European Position Paper Research Articles

Diagnostic criteria for eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis: Comparative analysis and novel scoring system.

Accurate identification of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis is essentialg because its treatment and prognosis substantially differ from other subtypes. This retrospective observational study included 640 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis in a single tertiary center from January 2021 to December 2022. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to compare accuracy, sensitivity, specificity of the novel scoring system, and previous diagnostic criteria (Japanese Epidemiological Survey of Refractory Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis, European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway Diseases, European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps, and Sakuma etal.) for predicting eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) by tissue eosinophil count ≥70 per high power field. Patients were randomly divided into estimation (n=430) and validation (n=210) groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the novel score was 0.753 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.670-0.835) in the estimation group, 0.729 (0.629-0.830) in the validation group, and 0.661 (0.584-0.738) in the 20-fold cross-validation with the entire dataset. We propose a novel scoring system that incorporates three key parameters: "novel score=blood eosinophil (%) + total Lund-Mackay score of anterior ethmoid sinuses + 2 if nasal polyp present" greater than 7 can be reliably used for diagnosing ECRS. This system can facilitate decision-making processes regarding the administration of oral steroids and biologics targeting type 2 inflammation prior to surgical intervention.

The Relationship Between Chronic Rhinosinusitis Endotype With Peripheral Blood Eosinophil, Eosinophil-Neutrophil Ratio, and Total Serum IgE

Background and Objectives Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory disease which has a complex etiopathogenesis and can be a significant burden on the patient and health systems. Based on European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps, peripheral blood eosinophil and total serum IgE are markers of inflammation type 2 CRS endotype. However, there is a marked global heterogeneity in inflammatory endotypes among patients with CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) or CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) among the Asians and Caucasians with CRS. To determine the concurrence between CRS endotypes biomarkers with peripheral blood eosinophil, eosinophil-neutrophil ratio (ENR), and total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the diagnosis of CRS.Subjects and Method This study used an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design, with total of 26 patients were included in this study. Examination of endotype biomarkers was carried out using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method and peripheral blood eosinophil, ENR, and total serum IgE were taken from routine hematological examinations.Results We found a significant relationship between ENR values and CRS endotypes (p= 0.021); however, there was no relationship found between the values of peripheral blood eosinophil and total serum IgE with CRS endotypes (p>0.05). The ENR value ≥0.06 has a 6.14 times greater risk of developing type 2 inflammation (95% confidence interval 1.64-23; p<0.001).Conclusion There is s a relationship between ENR values and CRS endotypes.

Efficacy of dupilumab for severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and asthma: A prospective study

BackgroundDupilumab exerts clinical effects, including improved sinus opacification, olfactory function, and quality of life, in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs). Meanwhile, only a few studies have reported its effects on nasal airway resistance and olfactory function, particularly in the Japanese population. Predictors of response remain unclear. ObjectiveTo assess the comprehensive efficacy and therapeutic response to dupilumab in patients with severe CRSwNP with comorbid asthma. MethodsIn 16 adult patients with severe CRSwNP with comorbid asthma, the efficacy of 48-week dupilumab treatment, including olfactory function measured by a T&T olfactometer, nasal airway resistance measured by rhinomanometry, nasal polyp score, Lund-Mackay computed tomography score, and 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), was assessed. Regarding asthma, the annualized rate of exacerbations, 7-item Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-7), and spirometry were assessed. Treatment responsiveness was analyzed. ResultsWith 48-week dupilumab treatment, olfactory function, nasal airway resistance, nasal polyp score, Lund-Mackay computed tomography score, and SNOT-22 scores improved significantly. Regarding comorbid asthma, the annualized rate of exacerbations decreased, and ACQ-7 scores and lung function improved significantly. According to the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020/European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway Diseases criteria, 15 patients (94%) were moderate-to-excellent responders at 48 weeks of treatment. Patients with higher SNOT-22 scores, ACQ-7 scores, the rate of asthma exacerbations in the previous year, and blood eosinophil counts benefited more from the treatment. ConclusionDupilumab improved upper and lower airway outcomes especially in patients with severe CRSwNP with comorbid, poorly controlled asthma. Trial RegistrationUMIN Clinical Trials Registry: UMIN000038669.

The value of CT radiomics in predicting treatment outcomes in patients with nasal polyps

Objective: To evaluate the predictive efficacy of sinus CT radiomics for treatment outcomes in nasal polyp patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, including 194 patients with nasal polyps treated between January 2015 and December 2019. The cohort comprised 132 males and 62 females, aged 16 to 75 years. Patients were divided into a training set (n=135) and an internal validation set (n=59). An external validation set (n=34), consisting of 22 males and 12 females aged 16 to 59 years, was included from January 2020 to December 2021. Disease control was evaluated using the criteria from the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020 (EPOS 2020). Radiomic features were extracted from sinus CT images and analyzed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. Models combining radiomic and clinical features were developed to predict treatment efficacy. Results: The radiomics and combined models, based on four selected features, outperformed the clinical feature model in the training set, with AUC values of 0.901 and 0.915, versus 0.874, respectively. In the internal validation set, AUCs were 0.839, 0.832, and 0.716. Despite reduced AUCs in the external set, the radiomics model maintained good generalizability (0.748, 0.764, 0.620). Decision curve analysis showed significant clinical benefits in both radiomics and combined models. Conclusion: The CT-based radiomics model demonstrates significant predictive power in identifying refractory nasal polyps, suggesting its potential for clinical application in treatment outcome prediction.

Association of mucus eosinophil-derived neurotoxin levels with disease control status in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Identifying the biomarkers for uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is important for directing treatment decisions. Eosinophilia has been reported to be involved in the poor disease control of CRS and mucus eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) is potentially a biomarker of intense eosinophil activation. This study aimed to assess the relationship between mucus EDN levels, disease severity, and degree of CRS control. A total of 150 adult patients with CRS and 25 healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. The nasal mucus and tissue specimens were collected to analyze EDN levels. Disease severity was assessed by Lund-Mackay score and 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) score. Five CRS symptom severities during the prior month (nasal blockage, rhinorrhoea/postnasal drip, facial pain/pressure, smell, sleep disturbance or fatigue), use of rescue medications in the last six months, and the presence of diseased mucosa on nasal endoscopy were obtained. Consistent with the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020 CRS control criteria, uncontrolled CRS was defined as meeting at least three items. 40% of patients with CRS presented with uncontrolled status. Patients with uncontrolled CRS had significantly higher nasal mucus EDN levels (P = 0.010), percentage of blood eosinophil (P = 0.015), SNOT-22 score (P < 0.001), Lund-Mackay score (P = 0.008), and a more eosinophilic dominant phenotype of CRS (P < 0.001) than patients with controlled CRS. Furthermore, mucus EDN levels were positively correlated with blood eosinophils (r = 0.541, P = 0.005), SNOT-22 score (r = 0.460, P = 0.021), and Lund-Mackay score (r = 0.387, P = 0.039). Mucus EDN levels were the significant parameter related to uncontrolled CRS in multivariable analysis after adjusting for patient demographics and comorbidities (odds ratio = 1.323; P = 0.004). Mucus EDN levels may be a potential biomarker for identifying the CRS control status.

Management of patent foramen ovale in non-cardiac surgery

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a remnant of normal fetal anatomy which may persist into adulthood, mostly asymptomatic. In some adults, PFO may result in a potential for shunting venous thromboembolism to the arterial circulation; less frequently it can cause interatrial, right-to-left shunting of deoxygenated blood. The pathogenesis of several medical conditions is related to the presence of PFO. Some randomized clinical trials have shown evidence of benefit for device closure as compared with medical therapy in patients with cryptogenic stroke. The literature reported several cases of carbon dioxide embolism during general laparoscopic surgery and sometimes stroke after laparoscopic or neurosurgery but there are neither prospective studies addressing these issues, nor randomized clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy or interventional procedures at decreasing risk. The European position paper suggests routine monitoring in non-cardiac surgery of patients with a PFO and no actual indications for closure. This article aims to further stratify the risk of periprocedural stroke and paradoxical embolism in this category of patients.

Nasal polyp syndrome: a patient-centred term for CRSwNP by EUFOREA.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nose and paranasal sinus cavities that significantly affects well-being and social function, particularly in young adults and middle-aged populations. CRSwNP is a common health condition in the Western world, with an estimated prevalence of 3%. Despite worldwide evidence-based treatment guidelines such as the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS) 2020 and the European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway Diseases (EUFOREA) chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) pocket guide, a significant number of patients remain undiagnosed and/or uncontrolled with repeated oral corticosteroids (OCS) treatments and/or (multiple) endoscopic sinus surgeries (ESS).

Comparison of Long-Term Postoperative Outcomes of the Subtypes of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps.

(1) Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic inflammatory condition that significantly impacts the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients. This study aims to investigate the disparities in preoperative examination findings, postoperative HRQOL, and disease control status based on CRSwNP subtypes. (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 202 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for CRSwNP. The study assessed clinical characteristics, blood eosinophil and immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, modified Lund-Kennedy and Lund-Mackay scores, and Japanese Epidemiological Survey of Refractory Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis (JESREC) scores. HRQOL was evaluated using the Sino-nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores, and disease control status was assessed based on the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020 guidelines. (3) Results: Of the 202 patients, Eosinophilic CRSwNP patients exhibited significantly higher preoperative peripheral blood eosinophil ratios and IgE levels, and JESREC scores (p < 0.05). Two years postoperatively, patients in the non-eosinophilic group showed significantly improved SNOT-22 scores compared to preoperative scores (p = 0.007). Notably, the proportion of patients with uncontrolled disease was significantly higher in the eosinophilic group (p = 0.035). Logistic regression analyses identified preoperative SNOT-22 scores and eosinophilic CRSwNP subtype as influential factors on disease control status (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Patients with more severe preoperative symptoms and eosinophilic CRSwNP demonstrated poorer long-term treatment outcomes.

Biologic therapy in patients with severe NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease and previous aspirin desensitization : Results of a multicentric study

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is atype‑2 inflammatory disease of the upper airways, with severe impairment of quality of life. Persons affected by NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) usually present with highly dynamic recurrence of polyps and disease despite prior treatment with sinus surgeries, oral corticosteroids, and aspirin desensitization (ATAD). Biologic therapy has fundamentally changed the choice of therapeutic concept; however, limited data exist on subgroups such as NERD patients. The aim of the current article is to report on amulticenter retrospective study on add-on therapy with dupilumab, omalizumab, and mepolizumab in patients with NERD. This is aretrospective cohort study of patients (NERD+, status after ATAD) in three reference centers in Germany (Munich, Mainz, Berlin). Subjective and objective parameters were collected at 4, 8, and 12months after biologic therapy initiation in accordance with current EPOS/EUFOREA (European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps/European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway Diseases) guidelines. Biologic agents were chosen depending on availability and patient characteristics. Treatment was commenced in 122patients meeting the criteria for CRSwNP and NERD. The endoscopic polyp score, SNOT-22 questionnaire score, visual analogue scoring of total symptoms/severity of disease, and sense of smell (psychophysical testing with Sniffin'Sticks/Brief Smell Identification Test, B‑SIT; Sensonics, Inc., Haddon Heights, NJ, USA) improved significantly after 4 and 12months of add-on therapy (p < 0.0001). All three biologic agents significantly improved one or more disease parameter. Adverse events were not life threatening but led to change of biologic agent in 4cases. Patients rated biologic therapy significantly better than ATAD, with improved long-term disease control. Add-on biologic therapy is effective, safe, and widely accepted among CRSwNP + NERD patients. Future studies might allow for personalized algorithms with sequential surgery, ATAD, and/or biologic therapy.

LASSO regression based risk prediction model for postoperative control in chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps

Objective:To establish a risk prediction model for postoperative control of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps. Methods:Retrospective analysis was done on the clinical of patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University during August 2020 to June 2021. Patients were classified into uncontrolled group（40 cases） and controlled group（104 cases）, based on the European Position Paper on rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps（EPOS 2020）, and the clinical and pathological characteristics of the two groups were compared. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator（LASSO） regression was used to screen the factors that might affect the prognosis of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps and multivariate logistic regression was performed. The Receiver operating characteristic curve（ROC） was ploted, the area under curve（AUC） was calculated, and the ability of the prediction model was evaluated using the consistency index（C-index）. Results:A total of 144 patients with CRS with nasal polyps 1 year after operation were enrolled in this study, including 40 patients in the uncontrolled group and 104 patients in the control group（complete control or partial control）. 12 risk factors（allergic rhinitis, allergic dermatitis, olfactory dysfunction, E/M ratio, serum alkaline phosphatase, number of pathological eosinophils, number of pathological lymphocytes, number of plasma cells in pathological tissues, percentage of eosinophils in pathological tissues, stromal edema, basement membrane thickening, and hyperplasia of goblet cells） were found to be associated with postoperative recurrence of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps. The seven variables（allergic rhinitis, olfactory dysfunction, E/M ratio, pathological eosinophilic percentage, stromal edema, basement membrane thickening, and hyperplasia of goblet cell） were extracted after reduced by LASSO regression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the 7 variables were risk factors for postoperative recurrence of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps（P<0.05）. Nomogram prediction model for postoperative recurrence of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps were established based on the 7 variables above. The verification results of the model showed that the C-index and AUC of the model were 0.937 and 0.937（95%CI 0.901-0.973）, suggesting that the nomogram model had a relatively accurate prediction ability. Conclusion:Combined with the basic clinical data of patients, the prediction model established in this study can facilitate the risk prediction of postoperative control of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps, and thus help to formulate better therapeutic plans for patients.

Eosinophils are the dominant type2 marker for the current indication of biological treatment in severe uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

The latest European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS2020) defines markers for type2 inflammation in the context of indicating biological therapy in severe uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) as either a total serum immunoglobulin E (total-IgE) <100 kU/L, a blood eosinophil count (BEC, expressed as -109 cells / L) >=0.25, or a tissue eosinophil count >=10 per high power field (HPF) (1). Recently, an EPOS/EUFOREA expert panel advised to lower the threshold for BEC from >=0.25 (EPOS2020) to >=0.15 (EUFOREA2023) to align with thresholds used for biological indication in asthma patients (2). As far as we know, there is no literature supporting the cut-off value for total-IgE.

Patterns of Olfactory Impairment Among Patients with Uncontrolled Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

Self-reported olfactory dysfunction is an assessment component criterion for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) disease control of the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS). No studies have objectively explored olfactory function across different psychophysical olfactory domains among patients with uncontrolled CRS. We aimed to investigate the patterns of olfactory impairment in patients with uncontrolled CRS with Sniffin' Sticks test. A total of 79 patients with CRS were prospectively recruited and assessed for disease control based on the EPOS criteria. Sniffin' Sticks test scores, olfactory cleft computed tomography (CT) scores, olfactory cleft endoscopy scale (OCES), questionnaire of olfactory disorders-negative statements (QOD-NS), and sinonasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22) were obtained. Multiple logistic regression was applied to explore risk factors of uncontrolled CRS. Twenty-six percent of patients with CRS presented with uncontrolled status. The odor threshold (OT) (p = 0.005), odor identification (OI) (p = 0.041), and thresholds-discrimination-identification (TDI) (p = 0.029) scores were significantly lower in patients with uncontrolled CRS when compared with patients with controlled CRS. Furthermore, patients with uncontrolled CRS presented with a significantly increased percentage of anosmia (p = 0.014), olfactory cleft CT score (p = 0.038), OCES (p = 0.016), QOD-NS(p = 0.008), and SNOT-22 (p < 0.001) scores than patients with controlled CRS. After adjusting for patient demographics, as for the subdomain of olfaction, only the OT score was an independent risk factor for uncontrolled CRS (odds ratio = 0.604; p = 0.030). The OT scores less than 5.950 were the best predictor of uncontrolled CRS. Patients with uncontrolled CRS demonstrated distinct patterns of olfactory impairment, and a reduced olfactory threshold was highly associated with uncontrolled CRS. 3 Laryngoscope, 134:2341-2348, 2024.

PENCEGAHAN RINOSINUSITIS AKUT DENGAN MELAKUKAN CUCI HIDUNG MENGGUNAKAN LARUTAN SALIN ISOTONIS

Nasal irrigation or douche with isotonic saline solution may be in rising due to COVID-19. But there has been a debate over its efficacy as a preventive measure for acute rhinosinusitis and other forms of acute upper respiratory infections. More randomized clinical trials and other literature have shown improvements in managing allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and post-surgery patients. But few have demonstrated the significancy of saline nasal irrigation in otherwise. The European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps/EPOS 2020 has stated very few data was available to enable them to draw conclusion regarding nasal saline irrigation as adjunct treatment in acute rhinosinusitis. As we were in the endemic state of COVID 19, publication has risen to discuss the benefit of saline nasal douche. Literature search was conducted in PubMed and Elsevier databases. Inclusion criteria are recent publications (5 – 10 years), written in English, using Boolean method. Searching for keywords such as “nasal irrigation”, “nasal douche”, “nasal lavage”, “saline”, “acute rhinosinusitis”, and “common cold”. This review aims to discuss the latest data to answer whether isotonic saline nasal irrigation gives benefit as to prevent acute upper respiratory infections. All in all, this review recommends isotonic saline nasal douche safe to perform and may reduce prevalence and nasal symptoms in acute upper respiratory inflammation/ infection.

Eosinophilia, asthma, NERD and the use of oral corticosteroids predict uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps after surgery.

Severe uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a challenging condition to treat. The European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020 (EPOS2020) has the following criteria when considering biological therapy for severe uncontrolled CRSwNP: eosinophilia, need for oral corticosteroids (OCS), symptom score, loss of sense of smell and co-morbid asthma. This study aimed at finding associations of baseline factors with uncontrolled CRSwNP after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Electronic health record data of CRSwNP patients (N = 137) undergoing ESS in 2002-17 were used. Endpoints of uncontrolled CRSwNP were revision ESS, purchased OCS and antibiotic courses during follow up. Baseline factors were chosen based on EPOS2020 and the data available: nasal polyp (NP) eosinophilia, peripheral blood eosinophilia, co-existing asthma and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD), need for OCS during the previous year, previous ESS, endoscopic NP score, and Lund-Mackay score of sinus computed tomography scans. During the follow-up of 10.1 ± 3.1 (mean ± standard deviation) years, 35 (25.5%) individuals underwent revision ESS. The best predictive model was obtained by a sum of baseline (1) blood eosinophilia ≥ 250 cells/≥l and/or NP eosinophilia ≥ 30% (Eos), (2) asthma/NERD, and (3) ≥ 1 OCS/year. It was significantly associated with revision ESS, purchased doctor-prescribed OCS and antibiotic courses during follow-up. We identified similar predictive variables for uncontrolled CRSwNP that are used in the EPOS2020 indications of biological therapy, thus suggesting that these estimates are usable in clinical practice.

The percentage of controlled chronic rhinosinusitis after treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a chronic disease with a high recurrence rate, and the aim of treating CRS is to maintain disease control. Recently, a series of CRS control instruments have been developed to assess the control levels. We pooled existing studies to evaluate the percentage of controlled CRS after treatment in patients with CRS. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis using PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was conducted to identify studies assessing CRS control. Both comprehensive assessments and self-report of CRS control were included. 9 studies with 1931 patients after treatment and 295 patients before treatment were included. CRS control assessments of the 2012 European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS 2012), EPOS 2020, and Sinus Control Test (SCT) were comprehensive assessments utilized in the clinic practice. The self-report assessment included patient-reported global level of CRS control. These existing disease control instruments categorized patients into three (uncontrolled, partly controlled, and controlled) or five (not at all, a little, somewhat, very, and completely) control categories. Only 8% (95% CI 0.05-0.11) of patients with CRS stayed well controlled before treatment assessed by comprehensive assessments. About 35% (95% CI 0.22-0.49) of patients achieved well controlled after treatment when assessed by the comprehensive measures. Meanwhile, 40% (95% CI 0.28-0.52) of patients reported well controlled after treatment when using self-report. About 35-40% of patients with CRS showed well controlled after treatment, which stressed the importance of identifying these undertreated patients with CRS.

Treatment Regimen for Acute Viral Rhinitis in Patients with a History of Rhinitis Medicamentosa

Aims: The aim of this research is to study the efficacy of intranasal administration of 0.9% saline solution in patients with acute viral rhinitis and a history of Rhinitis medicamentosa.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study included 96 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of acute viral rhinitis and a history of Rhinitis medicamentosa. All patients were equally randomized to two groups. In both groups, patients were treated according to the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps with nasal decongestants (oxymetazoline), but in Group 2, the treatment regimen was supplemented with topical use of 0.9% saline solution. Local TNF-α and IL-1β levels were determined in all patients on Days 1, 5, and 10. In addition, on the next day after oxymetazoline withdrawal, a Nasal airway resistance was measured in all patients using active posterior rhinomanometry.&#x0D; Results: The duration of rhinorrhea and nasal congestion and, respectively, the duration of oxymetazoline administration significantly differed between the groups (p&lt;0.001) and was 7.9±1.1 days for Group 1 and 4.7±0.9 days for Group 2. In general, the dynamics of changes in local TNF-α and IL-1β levels in both groups was similar. Throughout the study, there was a progressive decrease in both inflammatory mediators, with faster changes occurring in Group 2. A strong positive correlation (rs=0.89; p&lt;0.001) between TNF-α and IL-1β levels was established. According to the results of active posterior rhinomanometry on the day following oxymetazoline withdrawal, Nasal airway resistance was significantly higher in Group 1 (p&lt;0.001), which indicates the presence of difficulty breathing in patients of this group. In addition, patient examination showed that manifestations of Rhinitis medicamentosa occurred in 3 (6.25%) patients of Group 1 and in 17 (35.42%) patients of Group 2. Differences between the groups were significant (p&lt;0.01).&#x0D; Conclusion: The use of topical nasal decongestants, in particular oxymetazoline, in patients with acute viral rhinitis and a history of Rhinitis medicamentosa for more than 7 days has a potential risk of development of a recurrence of Rhinitis medicamentosa. Supplementing the treatment regimen for acute viral rhinitis with the topical use of 0.9% saline solution reduces the duration of treatment and the use of topical decongestants, and therefore prevents the recurrence of Rhinitis medicamentosa.

Mucoactive therapy in the treatment of sinusitis in patients with post-Covid syndrome

Rhinosinusitis, as in the pre-ovoid era, are still the most common diseases in the practice of an otorhinolaryngologist. According to the results of the analysis of medical documentation conducted at the clinic of the St. Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Ear, Throat, Nose and Speech, more and more patients associate the diseases of the nasopharyngeal space that have appeared in them and the increase in the number of exacerbations of existing chronic diseases of this area with a coronavirus infection. In this regard, we decided to consider approaches to the treatment of rhinosinusitis by summarizing the available data and considering individual clinical cases of patients with sinusitis and COVID-19. Antibiotic resistance associated with uncontrolled administration of antibacterial drugs when infected with SARS-CoV-2 has also become one of the frequent problems at present. Therefore, our article considers the most relevant method in this case, based on the use of phytotherapy. According to the literature, the most effective phytopreparations are preparations containing standardized myrtol, which reduces the viscosity of the mucus of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity, increases the frequency of beating of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium, thereby contributing to an increase in the speed of mucociliary transport. Standardized myrtol also has an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing the concentration of leukotrienes and prostaglandin, neutralizing free OH radicals, inhibiting oxidation processes myrtol reduces toxic effects on the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses, and also acts on pathogenic flora as a bacteriostatic drug. Clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation from 2021 according to the treatment of acute sinusitis and the European recommendations of the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal polyps (EPOS 2020), based on the data of controlled studies presented in them, the use of phytopreparations in the treatment of acute and chronic sinusitis is confirmed both in combination with antibacterial therapy and without antibacterial drugs in combination with irrigation therapy and the use of topical decongestants.

Diagnostic approach at specialized syncope units in the netherlands: a cross-sectional, nationwide survey

Abstract Introduction The European Society of Cardiology Guidelines recommend a structural approach for the initial evaluation of syncope patients, yet implementation of such approach appears cumbersome. There are several specialized Syncope Units in the Netherlands. Here we investigated the diagnostic strategy of specialized Syncope Units and adherence areas for syncope patients. Purpose We aimed to identify the current network of Syncope Units in the Netherlands and to assess to which extent the units fulfil requirements as indicated by the European Heart Rhythm Association consensus and the current guidelines. Methods All units Neurology, Internal Medicine, and Cardiology in hospitals in the Netherlands were contacted. Units with specialized Syncope care were included and requested to fill out a questionnaire of 25 questions regarding which medical specialties are involved during evaluation, which diagnostic tests are available and being performed and which adherence regions were associated. We specifically investigated whether the Syncope Units adhered to the consensus statements 1 and 3 as described by the European Heart Rhythm Association position paper as gold standard for best practices. Results Specialized care for syncope was reported in 20/72 hospitals. Most (17/20) reported that multiple specialties are involved during the initial evaluation. 19/20 had either Neurology, Cardiology, or both responsible for the Syncope Unit. 18/20 perform guideline-based orthostatic blood pressure measurement. A non-invasive-beat-to-beat blood pressure monitor was present in 11/20 units. 16/20 perform tilt table testing and do &amp;gt; 48 per year, 3/16 this was during the initial evaluation and 15/20 perform carotid sinus massage. The adherence areas cover 64.2% of the Netherlands. Both European Heart Rhythm Association consensus statements 1 and 3 for best practice were met in 4/20 of the Syncope Units, 4/20 only met consensus statement 1 and 14/20 only met consensus statement 3. Conclusion We identified 20 Syncope Units in the Netherlands. The diagnostic approach varies in the medical specialties involved, protocols for cardiovascular testing, and timing of diagnostic tests. Most units did not completely perform the Guideline suggested initial evaluation. Four out of 20 Syncope Units met the European Heart Rhythm Association consensus statements for best clinical practice.Overview Syncope Units NetherlandsAdherence of the Syncope Unit

Periodontitis of maxillary teeth screened by community periodontal index is associated with chronic rhinosinusitis defined by EPOS 2020 guideline

We aimed to evaluate the association between periodontitis in the upper jaw and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) using the nationwide Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data. In this cross-sectional study, data of KNHANES participants enrolled between 2008 and 2012 were reviewed. Periodontitis of the upper teeth was diagnosed by dentists according to the community periodontal index with standardized methods. CRS was diagnosed by otorhinolaryngologists according to the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020 with nasal endoscopy findings. We also evaluated the association between periodontitis and CRS according to smoking and drinking status. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Overall, 28,761 participants were eligible for analysis, and 210 were diagnosed with CRS. Periodontitis was associated with CRS diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.391, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.013–1.912). Non-drinkers showed no significant association between periodontitis and CRS (OR = 1.142, 95% CI 0.746–1.749). However, among drinkers, periodontitis was significantly associated with CRS (OR = 1.733, 95% CI 1.091–2.753). The number of smokers with CRS was not statistically sufficient and a logistic regression model based on smoking status could not be generated. Individuals with periodontitis in the upper jaw may need to consult an otorhinolaryngologist for comorbid CRS especially according to drinking status.

Can EPOS2020 criteria of type 2 inflammation be applied to Asian patients with chronic rhinosinusitis?

Background There is a large diversity of mucosal immunologic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) endotypes across Western and Asian patient populations. Objectives The objective of the study was whether the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS) 2020 criteria for type 2 inflammation are appropriate for biological use in CRSwNP patients. Methods A total of 207 participants are enrolled for the study. Retrospective evaluations of the tissues taken during surgery and the patients’ clinical features were performed. We investigated whether the criteria described in the EPOS2020 guideline were appropriate based on the criteria for type 2 inflammation identified based on prior studies using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Results The EPOS 2020 criteria are also shown to be an insufficient evaluation approach with low specificity (area under curve [AUC] = 0.645, specificity 8.4%). The authors created a novel scoring method using the total serum IgE level, blood eosinophil percentage, and tissue eosinophil percentage. This novel scoring system (AUC = 0.862, p < .001) fared better in ROC analyses than the EPOS 2020 criteria (AUC = 0.645) and Japanese Epidemiological Survey of Refractory Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis scoring system (AUC = 0.647). Conclusions and Significance A novel standard for type 2 inflammation in Asian CRSwNP patients must be established, as the EPOS 2020 criteria do not appear to be sufficient.