Patient perspectives on recall period and response options in patient-reported outcome measures for chronic rhinosinusitis symptomatology: An international multi-centered study

BACKGROUND

Existing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) use a variety of recall periods and response scales to assess CRS symptom burden. Global perspectives of CRS patients regarding optimal recall periods and response scales for CRS PROMs are unknown.

METHODS

This was a multi-center, cross-sectional study recruiting 461 CRS patients from sites across the United States, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, and Austria. Participants chose which CRS symptom recall period (1 day, 2 weeks, 1 month, >1 month) was most reflective of their current disease state and upon which to best base treatment recommendations (including surgery). Participants also chose which of six response scales (one visual analogue scale and five Likert scales ranging from four to eight items) was easiest to use, understand, and preferred.

RESULTS

A plurality of participants (40.0%) felt their CRS symptoms' current state was best reflected by a 1-month recall period. However, most patients (56.9%) preferred treatment recommendations to be determined by symptoms experienced over a >1 month period. The four- and five-item Likert scales were the easiest to understand (26.0% and 25.4%, respectively) and use (23.4% and 26.7%, respectively). The five-item (26.4% rating it most preferred and 70.9% rating it preferred) and four-item Likert (22.3% rating it most preferred and 56.4% rating it preferred) response scales were most preferred.

CONCLUSION

Future PROMs for CRS should consider assessment of symptoms over a 1-month period and use a four- or five-item Likert response scale to reflect global patient preferences. These findings also inform interpretation of current CRS PROMs.

Variability in Minimal Clinically Important Difference Calculation and Reporting in the Otolaryngology Literature

OBJECTIVE

Best practices for calculation of the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of outcome measures include the use of complementary methodologies (broadly classified as anchor-based and distribution-based) and reporting of the MCID's predictive ability. We sought to determine MCID calculation and reporting patterns within the otolaryngology literature.

METHODS

A systematic search strategy of Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases was developed and implemented to identify studies reporting the determination of an MCID for an outcome measure. Studies specifically within the otolaryngology literature (defined as journals classified as "otorhinolaryngology" in the Journal Citation Reports database) were included. All those journals were additionally searched for relevant articles.

RESULTS

There were 35 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Of these studies, 88.6% reported MCID of a patient-reported outcome measure and the remainder were for objective outcome measurements. Anchor-based methods were used by 82.9% of studies and distribution-based methods were used by 68.6% of studies. Of all studies, 31.4% utilized anchor-based methods alone, 17.1% utilized distribution-based methods alone, and 51.4% used both methods. Only 25.7% of studies reported the sensitivity (median: 60.8%, range: 40.5%-86.7%) and specificity (median: 80.4%, range: 63.5%-88.0%) of the MCID to detect patients experiencing clinically important change.

CONCLUSION

Deviation from best practices in MCID calculation and reporting exists within the otolaryngology literature, with almost half of all studies only using one method of MCID calculation and almost three-quarters not reporting the predictive ability (sensitivity/specificity) of the calculated MCID. When predictive ability is reported, however, MCIDs appear to be more specific than sensitive.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 134:2059-2069, 2024.

Impact of medical treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis on eustachian tube dysfunction

KEY POINTS

CRS patients treated with medical management have improvement in ETD symptoms as reflected by lower ETDQ-7 scores However, appropriate CRS medical management may be limited in ability to significantly improve, or resolve, ETD.

When It's Not Allergic Rhinitis: Clinical Signs to Raise a Patient's Suspicion for Chronic Rhinosinusitis

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictors of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in patients presenting with the chief complaint of nasal allergies.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Tertiary care, academic center.

METHODS

Clinical and demographic characteristics were collected from participants who were patients presenting with the chief complaint of nasal allergies. From all participants, a 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) was collected, and a modified Lund-Kennedy endoscopy score was calculated from nasal endoscopy. Association was sought between having CRS and variables of clinical and demographic characteristics, SNOT-22, and endoscopy score.

RESULTS

A total of 219 patients were recruited and 91.3% were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis; 45.2% were also diagnosed with CRS. Approximately half of the patients with CRS reported no intranasal corticosteroid usage. Having CRS was associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30-4.04, P = .004), endoscopy score (OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.59-2.42, P < .001), and the SNOT-22 nasal subdomain score (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03-1.11, P = .001) related to SNOT-22 items: "need to blow nose," "thick nasal discharge," "sense of taste/smell," and "blockage/congestion of nose." At least moderate (item score ≥3) "blockage/congestion of nose" or "thick nasal discharge," mild "need to blow nose" (item score ≥2) or very mild decreased "sense of taste/smell" (item score ≥1), and any nasal endoscopy findings (endoscopy score ≥1) were statistically significant predictors of CRS.

CONCLUSION

Moderate or more severe nasal obstruction or discharge symptoms, any decreased sense of smell/taste, or positive nasal endoscopy findings in patients believing they have allergic rhinitis should prompt further evaluation of CRS to avoid delays in treatment.

Clinical and technical factors in endoscopic skull base surgery associated with reconstructive success

BACKGROUND

In this study, we identified key discrete clinical and technical factors that may correlate with primary reconstructive success in endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS).

METHODS

ESBS cases with intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks at four tertiary academic rhinology programs were retrospectively reviewed. Logistic regression identified factors associated with surgical outcomes by defect subsite (anterior cranial fossa [ACF], suprasellar [SS], purely sellar, posterior cranial fossa [PCF]).

RESULTS

Of 706 patients (50.4% female), 61.9% had pituitary adenomas, 73.4% had sellar or SS defects, and 20.5% had high-flow intraoperative CSF leaks. The postoperative CSF leak rate was 7.8%. Larger defect size predicted ACF postoperative leaks; use of rigid reconstruction and older age protected against sellar postoperative leaks; and use of dural sealants compared to fibrin glue protected against PCF postoperative leaks. SS postoperative leaks occurred less frequently with the use of dural onlay. Body-mass index, intraoperative CSF leak flow rate, and the use of lumbar drain were not significantly associated with postoperative CSF leak. Meningitis was associated with larger tumors in ACF defects, nondissolvable nasal packing in SS defects, and high-flow intraoperative leaks in PCF defects. Sinus infections were more common in sellar defects with synthetic grafts and nondissolvable nasal packing.

CONCLUSIONS

Depending on defect subsite, reconstructive success following ESBS may be influenced by factors, such as age, defect size, and the use of rigid reconstruction, dural onlay, and tissue sealants.

Qualitative Research Methodology and Applications: A Primer for the Otolaryngologist

OBJECTIVE

Qualitative and mixed methods methodology is becoming more commonplace in otolaryngology as the field strives to understand more complex concepts of the ear, nose, and throat. This methodology can have tremendous utility in studies directed at patient-centered care by offering practical insights and granular detail-directly from patients-which may not be realized by quantitative approaches.

METHODS

Narrative Review.

RESULTS

This review focuses on what questions can be answered by qualitative research, the basics of the underlying principals and different methodologies utilized, and describes the pearls, pitfalls, and rigor of qualitative research.

CONCLUSIONS

This understanding of qualitative inquiry is critical for the otolaryngologist to stay current on what is published and have the ability to include this in their research repertoire. Laryngoscope, 134:27-31, 2024.

Concerns regarding health-related social media usage amongst otolaryngology patients

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to determine concerns of otolaryngology patients regarding health-related social media usage.

METHODS

A total of 372 otolaryngology patients were asked to report their level of concern (on a scale of "not at all", "a little", "somewhat", or "highly" concerned) regarding health-related social media usage as it pertained to risk of "loss of privacy or anonymity related to your health condition", "reliability of disease/treatment information", and "reliability of physician reviews/recommendations". Demographics and social media usage patterns (on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or other platforms) were compared to concerns about health-related social media usage.

RESULTS

The level of concern was highest for reliability of disease/treatment information and least for loss of privacy/anonymity (p < 0.001). Concern about loss of privacy/anonymity was associated with age over 25 years (OR = 3.12, 95%CI 1.66-5.86, p < 0.001) and negatively with daily use of Twitter (OR = 0.54, 95%CI 0.30-0.96, p = 0.035). Concern about reliability of disease/treatment information was negatively associated with Medicare insurance (OR = 0.57, 95%CI 0.35-0.93, p = 0.024), which is available to adults aged ≥65 years, and concern over reliability of physician reviews/recommendations was associated with patients identifying their race as Asian, American Indian and other (OR = 3.16, 95%CI 1.22-8.19, p = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

The greatest concern about health-related social media usage is related to reliability of disease/treatment information, though notably less among patients with Medicare who represent adults of age 65 years or older. Concerns over loss of privacy/anonymity and reliability of physician reviews/recommendations are also prevalent and associated with patient demographics. These concerns may constrain utilization of social media for healthcare purposes, which highlights the importance of reliable sources of information.

The Burden of Migraine on Quality of Life in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of comorbid migraine on quality of life (QOL) in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

METHODS

A total of 213 adult patients with CRS were recruited. All participants completed the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), from which total and validated nasal, ear/facial pain, sleep, and emotional subdomain scores were calculated, and the 5-dimension EuroQol general health questionnaire (EQ-5D), from which the visual analogue scale (VAS) and health utility value (HUV) were calculated. The presence of comorbid migraine was determined by a score of ≥4 on the 5-item Migraine Screen Questionnaire (MS-Q).

RESULTS

Of the participants, 36.2% were screened positive for having comorbid migraine. The mean SNOT-22 score was 64.9 (SD: 18.7) in participants with migraine and 41.5 (SD: 21.1) in participants without migraine (p < 0.001). The mean EQ-5D VAS and HUV were 60.2 (SD: 21.9) and 0.69 (SD: 0.18), respectively, in participants with migraine and 71.4 (SD: 19.4) and 0.84 (SD: 0.13), respectively, in participants without migraine (p < 0.001 for both). Higher ear/facial pain (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.10-1.36, p < 0.001) and sleep (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.04-1.18, p = 0.002) SNOT-22 subdomain scores were positively associated with migraine. The SNOT-22 item scores related to dizziness, reduced concentration, and facial pain, in descending order, were most associated with migraine. The presence of nasal polyps (OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07 - 0.80, p = 0.020) was negatively associated with migraine.

CONCLUSION

Comorbid migraine may be relatively common amongst CRS patients, and its presence is associated with significantly worse QOL. Dizziness as a symptom in CRS patients may be particularly indicative of migraine.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 133:3279-3284, 2023.

Heterogeneity in the definition of chronic rhinosinusitis disease control: a systematic review of the scientific literature

PURPOSE

Disease control is conceptually recognized to be an important outcome measure for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, inconsistent usage is a significant factor in disadoption of important concepts and it is presently unclear how consistently the construct of CRS 'control' is being defined/applied. The objective of this study was to determine the heterogeneity of CRS disease control definitions in the scientific literature.

METHODS

Systematic review of PubMed and Web of Science databases from inception through December 31, 2022. Included studies used CRS disease control as an explicitly stated outcome measure. The definitions of CRS disease control were collected.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies were identified with more than half published in 2021 or later. Definitions of CRS control were variable, although 48.4% of studies used the EPOS (2012 or 2020) criteria to define control, 14 other unique definitions of CRS disease control were also implemented. Most studies included the burden CRS symptoms (80.6%), need for antibiotics or systemic corticosteroids (77.4%) or nasal endoscopy findings (61.3%) as criteria in their definitions of CRS disease control. However, the specific combination of these criteria and prior time periods over which they were assessed were highly variable.

CONCLUSION

CRS disease control is not consistently defined in the scientific literature. Although many studies conceptually treated 'control' as the goal of CRS treatment, 15 different criteria were used to define CRS disease control, representing significant heterogeneity. Scientific derivation of criteria and collaborative consensus building are needed for the development of a widely-accepted and -applied definition of CRS disease control.

Determinants of physician assessment of chronic rhinosinusitis disease control using EPOS 2020 criteria and the importance of incorporating patient perspectives of disease control

BACKGROUND

We identify chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) manifestations associated with how rhinologists assess CRS control, with a focus on patient perspectives (patient-reported CRS control).

METHODS

Fifteen rhinologists were provided with real-world data from 200 CRS patients. Participating rhinologists first classified patients' CRS control as "controlled," "partly controlled," and "uncontrolled" using seven CRS manifestations reflecting European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS) CRS control criteria (nasal obstruction, drainage, impaired smell, facial pain/pressure, sleep disturbance, use of systemic antibiotics/corticosteroids in past 6 months, and nasal endoscopy findings) and patient-reported CRS control. They then classified patients' CRS control without knowledge of patient-reported CRS control. Interrater reliability and agreement of rhinologist-assessed CRS control with patient-reported CRS control and EPOS guidelines were determined.

RESULTS

CRS control classification with and without knowledge of patient-reported CRS control was highly consistent across rhinologists (κw  = 0.758). Rhinologist-assessed CRS control agreed with patient-reported CRS control significantly better when rhinologists had knowledge of patient-reported CRS control (κw  = 0.736 vs. κw  = 0.554, p < 0.001). Patient-reported CRS control, nasal obstruction, drainage, and endoscopy findings were most strongly associated with rhinologists' assessment of CRS control. Rhinologists' CRS control assessments weakly agreed with EPOS CRS control guidelines with (κw  = 0.529) and without (κw  = 0.538) patient-reported CRS control. Rhinologists classified CRS as more controlled than EPOS guidelines in almost 50% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

This study directly demonstrates the importance of patient-reported CRS control as a dominant influence on rhinologists' CRS control assessment. Knowledge of patient-reported CRS control may better align rhinologists' CRS control assessments and treatment decisions with patients' perspectives.

Preoperative, technical, and postoperative considerations for skull base reconstruction: a practical review of critical concepts

Despite widespread adoption and advances in endoscopic skull base surgery, with expanding indications and the ability to effectively treat larger and more complex pathologies, skull base reconstruction following tumor resection and prevention of cerebrospinal fluid leak remains a challenge for even the most seasoned of surgical teams. Mounting evidence in all areas have pushed our understanding of skull base reconstruction principles forward. In this narrative review, we summarize critical concepts and provide practical but comprehensive guiding principles on preoperative, intraoperative/technical, and postoperative management principles related to optimizing skull base reconstructive success. The goal is to provide an informative resource for skull base surgeons (both otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons) to reference regarding state-of-the-art evidence surrounding this ever-evolving topic.

Surveying the Landscape of Social Media Usage for Health Care by Otolaryngology Patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine factors associated with social media usage for finding a doctor or seeking medical advice among otolaryngology patients.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of 361 patients visiting our clinics. All participants were asked if they were aware social media may be used to find doctors and if they had ever done so, and also if they were aware social media could be used to get advice about a medical condition or its treatment and if they had ever done so. Demographic characteristics were examined for association with affirmative answers to these questions.

RESULTS

Facebook was the most used social media platform with 50.7% using Facebook daily. Over 50% of participants were aware social media could be used to find a doctor or seek medical advice. Daily use of Facebook was associated with using social media for finding a doctor (OR = 2.57, 95%CI: 1.41-4.67, p = 0.002) and seeking medical advice (OR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.09-2.71, p = 0.020). Having Medicare was associated with using social media to find a doctor (OR = 2.20, 95%CI: 1.15-4.21, p = 0.017), whereas Medicaid was associated with using social media for medical advice (OR = 1.99, 95%CI: 1.08-3.67, p = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

A majority of otolaryngology patients may be aware of health care applications of social media, with Facebook being the dominant platform, and Medicare insurance identifying patients who may most use social media in this manner. There is also an indication that social determinants of health, as reflected by Medicaid insurance, may be associated with using social media to seek medical advice.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 133:2116-2121, 2023.

Chronic rhinosinusitis disease control: a review of the history and the evidence

INTRODUCTION

Control is an important concept and outcome measure for chronic incurable diseases, defined as the extent to which manifestations of a disease are within acceptable limits. Control reflects a global metric of disease status and serves as the goal of treatment. This review will encompass the history of the disease control concept applied to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and the body of scientific literature that has focused on the definition of CRS disease control.

AREAS COVERED

A review of the scientific literature identified historical studies and guidelines that have developed definitions of CRS disease control, as well as recent studies identifying the most significant determinants of CRS control. A particular focus was made on studies that investigated patients' and physicians' perspectives of CRS control.

EXPERT OPINION

Patients and physicians have well-aligned perspectives about the definition, criteria, and application of CRS disease control, with a specific prioritization of patients' assessments of their own CRS control, as well as the symptoms of nasal obstruction and nasal drainage. The development of future guidelines for assessing CRS control must be based on criteria supported by evidence as essential to the assessment of CRS control but should also be the subject of broad international consensus.

Patient Perspectives on Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVE

Acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis (AECRS) are currently defined as a transient worsening of symptoms that return to baseline. This definition is narrow and can only be made retrospectively. The literature has studied this phenomenon from the physician perspective, yet a key stakeholder's-the patient's perspective is not well elucidated in the literature. To understand AECRS from the patient's perspective, we performed this study to further clarify this phenomenon.

STUDY DESIGN

Basic qualitative study via patient interviews using constant comparative methodology was conducted.

SETTING

Tertiary care academic center.

METHODS

Two of the authors served as coders, and via group discussion, a common codebook was created and used to identify recurrent themes. The themes were analyzed for meaning and conclusions were summarized.

RESULTS

Ten interviews were conducted with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients. Recurring themes included the following: (1) patients identify with the term flare or sinus infection more than exacerbation; (2) consistent with the current definition, patients identify AECRS by worsening sinonasal symptoms but also relate secondary symptoms, including poor sleep, fatigue, exacerbation of lower respiratory tract symptoms, and malaise to AECRS; and (3) patients are greatly affected by AECRS via decreased quality of life (QOL), worsening of general health, and decreasing productivity.

CONCLUSION

Beyond worsening of sinonasal symptoms, the concept of AECRS reflects a more complex construct to patients with associated extranasal symptoms and systemic manifestations. In addition, AECRS have a large impact on patients, and therefore, understanding this component of CRS is pivotal in improving disease control and QOL in this patient population.

Minimal Radiographic Mucosal Thickness or Opacification Criterion for Sinus-Specific Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis

OBJECTIVE

Primary chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is typically a diffuse process and the extent of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) performed for medically recalcitrant CRS is impacted by many factors. However, some third-party payors have implemented policies to authorize coverage for ESS in a sinus-by-sinus manner based on a minimal measurement of millimeters of mucosal thickening or sinus opacification in the corresponding sinus that is being surgically addressed. Our objective was to determine whether such policies are based on scientific evidence that in patients with medically recalcitrant CRS, a minimum measurement of mucosal thickening or sinus opacification is a predictor of CRS in that sinus or improved outcomes after ESS on a sinus-by-sinus basis.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, from inception through May 2022.

REVIEW METHODS

A systematic review was performed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.

RESULTS

We identified 6070 abstracts which were screened and from which 112 studies ultimately underwent a full-text review. From these studies, we found that none investigated (or provided evidence of) whether any minimal degree of radiographic mucosal thickening or sinus opacification predicted CRS or better outcomes after ESS in a sinus-specific manner.

CONCLUSION

We were unable to find evidence supporting a minimum millimeter measurement of mucosal thickening or sinus opacification as predictors of CRS or better post-ESS outcomes in a sinus-specific manner in patients with medically recalcitrant CRS. The extent of ESS for CRS should be determined through personalized medical decision-making that considers all patient-specific factors.

Determinants of impact factor and E igenfactor score in otolaryngology journals

Objective

This study aims to identify determinants of high impact, measured by Impact Factor (IF) and Eigenfactor score, among otolaryngology journals.

Methods

Bibliometric data of "otorhinolaryngology" journals were collected from the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) database. For the years 2009-2020, we collected normalized Eigenfactor score, 5-year IF, immediacy index, fraction of IF from journal-self citation, proportion and magnitude of published citable articles, and total citation counts. High-IF and -Eigenfactor journals were considered those within the top-quartile of that metric each respective year.

Results

High-IF and -Eigenfactor otolaryngology journals displayed higher 5-year IFs, immediacy indexes, and IF without self-citation (p < .05 for all years) including total citations counts and citable articles when ranked by Eigenfactor (p < .05 for all years). Otolaryngology IF correlated with 5-year IF and immediacy index within the same year (p < .05 for all years) and from previous years (p < .05 for all years; p < .05 for 2017-2018; p > .05 for 2009-2016). Eigenfactor correlated with 5-year IF, total citation counts, and citable articles within the same year (p < .05 for all years) and previous years (p < .05 for 2013-2018). Multilinear regression revealed that 5-year IF (p < .05 for 2009-2018) and immediacy index from the prior 2 years (p < .05 for 2017-2018; p > .05 for 2009-2016) predicted 2019 IF. Similarly, 5-year IF, total citation counts, and citable articles (p < .05 for 2013-2018) predicted 2019 Eigenfactor score.

Conclusion

Sustained publication of impactful articles is the dominant driver of high IF and Eigenfactor score. Eigenfactor score reflects a unique evaluation of otolaryngology journals; ranking otolaryngology journals by their Eigenfactor scores significantly alters journal ranking compared to ranking by IF.

Level of evidence

NA.

Defining 'control' of chronic rhinosinusitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Control is a global disease metric defined as the extent to which manifestations of a disease are within acceptable limits. Control serves as the goal of treatment for chronic diseases, such as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), that cannot be cured. The objective of this review is to summarize recommendations for assessment of CRS control with a specific focus on how these recommendations align with patients' and healthcare providers' perspectives of CRS control.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several staging systems for CRS control have been developed with the first and most widely recognized by the 2012 European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps, which was developed through expert opinion. Patients' and providers'/guideline-based assessments of CRS control frequently do not align. Patients understand the concept of CRS control and their assessment is dominated by the perceived severity of nasal symptoms. In comparison, providers' and guideline-based assessments of control are more global, incorporating nasal and extra-nasal symptoms, need for systemic antibiotics and corticosteroids, and nasal endoscopy.

SUMMARY

Although more research is needed, future development of CRS control criteria through consensus around explicitly determined perspectives of healthcare providers and patients may one day serve as the foundation for a standardized approach to treatment of CRS.

Anterior occipital condyle screw placement through the endonasal corridor: proof of concept study with cadaveric analysis

PURPOSE

Odontoidectomy for ventral compressive pathology may result in O-C1 and/or C1-2 instability. Same-stage endonasal C1-2 spinal fusion has been advocated to eliminate risks associated with separate-stage posterior approaches. While endonasal methods for C1 instrumentation and C1-2 trans-articular stabilization exist, no hypothetical construct for endonasal occipital instrumentation has been validated. We provide an anatomic description of anterior occipital condyle (AOC) screw endonasal placement as proof-of-concept for endonasal craniocervical stabilization.

METHODS

Eight adult, injected cadaveric heads were studied for placing 16 AOC screws endonasally. Thin-cut CT was used for registration. After turning a standard inferior U-shaped nasopharyngeal flap endonasally, 4 mm × 22 mm AOC screws were placed with a 0° driver using neuronavigation. Post-placement CT scans were obtained to determine: site-of-entry, measured from the endonasal projection of the medial O-C1 joint; screw angulation in sagittal and axial planes, proximity to critical structures.

RESULTS

Average site-of-entry was 6.88 mm lateral and 9.74 mm rostral to the medial O-C1 joint. Average angulation in the sagittal plane was 0.16° inferior to the palatal line. Average angulation in the axial plane was 23.97° lateral to midline. Average minimum screw distances from the jugular bulb and hypoglossal canal were 4.80 mm and 1.55 mm.

CONCLUSION

Endonasal placement of AOC screws is feasible using a 0° driver. Our measurements provide useful parameters to guide optimal placement. Given proximity of hypoglossal canal and jugular bulb, neuronavigation is recommended. Biomechanical studies will ultimately be necessary to evaluate the strength of AOC screws with plate-screw constructs utilizing endonasal C1 lateral mass or C1-2 trans-articular screws as inferior fixation points.

The Impact of C1 Anterior Arch Preservation on Spine Stability After Odontoidectomy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Odontoidectomy for symptomatic irreducible ventral brainstem compression at the craniovertebral junction may result in spine instability requiring subsequent instrumentation. There is no consensus on the importance of C1 anterior arch preservation in prevention of iatrogenic instability. We conducted a systematic review of the impact of C1 anterior arch preservation on postodontoidectomy spine stability.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched following the PRISMA guidelines to include studies of patients undergoing odontoidectomy. Random-effect model meta-analyses were performed to compare spine stability between C1 anterior arch preservation versus removal and posttreatment outcomes between transoral approaches (TOAs) versus endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs).

RESULTS

We included 27 studies comprising 462 patients. The most common lesions were basilar invagination (73.3%) and degenerative arthritis (12.6%). Symptoms included myelopathy (72%) and neck pain (43.9%). Odontoidectomy was performed through TOA (56.1%) and EEA corridors (34.4%). The C1 anterior arch was preserved in 16.7% of cases. Postodontoidectomy stabilization was performed in 83.3% patients. Median follow-up was 27 months (range, 0.1-145). Rates of spine instability were significantly lower (P = 0.004) when the C1 anterior arch was preserved. Postoperative clinical improvement and pooled complications were reported in 78.8% and 12.6% of patients, respectively, with no significant differences between TOA and EEA (P = 0.892; P = 0.346). Patients undergoing EEA had significantly higher rates of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Odontoidectomy is safe and effective for treating craniovertebral junction lesions. Preservation of the C1 anterior arch seems to improve maintenance of spine stability. TOA and EEA show comparable outcomes and complication rates.

C1 Lateral Mass Screw Placement Through Endonasal Corridor for Purpose of O-C1 Fusion: Morphometric Analysis in Cadaveric Specimens

BACKGROUND

Odontoidectomy may pose some risks for O-C1 and/or C1-C2 instability, with previous authors reporting techniques for endonasal C1-C2 fusion. However, no technique for endonasal O-C1 fusion currently exists. We sought to describe the feasibility of endonasal anterior C1 (AC1) screw placement for endonasal O-C1 fusion.

METHODS

Seven adult cadaveric heads were studied for endonasal placement of 14 C1 screws. Using thin-cut computed tomography (CT)-based "snapshot" neuronavigation assistance, 4 mm x 22 mm screws were placed in the C1 lateral mass using a 0° driver. Post-placement CT scans were obtained to determine site-of-entry measured from C1 anterior tubercle, screw angulation in axial and sagittal planes, and screw proximity to the central canal and foramen transversarium.

RESULTS

Average site-of-entry was 16.57 mm lateral, 2.23 mm rostral, and 5.53 mm deep to the anterior-most portion of the C1 ring. Average axial angulation was 19.49° lateral to midline, measured at the C1 level. Average sagittal angulation was 13.22° inferior to the palatal line, measured from the hard palate to the opisthion. Bicortical purchase was achieved in 11 screws (78.6%). Partial breach of the foramen transversarium was observed in 2 screws (14.3%), violation of the O-C1 joint space in 1 (7.1%), and violation of the central canal in 0 (0%). Average minimum screw distances from the unviolated foramen transversaria and central canal were 1.97 mm and 4.04 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Navigation-assisted endonasal placement of AC1 screws is feasible. Additional studies should investigate the biomechanical stability of anterior C1 screw-plating systems, with anterior condylar screws as superior fixation point, compared to traditional posterior O-C1 fusion.

Applications of vibrational energy in the treatment of sinonasal disease: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Acoustic energy and vibration therapy are emerging as helpful adjuncts among many disease states. There has been interest in how this technology can either serve as an alternative treatment or enhance delivery of medications to treat pathology within the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Our objective was to perform a scoping review of the state of the science of vibration treatment used in sinonasal disease.

METHODS

A search of Embase, PubMed, and CINAHL databases was performed in November 2021. Included studies evaluated acoustic energy as a means of treatment in sinonasal diseases. Data points collected included type of technology utilized, disease state treated, and outcomes.

RESULTS

The initial search identified 2902 studies, of which 44 met inclusion criteria. A wide array of vibrational technology such as ultrasound, sonic aerosols, and phonophoresis, with varying frequency and amplitude were described. Twenty-six studies evaluated the use of acoustic energy to treat sinonasal disease itself, while 18 studies evaluated the use of acoustic energy to facilitate drug delivery to the sinonasal cavity. Outcome measures among studies were highly varied.

CONCLUSIONS

Vibration technology used in patients with sinonasal pathology has been shown to improve pain, sinonasal symptoms, and radiologic outcome measures in small studies. Given the heterogeneous study populations and outcomes, no conclusion could be reached regarding overall effectiveness of acoustic energy as a primary treatment. Further research is required to study specific treatment indications in larger patient populations to fully understand the potential clinical benefit and to determine optimal therapeutic characteristics of sound energy.

Acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis: The current state of knowledge

Objectives

Acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis (AECRS) are distinct from baseline symptomatology related to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). In this review, we seek to examine the literature on AECRS to synthesize the definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology, treatment, and impact of AECRS on CRS patients.

Methods

A comprehensive narrative review of the scientific literature, identified by searching PubMed from inception through April 2022, was performed.

Results

AECRS is defined in consensus guidelines as a worsening of chronic sinus disease symptomatology, with a return to baseline, typically after intervention with systemic antibiotics and/or corticosteroids. The working definition used across the literature, however, is broad and heterogeneous. The pathophysiology of AECRS is incompletely understood but is hypothesized to include an interplay of environmental and patient‐specific factors. AECRS have been found to have a negative impact on quality‐of‐life measures, independent of baseline CRS symptomatology, and impact how patients and physicians view overall disease control. Treatment for AECRS includes oral antibiotics and systemic corticosteroids, although their efficacy for AECRS is unclear. Appropriate use of medical and surgical treatment for CRS can reduce the frequency of AECRS.

Conclusions

AECRS are a distinct entity in CRS patients and should be independently assessed when evaluating patients for CRS control. The efficacy of systemic medication usage for AECRS is currently unclear, but appropriate medical management of baseline CRS can reduce the frequency of AECRS. More research is needed to further understand this phenomenon, including a more precise and prospective definition, defined epidemiology, and how to appropriately treat.

Level of Evidence

5

Disease control in chronic rhinosinusitis: a qualitative study of patient perspectives

BACKGROUND

The definition of disease control in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an active area of study. However, investigations have not engaged CRS patients in how they think about disease control. This study seeks to understand the patient perspective on CRS disease control.

METHODS

Qualitative phenomenological study using constant comparative methodology was applied. The research team conducted 10, one-on-one interviews with CRS patients ranging from 22 to 55 minutes in length. The content of the interview protocol was determined through iterative discussion amongst all authors. Two authors served as coders to identify recurrent themes. Themes were analyzed for meaning and conclusions were summarized.

RESULTS

Three recurring themes determined from patients were that (1) use of the terminology "control" adequately represents this phenomenon, (2) components of control could be classified into four main themes relating to CRS symptomatology, exacerbation of comorbid disease, quality of life and acute exacerbations of CRS, and (3) when patients deem their CRS is uncontrolled they are more willing to escalate their treatment to include escalating their daily maintenance regimen, seeking otolaryngology referral, taking rescue medication or undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

CRS patients consider their daily symptoms, the severity and frequency of CRS exacerbations, impact on quality of life as well as exacerbation of comorbid disease when thinking about their disease control. Disease control is a goal of treatment for patients and uncontrolled disease motivates patients to seek further treatment. Physicians should explore all components of CRS control when considering disease status and need for further treatment.

Dedicated Olfaction and Taste Items do not Improve Psychometric Performance of the SNOT-22

Objective

Previous work has shown the chemosensory dysfunction item of the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) that assesses problems with “taste/smell” has poor psychometric performance compared with other items on the SNOT‐22, which we have hypothesized is due to the simultaneous assessment of two different senses. Our aim was to determine whether distinct smell and taste items in the SNOT‐22 would improve psychometric performance.

Methods

One hundred and eighty‐one CRS patients were recruited and completed the SNOT‐22. Additional items querying problems with the senses of “smell” and “taste,” using the same response scale and recall period were given to study participants. Item response theory (IRT) was used to determine IRT parameters, including item discrimination, difficulty, and information provided by each SNOT‐22 item.

Results

Confirming previous studies, the chemosensory item of the SNOT‐22 (reflecting “taste/smell”) had poor psychometric performance. Use of a distinct smell or taste item instead of the combined “taste/smell” item did not improve psychometric performance. However, a dedicated smell question resulted in a left shift of threshold parameters, showing that the dedicated smell item better captures moderate CRS disease burden than the original taste/smell item of the SNOT‐22, which by virtue of near‐identical IRT parameters appears to more greatly reflect problems with taste.

Conclusions

A dedicated smell‐ or taste‐specific item, rather than the combined “taste/smell” item currently in the SNOT‐22 does not provide significantly greater psychometric performance. However, a dedicated smell item may better capture moderate CRS disease burden compared with the current chemosensory item on the SNOT‐22. Laryngoscope, 132:1644–1651, 2022

Individual symptom visual analogue scale severity scores for determining EPOS guideline-based chronic rhinosinusitis disease control

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to determine how to translate visual analogue scale (VAS) symptom scores to the binary, descriptive symptom scales used in the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS) criteria for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) disease control.

METHODS

309 CRS patients were recruited. All patients rated their burden of 5 symptoms (nasal blockage, rhinorrhea/postnasal drip, facial pain/pressure, smell loss, sleep disturbance or fatigue) using the binary EPOS descriptive symptom scales and a VAS (on a scale of 0 to 10). In addition, participants completed a 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and rated their overall CRS disease control as "controlled", "partly controlled" or "uncontrolled".

RESULTS

Symptom burdens measured by VAS, binary descriptive EPOS scale and SNOT-22 were associated with worsening CRS disease control reported by participants. Each symptom had a distinct VAS score cut-off that strongly predicted the uncontrolled option on the corresponding binary descriptive EPOS symptom scale. However, the predictive ability of VAS for rhinorrhea/ postnasal drip was disparately worse than the other 4 symptoms. When considering all symptom data simultaneously, a VAS score &gt;3.5 strongly predicted the uncontrolled option on the corresponding binary descriptive EPOS symptom scale for all 5 symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

A VAS symptom score of &gt;3.5 translates to the uncontrolled option in the binary, descriptive symptom scale of the EPOS control criteria. The rhinorrhea/postnasal drip descriptive symptom scale translates disparately worse to VAS scores and may be considered for revision in future criteria.

Utility of Visual Analog Scale of Subdomain Scores of the 22-Item Sinonasal Outcome Test in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

The burden of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) symptomatology is frequently measured with the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). In some situations, such as when there is need for frequent sampling, a full SNOT-22 may be impractical, and an abbreviated measure may be useful. Herein, we study 4 questions reflecting the 4 SNOT-22 subdomains as accurate reflections of SNOT-22 content. In total, 250 patients with CRS completed a SNOT-22 and answered 4 questions about their total nasal symptoms, poor sleep quality, ear/facial pain, and mood (reflecting SNOT-22 subdomains) using visual analog scales (VASs). The 4 SNOT-22 subdomain VAS scores each correlated strongly with the corresponding SNOT-22 subdomain scores. The sum of the 4 subdomain question VAS scores was highly correlated with the total SNOT-22 score (r = 0.77, P < .001). This preliminary study suggests information from the SNOT-22 may be ascertained through 4 questions reflecting the 4 SNOT-22 subdomains, although further validation is needed.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis Outcomes of Patients With Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease Treated With Budesonide Irrigations: A Case Series

BACKGROUND

Pathophysiology-targeting treatments exist for aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) through aspirin desensitization and biologics, such as dupilumab. With increasing attention paid to these treatments, which may be associated with significant side effects and/or cost, there is little description of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) response to treatment with intranasal corticosteroids and saline irrigations in AERD.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of intranasal budesonide irrigations for the treatment of CRSwNP in AERD.

METHODS

This is an observational study of 14 AERD patients presenting to a rhinology clinic for CRS who were treated with twice daily high volume, low pressure irrigations with 240 mL of saline to which a 0.5 mg/2 mL respule of budesonide was added. All participants completed a 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) at enrollment and at follow up 1 to 6 months later. Polyp scores were also calculated at each time point.

RESULTS

SNOT-22 scores ranged from 26 to 98 (median: 40.5) at enrollment and 3 to 85 (median: 38.5) at follow-up. Polyp scores ranged from 2 to 6 (median: 4) at enrollment at 0 to 6 (median: 2) at follow-up. Over the treatment period, change in SNOT-22 score ranged from -38 to 16 (median: -18) and change in polyp score ranged from -2 to 0 (median: -0.5). Approximately 57% of participants experienced at least 1 minimal clinically important difference in SNOT-22 score and 21% of participants had a SNOT-22 score <20 at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Medical management with intranasal corticosteroids and saline irrigations alone leads to significant improvement in sinonasal symptomatology in a subset of AERD.

Patient-reported chronic rhinosinusitis disease control is a valid measure of disease burden

BACKGROUND

Disease control is an important treatment goal for chronic uncurable conditions such as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The objective of this study was to determine whether patient-reported CRS disease control is a valid reflection of disease burden.

METHODS

Prospective longitudinal study of 300 CRS patients (35% CRS with nasal polyps, 65% CRS without nasal polyps). At enrollment and at a subsequent follow-up timepoint, all participants were asked to rate their CRS disease control as "not at all," "a little," "somewhat," "very," or "completely", as well as to complete a 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and the 5-dimension EuroQol general health questionnaire from which the visual analogue scale (EQ-5D VAS) was used.

RESULTS

At enrollment and follow-up timepoints, patient-reported CRS disease control was significantly correlated with SNOT-22 and EQ-5D VAS scores. The change in patient-reported CRS disease control was significantly correlated with change in SNOT-22 and change in EQ-5D VAS scores. There was significant cross-sectional and longitudinal correlation between patient-reported control and all SNOT-22 subdomain scores. A SNOT-22 score of ≤ 25 points or lower, or an EQ-5D VAS score of ≥77 was predictive of having well - (i.e. "very" or "completely") controlled CRS.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-reported CRS disease control is a valid measure of CRS disease burden and general QOL. A patient-reported assessment of CRS disease control could be considered as a component of a more comprehensive measure of CRS disease control.

Depression and Anxiety: Considerations for Interpretation of the SNOT-22 (22-Item Sinonasal Outcome Test)

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine whether depression and anxiety symptoms affect and confound scoring on the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), a commonly used outcome measure for chronic rhinosinusitis.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional.

SETTING

Tertiary care academic center.

METHODS

240 participants completed the SNOT-22, from which nasal, sleep, ear/facial pain, and emotional subdomain scores were calculated. They also completed the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) as a reflection of depression symptoms and 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire as a reflection of anxiety symptoms. Correlations were calculated between the 4 SNOT-22 subdomains and the PHQ-8 and GAD-7. Additionally, the predictive ability of subdomains and individual items of the SNOT-22 to predict depression and anxiety was calculated.

RESULTS

The SNOT-22 sleep and emotional subdomains most strongly correlated with the PHQ-8 and the GAD-7. The emotional and sleep subdomain scores were predictive of having depression or anxiety. An emotional subdomain score ≥4 had 62.5% sensitivity and 90.1% specificity for detecting depression and 78.8% sensitivity and 88.9% specificity for detecting anxiety. A sleep subdomain score ≥21 had 81.2% sensitivity and 71.4% specificity for detecting depression and 87.9% sensitivity and 68.6% specificity for detecting anxiety. The emotional subdomain item related to sadness and the sleep subdomain items related to functional impairment were most predictive of depression and anxiety.

CONCLUSION

The SNOT-22 emotional and sleep subdomain scores may be used to predict active depression and anxiety symptoms, especially when items related to sadness or functional impairment are scored with moderate burden.

The Effect of Povidone-Iodine Nasal Spray on Nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load: A Randomized Control Trial

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the effect of povidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) nasal sprays on nasopharyngeal (NP) viral load as assessed by cycle threshold (Ct) on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of SARS‐CoV‐2 in outpatients.

Study Design

Three arm, triple blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial.

Methods

Participants were randomized within 5 days of testing positive for COVID‐19 to receive nasal sprays containing placebo (0.9% saline), 0.5% PVP‐I, or 2.0% PVP‐I. NP swabs for qPCR analysis were taken at baseline, 1‐hour post‐PVP‐I spray (two sprays/nostril), and 3 days post‐PVP‐I spray (20 sprays/nostril). Symptom and adverse event questionnaires were completed at baseline, day 3, and day 5. University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Tests (UPSIT) were completed at baseline and day 30.

Results

Mean Ct values increased over time in all groups, indicating declining viral loads, with no statistically significant difference noted in the rate of change between placebo and PVP‐I groups. The 2.0% PVP‐I group showed statistically significant improvement in all symptom categories; however, it also reported a high rate of nasal burning. Olfaction via UPSIT showed improvement by at least one category in all groups. There were no hospitalizations or mortalities within 30 days of study enrollment.

Conclusions

Saline and low concentration PVP‐I nasal sprays are well tolerated. Similar reductions in SARS‐CoV‐2 NP viral load were seen over time in all groups. All treatment groups showed improvement in olfaction over 30 days. These data suggest that dilute versions of PVP‐I nasal spray are safe for topical use in the nasal cavity, but that PVP‐I does not demonstrate virucidal activity in COVID‐19 positive outpatients.

Level of Evidence

II Laryngoscope, 2021

Multi-institutional minimal clinically important difference of the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test in medically managed chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

With a rapid proliferation of clinical trials to study novel medical treatments for CRS, the objective of this study was to study the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) in medically-managed CRS patients.

METHODS

A total of 183 medically-treated CRS patients were recruited. All patients completed a SNOT-22 at enrollment and subsequent follow up visit. Distribution and anchor-based methods were used for MCID calculation. These data were combined with data from a previously published study on SNOT-22 MCID in 247 medically managed CRS patients to determine a final recommended MCID value using the combined cohort of 430 patients.

RESULTS

In our cohort, distribution- and anchor-based methods-using both sinus-specific and general health anchors-provided greatest support for a 12-point SNOT-22 MCID, which had approximately 55% sensitivity but 81% specificity for detecting patients explicitly reporting improvement in their sinus symptoms and general health. In the combined cohort of 430 patients, we also found greatest support for a 12-point SNOT-22 MCID, which had approximately 57% sensitivity and 81% specificity for detecting patients explicitly reporting improvement in their sinus symptoms and general health. We also find evidence that the MCID value may be higher in CRS patients without nasal polyps compared to those with nasal polyps.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results - which include data from patients from two different institutions and regions - confirm a SNOT-22 MCID of 12 in medically managed CRS patients. The SNOT-22 MCID was specific but not sensitive for identifying CRS patients experiencing improvement in symptoms or general health.

Exploring possibilities for shortening the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) using item response theory

BACKGROUND

Even with a high-quality instrument, such as the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), patients can be overwhelmed by repeated completion of questionnaires, leading to nonadherence and reduced data quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the SNOT-22 could be made more concise without losing the valuable information that it provides.

METHODS

A modern psychometric approach, item response theory (IRT), was used on a sample of 800 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The SNOT-22 was refined based on: (1) the item information criteria, retaining only items with above-average information; and (2) the total test information, retaining only the most discriminating items to cover at least 30% of the information within each subdomain. The preliminary validity and reliability of these refined scales were assessed using Cronbach's alpha and Pearson's correlation.

RESULTS

Using an IRT approach, we find that it may be possible to shorten the SNOT-22 to an 11-item and six-item version based on psychometric properties. Item information functions of the shortened 11-item and six-item scales demonstrate that both versions accurately covered the CRS symptom-severity continuum. Preliminary reliability and validity analysis showed that both refined scales had good to excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha ≥ 0.80) and were highly associated with the original full-length scale (r ≥ 0.90).

CONCLUSION

IRT provides data-driven opportunities for the continuous development and refinement of the SNOT-22. While patient and provider input must be accounted for too, our results show that future revisions of the SNOT-22 could include significantly fewer items.

Item Response Theory for Psychometric Properties of the SNOT-22 (22-Item Sinonasal Outcome Test)

OBJECTIVE

The SNOT-22 (22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test) is a high-quality outcome measure that assesses chronic rhinosinusitis-specific quality of life. The aim of this study was to gain greater insight into the information provided by the SNOT-22 by determining its item-based psychometric properties.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary care academic centers.

METHODS

This study used a previously described data set of the SNOT-22 completed by 800 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Item response theory graded response models were used to determine parameters reflecting item discrimination, difficulty, and information provided by each item toward the SNOT-22 subdomain to which it belonged.

RESULTS

The unconstrained graded response model fitted the SNOT-22 data best. Item discrimination parameters and total information provided showed the greatest variability within the nasal subdomain, and the item related to sense of smell/taste demonstrated the lowest discrimination and provided the least amount of information overall. The dizziness item provided disparately lower total information and discrimination in the otologic/facial pain subdomain. Items in the sleep and emotional subdomains generally provided high discrimination. While items in the nasal, sleep, and otologic/facial pain subdomains spanned all levels of difficulty, emotional subdomain items covered higher levels of difficulty, indicating greater information provided at higher levels of disease severity.

CONCLUSION

The item-specific psychometric properties of the SNOT-22 support it as a high-quality instrument. Our results suggest the need and possibility for revision of the smell/taste dysfunction item, for example its wording, to improve its ability to discriminate among the different levels of disease burden.

Portable HEPA Purifiers to Eliminate Airborne SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Current epidemiologic predictions of COVID-19 suggest that SARS-CoV-2 mitigation strategies must be implemented long-term. In-office aerosol-generating procedures pose a risk to staff and patients while necessitating examination room shutdown to allow aerosol decontamination by indwelling ventilation. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers' effectiveness in eliminating airborne SARS-CoV-2 from indoor environments.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, Cochrane Databases, and the World Health Organization's COVID-19 Global Literature on Coronavirus Disease.

REVIEW METHODS

Data sources were systematically searched for original English-language published studies indexed up to January 14, 2021 per the following search strategy: ("HEPA" OR "High-efficiency" OR "High-efficiency particulate air" OR "Efficiency particulate" OR "Purifier" OR "Filter" OR "Cleaner" OR "Filtration") AND ("COVID" OR "COVID-19" OR "SARS-CoV-2" OR "Coronavirus"). Additional relevant studies were identified by searching the reference lists of included articles.

RESULTS

Eleven published studies have evaluated the effectiveness of portable HEPA purifiers in eliminating airborne SARS-CoV-2 with relevantly sized surrogate particles. Ten studies evaluated aerosols and submicron particles similar in size to SARS-CoV-2 virions. In all studies, portable HEPA purifiers were able to significantly reduce airborne SARS-CoV-2-surrogate particles. The addition of portable HEPA purifiers augmented other decontamination strategies such as ventilation.

CONCLUSION

Experimental studies provide evidence for portable HEPA purifiers' potential to eliminate airborne SARS-CoV-2 and augment primary decontamination strategies such as ventilation. Based on filtration rates, additional air exchanges provided by portable HEPA purifiers may be calculated and room shutdown times potentially reduced after aerosol-generating procedures.

Patient perspectives on recall period and response options in patient-reported outcome measures for chronic rhinosinusitis symptomatology: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for assessment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) employ a variety of recall periods and response scales for reporting CRS symptom burden. CRS patient perspective is unknown with respect to recall periods and response scales in PROMs.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Tertiary rhinology clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty three adults with CRS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Participants were asked to choose which CRS symptom recall period-1 day, 2 weeks, 1 month or greater than 1 month-was most reflective of their current disease state and best to base treatment recommendations (including surgery) upon. Participants were also asked to report which of six response scales (one visual analogue scale [VAS] and five Likert scales ranging from four to eight items) were easiest to use and understand, and most preferred.

RESULTS

A majority of participants felt the current state of their CRS symptoms was best reflected by a recall period of 2 weeks to 1 month; however, patients preferred that recommendations about treatments, including endoscopic sinus surgery, be determined by symptoms experienced over at least a one-month period. Participants generally found the VAS and seven-item Likert scale to be the easiest to use and understand, and their most preferred scales. No patient characteristics associated with preferences for recall periods or response scales.

CONCLUSION

Future PROMs for CRS symptoms should consider assessment of symptoms over a one-month time frame and use either a VAS or seven-item Likert response scale to optimally balance reflection of current disease state, need for intervention and patient preference.

Olfactory Dysfunction is not a Determinant Of Patient-Reported Chronic Rhinosinusitis Disease Control

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

As a cardinal symptom of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), hyposmia has been recommended to be assessed as a component of CRS disease control. Herein we determine the significance of hyposmia in CRS in the context of nasal obstruction and drainage symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, cross-sectional METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 308 CRS patients (102 CRSwNP, 206 CRSsNP) without prior endoscopic sinus surgery. The burden of nasal obstruction and hyposmia were assessed using the corresponding item scores on the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). Burden of nasal discharge was assessed using the mean of "thick nasal discharge" and "thick post-nasal discharge" SNOT-22 item scores. Patients were all asked to rate their CRS symptom control as "not at all," "a little," "somewhat," "very," or "completely."

RESULTS

In CRSwNP, only 4.9% had a hyposmia score > 1 with nasal obstruction and drainage scores less than or equal to 1. In CRSsNP, only 1.9% had a hyposmia score > 1 with nasal obstruction and drainage scores less than or equal to 1. On univariate association, CRS symptom control was significantly associated with nasal obstruction, hyposmia, and drainage in both CRSwNP and CRSsNP (P < .05 in all cases). Using multivariable regression to account for all nasal symptoms, only nasal obstruction and nasal discharge scores (but not hyposmia) were significantly associated with CRS symptom control.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyposmia rarely occurs without nasal obstruction or nasal drainage, and may therefore be redundant to assess for CRS disease control. Moreover, hyposmia was not associated with patient-reported CRS symptom control when accounting for the burden of nasal obstruction and drainage.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2116-E2120, 2021.

ACE2 localizes to the respiratory cilia and is not increased by ACE inhibitors or ARBs

The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the ongoing severe acute respiratory disease pandemic COVID-19. Tissue and cellular tropism is one key to understanding the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. We investigate the expression and subcellular localization of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), within the upper (nasal) and lower (pulmonary) respiratory tracts of human donors using a diverse panel of banked tissues. Here, we report our discovery that the ACE2 receptor protein robustly localizes within the motile cilia of airway epithelial cells, which likely represents the initial or early subcellular site of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry during host respiratory transmission. We further determine whether ciliary ACE2 expression in the upper airway is influenced by patient demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, or medication use, and show the first mechanistic evidence that the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) does not increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection through enhancing the expression of ciliary ACE2 receptor. These findings are crucial to our understanding of the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 for prevention and control of this virulent pathogen.

Unbiased Measure of General Quality of Life in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Reveals Disease Modifiers

INTRODUCTION

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is associated with a significant decrease in general health-related quality of life (QOL). The EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire measures general health-related quality of life through a health utility value (EQ-5D HUV)-based on five domains reflecting mobility, self-care, activities of daily life, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression-and an unbiased visual analog scale (EQ-5D VAS). We sought to identify characteristics of CRS patients with a high EQ-5D HUV but low EQ-5D VAS score.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective cross-sectional study of 300 CRS patients with EQ-5D HUV equal to 1.0 (reflecting perfect health). All patients completed a 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22)-from which nasal, sleep, ear/facial discomfort, and emotional subdomain scores were calculated, as well as the EQ-5D. Low EQ-5D VAS was defined as a score less than 80.

RESULTS

On multivariate analysis, low EQ-5D VAS was associated with only the SNOT-22 sleep subdomain score (odds ratio [OR] = 1.07, 95%CI: 1.02-1.12, P = .003). Comorbid asthma was also associated with lower EQ-5D VAS (OR = 2.16, 95%CI: 1.02-4.59, P = .045). In contrast, polyps were negatively associated with having a lower EQ-5D VAS (OR = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.17-0.69, P = .003).

CONCLUSION

There are patients with perfect general health-related QOL according to a health utility value-based methodology (like the EQ-5D HUV) who report low general health-related QOL on an unbiased measure like the EQ-5D VAS. In CRS patients with perfect EQ-5D HUV, poor sleep and asthma were associated with low QOL on the EQ-5D VAS, while polyps were negatively associated with low QOL.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 131:1206-1211, 2021.

Emotional and Personality Traits are Determinants of Activity Avoidance in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients

OBJECTIVES

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), like other sinonasal diseases, may be associated with avoidance of daily activities. Our goal was to identify characteristics associated with avoidance of activities due to CRS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 194 CRS patients were recruited. CRS symptom burden was assessed with the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). SNOT-22 nasal, sleep, ear/facial discomfort and emotional/psychological subdomain scores were calculated. Depressed mood was assessed using the two-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2). Personality traits including conscientiousness, neuroticism, agreeableness, openness, and extraversion were assessed using the Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10) questionnaire. As the primary outcome, participants rated how often in the prior week that they had avoided any activities in day-to-day life due to their nasal or sinus symptoms on a scale of "never," "rarely," "sometimes," "often," or "extremely often." Ordinal regression models, with bootstrap validation, were used to identify associations between activity avoidance and participants' characteristics.

RESULTS

On multivariable analysis, SNOT-22 score (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, 95% CI, 1.01-1.04, P = .026), and conscientiousness personality trait (OR = 1.38, 95% CI, 1.05-1.81, P = .019) were positively associated with activity avoidance while age (OR = 0.98, 95% CI, 0.96-0.99, P = .049) was negatively associated with activity avoidance. Of CRS symptom burden/SNOT-22 subdomains, only the emotional/psychological subdomain score (OR = 1.28, 95% CI, 1.12-1.46, P < .001) was associated with activity avoidance.

CONCLUSION

Younger age and the conscientiousness personality trait were associated with activity avoidance in CRS patients. Of CRS-associated symptomatology, sadness and embarrassment were associated with activity avoidance. Emotional traits and personality most strongly predict avoidance of activities in CRS patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2c. Laryngoscope, 131:707-712, 2021.

Characterising the potential for recall bias in anchor-based MCID calculation of patient-reported outcome measures for chronic rhinosinusitis

OBJECTIVE

Anchor-based methods to calculate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) may suffer from recall bias. This has never been investigated for otolaryngic PROMs. We sought to identify evidence of recall bias in calculation of MCIDs of PROMs for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of data from two previous studies calculating the MCID of the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and 5-dimensonal EuroQol questionnaire (EQ-5D) in CRS patients.

SETTING

Tertiary rhinology clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults with CRS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

SNOT-22 score, and EQ-5D visual analog scale scores (EQ-5D VAS) and health utility values (EQ-5D HUV) before and after medical treatment for CRS. After treatment, participants were asked to rate the change in sinonasal symptoms and general health (the anchor question) as "Much worse," "A little worse," "About the same," "A little better" or "Much better." Participants' responses to the anchor question were checked for association with post-treatment and pre-treatment scores using ordinal regression.

RESULTS

On univariate association, post-treatment SNOT-22 and EQ-5D scores were associated with respective participants' anchor question responses (P < .001 in all cases). Only pre-treatment SNOT-22 score was associated with anchor question responses (P = .017) on univariate association, in contrast to pre-treatment EQ-5D scores. Pre-treatment EQ-5D scores only associated with anchor question responses when controlling for post-treatment scores.

CONCLUSION

The anchor-based MCIDs of the SNOT-22, which reflects disease-specific QOL, and the EQ-5D, which reflects general health-related QOL, appear to be largely free of recall bias.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients With and Without Polyps Experience Different Symptom Perception and Quality of Life Burdens

Objective

We sought to determine if chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) differentially perceived CRS symptom burden compared to patients without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) and to what extent CRS symptom severity was associated with quality of life (QOL) and patient-reported symptom control in the 2 groups.

Methods

A total of 600 patients (266 CRSwNP and 334 CRSsNP) presenting with CRS were recruited. CRS symptom burden was assessed with the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). SNOT-22 nasal, sleep, ear/facial discomfort, and emotional subdomain scores were calculated. General health-related QOL was assessed with the visual analog scale of the 5-dimensional EuroQol questionnaire (EQ-5D VAS). Patients rated their CRS symptom control on a 5-point scale.

Results

SNOT-22 scores did not differ between CRSwNP (mean: 35.6) and CRSsNP (mean: 36.3). There were no differences in nasal, sleep, and emotional subdomains of the SNOT-22. CRSsNP had higher ( P = .003) ear/facial subdomain scores than CRSwNP, while CRSwNP reported greater hyposmia ( P < .001). EQ-5D VAS was significantly lower ( P = .011) in CRSsNP (mean: 68.9) compared to CRSwNP (mean: 73.2). However, CRSwNP patients reported significantly less symptom control, compared to CRSsNP, in association with nasal and emotional symptoms.

Conclusion

CRSwNP and CRSsNP have differences in symptom profile, effect on health-related QOL, and patient-perceived symptom control. CRSsNP experience significantly greater burden of ear/facial discomfort, while CRSwNP report greater hyposmia. Although CRSsNP reports lower general health-related QOL overall, CRSwNP patients had lower levels of CRS symptom control for every incremental increase in symptom burden suggesting greater sensitivity/intolerance to CRS symptoms.

Robust ACE2 protein expression localizes to the motile cilia of the respiratory tract epithelia and is not increased by ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers

We investigated the expression and subcellular localization of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), within the upper (nasal) and lower (pulmonary) respiratory tracts of healthy human donors. We detected ACE2 protein expression within the cilia organelle of ciliated airway epithelial cells, which likely represents the initial or early subcellular site of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry during respiratory transmission. We further determined whether ACE2 expression in the cilia of upper respiratory cells was influenced by patient demographics, clinical characteristics, co-morbidities, or medication use, and found no evidence that the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) increases ACE2 protein expression.

New Medical Device and Therapeutic Approvals in Otolaryngology: State of the Art Review of 2019

OBJECTIVE

To review new devices and drugs relevant to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery that were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2019.

DATA SOURCES

Approval notifications for 2019 were extracted from the ENT (ear, nose, and throat) and general and plastic surgery sections of the FDA's medical devices and therapeutics listings.

REVIEW METHODS

New therapeutics and medical devices identified from the query were analyzed by members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery's Medical Devices and Drugs Committee. Technologies were assessed by 2 independent reviewers to ascertain relevance to otolaryngology, prioritized, and classified to subspecialty field with critical review based on extant scientific literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Query of the FDA drug and device database returned 105 ENT devices (50 cleared, 55 with premarket approval, and 0 de novo), 543 general and plastic surgery devices (372 cleared, 170 with premarket approval, and 1 de novo), and 46 new otolaryngology-relevant drug approvals that occurred in 2019. Advances spanned all subspecialty areas with otology predominating, primarily due to hearing-related technologies. While scientific evidence was available for all new devices, there was significant heterogeneity in rigor of supporting scientific data.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Technological and pharmaceutical innovation is an important catalyst for advances in the surgical specialties. Familiarity with new devices and therapeutics in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery ensures that clinicians keep abreast of developments with potential to improve prevailing standards of care.

National Geographical Variation in Sinus Balloon Dilation

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to describe national variations in sinus balloon dilation (SBD), examine the relationship between endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and SBD prevalence patterns, and evaluate associations between reimbursement rates and regional variations in sinus surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment (PUP) Part B Data from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Physicians in the PUP Part B Database Performing ESS or SBD in 2016. States were stratified into average- or high-volume utilizers based on the number of ESS procedures and SBD procedures per population and compared.

RESULTS

Eight states were classified as high-volume utilizers of SBD-Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Texas. Only 3 of these states-Kansas, Mississippi, and Nevada-were classified as high-volume utilizers of ESS. Reimbursement rates were significantly higher for SBD as compared to ESS ($1538 [interquartile range (IQR), 1473-1664] vs $335 [IQR, 261-412] per procedure, P < .001). High-volume utilizer SBD states had a higher number of otolaryngologists (13.0 [IQR, 7-16] vs 6.0 [IQR, 2-3]) otolaryngologists per state (P < .001) and a trend toward an increased rate of performing ESS procedures (19 [IQR, 19-41] vs 6.0 [IQR, 2-32], P = .034) procedures per million residents) than average-volume utilizer SBD states.

CONCLUSIONS

The southern United States has a significantly higher rate of SBD procedures performed compared to the rest of the country, but these rates do not appear to be directly related to statewide variations in SBD reimbursement.