewer potential complications and a cosmetic result.

Endoscopic diode laser polypectomy and high-dose intranasal steroids in recurrent nasal polyposis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this clinical investigation was to determine the outcomes of an outpatient videoendoscopic diode laser polypectomy (DLPE) and subsequent topical high-dose corticosteroid application in chronic rhinosinusitis with recurrent nasal polyposis (NP).

METHODS

After ineffective revision sinus surgery and prolonged mometasone furoate application, 19 consecutive mild and moderate NP patients suffering from nasal obstruction (NO) and olfactory dysfunction (OD) were prospectively entered into the study to undergo DLPE under topical anesthesia. Beginning 1 week postoperatively, 250 microg of beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol spray (BDPAS) was self-administered into each nostril twice a day. Treatment efficacy was assessed after 1, 6, and 12 weeks and at quarterly long-term follow-ups based on objective parameters (videoendoscopic photodocumentation and rhinomanometry) and subjective evaluation of NO, OD, and satisfaction (visual analog scales [VASs]).

RESULTS

VASs indicated very low values for intraoperative pain and discomfort and high postoperative satisfaction. After 6 weeks, subjective and objective data revealed a significant improvement of NO and OD (p < 0.0005). Topical BDPAS application was well tolerated. At a median follow-up of 32 months (range, 1-4 years), 21% of the patients developed NP disappearance, 53% had a stable disease, and 26% had a progressive disease.

CONCLUSION

In therapy-refractory NP, endonasal DLPE represents a minimally invasive, symptom-oriented, safe and easily reapplicable outpatient treatment option that provides effective improvement of NO and OD. Compared with the pre-DLPE period, the proposed long-term quarterly follow-up combined with high-dose topical BDPAS application might reduce or delay the need for major surgery and appears to be suitable for disease control.

Endoscopic sinus surgery in the management of nasal obstruction

Nasal obstruction is the leading symptom observed among patients who have chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with or without nasal polyposis. After failure of medical therapy, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) has emerged as the preferred treatment of CRS. Interestingly, although patient-reported outcomes show unequivocal relief of nasal obstruction after FESS, studies measuring nasal airflow and resistance demonstrate more modest improvements. This article provides an overview of the physiology of nasal airflow sensation, the burden of nasal obstruction in patients who have CRS, and the efficacy of FESS in addressing nasal obstruction in this population. Additionally, advances in airflow modeling that may enable improved preoperative planning for the relief of nasal obstruction after FESS are discussed.

Symptom-specific outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery: A systematic review

Background: Although multiple studies have demonstrated that symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) improve after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), a systematic large-scale evaluation of specific symptom response has not been performed.

Objective: To analyze the relative effectiveness of surgery in the improvement of individual CRS symptoms.

Study Design: A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane databases, and other Web-based sources from January 1, 1980 through June 1, 2008 was performed. Studies of 20 or more adult patients with CRS that used symptom severity scores to analyze at least 3 major CRS criteria (facial pressure, nasal obstruction, postnasal discharge, and hyposmia) or 2 major CRS criteria plus headache were included.

Subjects and Methods: Inclusion criteria were met by 21 of 289 ESS studies reviewed. Meta-analysis was conducted for each symptom separately with the standardized difference between the preoperative and postoperative severity scores as the effect size (ES).

Results: A total of 2070 patients with CRS were studied a mean of 13.9 months after ESS. All symptoms demonstrated improvement compared with their respective preoperative severity scores by an overall ES of 1.19 (95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 1.41; I2 = 81.7%) using the random-effects model. Nasal obstruction (ES, 1.73) improved the most, with facial pain (ES, 1.13) and postnasal discharge (ES, 1.19) demonstrating moderate improvements. Hyposmia (ES, 0.97) and headache (ES, 0.98) improved the least.

Conclusion: The relative improvements in major CRS symptoms and headache after surgery are similar, with the exception of nasal obstruction, which improves most.