European Position Paper Research Articles

Framing of the opioid problem in cancer pain management in Canada.

Two guidelines about opioid use in chronic pain management were published in 2017: the Canadian Guideline for Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain and the European Pain Federation position paper on appropriate opioid use in chronic pain management. Though the target populations for the guidelines are the same, their recommendations differ depending on their purpose. The intent of the Canadian guideline is to reduce the incidence of serious adverse effects. Its goal was therefore to set limits on the use of opioids. In contrast, the European Pain Federation position paper is meant to promote safe and appropriate opioid use for chronic pain. The content of the two guidelines could have unintentional consequences on other populations that receive opioid therapy for symptom management, such as patients with cancer. In this article, we present expert opinion about those chronic pain management guidelines and their impact on patients with cancer diagnoses, especially those with histories of substance use disorder and psychiatric conditions. Though some principles of chronic pain management can be extrapolated, we recommend that guidelines for cancer pain management should be developed using empirical data primarily from patients with cancer who are receiving opioid therapy.

EPOS2020: development strategy and goals for the latest European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis.

The European Position Papers on Rhinosinusitis from 2005, 2007 and 2012 have had a measurable impact on the way this common condition with high impact on quality of life is managed around the world. EPOS2020 will be the latest iteration of the guideline, addressing new stakeholders and target users, presenting a summary of the latest literature and evolving treatment modalities, and formulating clear recommendations based on all available evidence. Based on the AGREE II framework, this article demonstrates how the EPOS2020 steering group will address six key areas to ensure consistency in quality and presentation of information in the latest rhinosinusitis clinical practice guideline: scope and purpose; stakeholder involvement; rigour of development; clarity of presentation; recommendations and applicability; editorial independence. By analysing the guidance from AGREE II, we formulated a detailed development strategy for EPOS2020. We identify new stakeholders and target users and ratify the importance of patient involvement in the latest EPOS guideline. New and expanded areas of research to be addressed are highlighted. We confirm our intention to use mixed methodologies, combining evidence-based medicine with real life studies; when no evidence can be found, use Delphi rounds to achieve clear, inclusive recommendations. We also introduce new concepts for dissemination of the guideline, using Internet and social media to improve accessibility. This article is an introduction to the EPOS2020 project, and presents the key goals, core stakeholders, planned methodology and dissemination strategies for the latest version of this influential guideline.

EPOS2020 and beyond.

The EPOS2020 Steering group is proud to introduce the EPOS2020 logo, the key goals, the core stakeholders, the planned methodology and the dissemination strategies for EPOS2020. This article is an introduction to the EPOS2020 project and presents the ambitions goals of the latest European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis including new and expanded areas of research, novel insights into the pathophysiology and molecular diagnosis leading to better endotyping of patients, precision medicine in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), integrated care pathways and mobile health technology in CRS. New concepts for dissemination of the guideline using Internet and social media are being presented, and will improve impact of EPOS2020 in daily practice.

Dupilumab improves patient-reported outcomes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and comorbid asthma

Dupilumab improves patient-reported outcomes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and comorbid asthma

Epidemiology of chronic rhinosinusitis in Bushehr, southwestern region of Iran: a GA2LEN study.

Population-based studies using the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS) criteria for the assessment of the chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) prevalence play important roles in the development and promotion of public health policies. A multistage, stratified cluster, random sampling method was used to select the study participants from individuals living in Bushehr, which is in the southwestern part of Iran. The standardized Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN) questionnaire was completed by 5,201 participants, and the CRS prevalence were compared among different groups of related factors using chi-squared tests. The overall CRS prevalence was 28.4% based on the EPOS criteria, while the self-reported physician-diagnosed CRS prevalence was 20.0%. There was no gender difference; however, CRS was more prevalent in smokers, individuals aged 25 - 34 years old, non-educated persons, and healthcare workers. CRS was also associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis. The present study showed that the CRS prevalence in Iran was relatively high. These results support the idea that CRS is a major public health problem in Iran.

The management of chronic rhinosinusitis in primary care: an evidence-based guide.

Presentations to general practice with the myriad of symptoms associated with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are extremely common. The mainstay of management of this condition is carried out in primary care.1 This article covers the diagnosis and management of adult CRS in the light of evidence from the European position paper from 2012 on this condition.2 CRS is reported to affect 5–15% of the general population but only 2–4% of this is diagnosed by a doctor.3 Awareness of the relevant definitions will aid diagnosis and management of this common, but underdiagnosed, condition. Adult rhinosinusitis is defined as: ‘Inflammation of the nose and paranasal sinuses characterised by two or more of the following symptoms.’ 2 At least one of these must be: Other ‘non-essential’ symptoms that contribute to diagnosis include: Continuation of symptoms for >12 weeks differentiates chronic from acute rhinosinusitis.1 This definition can be refined with the aid of flexible nasendoscopy. This can help subdivide patients with CRS into two groups: those with and without nasal polyps.2 Patients with CRS may present to general practice with a wide array of symptoms.1 Along with those identified above there are a range of symptoms including:3,4 The use of symptom severity scales, such as the visual analogue scale …

Prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis in the general population based on sinus radiology and symptomatology

The prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) measured in epidemiologic studies is 5% to 12%. This might be an overestimation because of overlap with other diseases, such as allergic rhinitis. We aimed to calculate the prevalence of CRS using a combination of epidemiologically based CRS according to the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS) together with sinonasal opacification on imaging. Subjects who underwent a computed tomographic or magnetic resonance imaging scan of the head for any nonrhinologic indication were asked to fill in the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network survey containing EPOS symptom criteria. The scans were evaluated according to the Lund-Mackay (LM) scoring system. Epidemiologically based CRS is based on nasal symptoms according to EPOS; clinically based CRS also encompasses endoscopy and/or CT scanning. Eight hundred thirty-four subjects were included. One hundred seven (12.8%) had epidemiologically based CRS according to EPOS. Of these subjects, 50% had an LM score of 0, 26% had an LM score of 1 to 3, and 23% had an LM score of 4 or greater. Twenty-five (3.0%) subjects had clinically based CRS (based on LM score ≥4), and 53 (6.4%) subjects had clinically based CRS (based on LM score >0). Allergic rhinitis was reported by 167 (20%) subjects. In subjects who did not report upper airway symptoms, 57% had an LM score of 0, 30% had an LM score of 1 to 3, and 12% had an LM score of 4 or greater. We found a prevalence of 3.0% to 6.4% of clinically based CRS (depending on an LM cutoff point; ie, LM≥4 or LM>0, respectively) in a relatively randomly selected group of subjects.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CHRONIC RHINOSINUSITIS IN THE GENERAL POPULATION USING OBJECTIVE EVIDENCE OF DISEASE

Introduction Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a highly prevalent (8-12%) and morbid inflammatory disease of the sinuses. General population CRS prevalence has been identified by European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis (EPOS) symptom criteria rather than by clinical criteria which requires both subjective and objective evidence (Lund-Mackay (LM) score ≥4). Methods This is a descriptive study of the prevalence of CRS and LM score in the general population, stratified by sex. Using questionnaire-based symptom criteria as identified by EPOS and latent class analysis on 7847 subjects, stratified random sampling was done to invite 3269 subjects for sinus CT scan, which could be reflected back to 200,769 in the source population. EPOS symptoms were collected along with CT, which were independently reviewed by two otolaryngologists to provide LM score. Prevalence estimates were obtained by weighted frequency analysis. Results There were 646 who had CT scan, with 67% female, 96% white, 50% with EPOS symptoms and 30% with asthma. After applying sampling weights, the prevalence of EPOS symptoms was 16%, LM ≥3 12% and LM ≥4 11%, and clinical criteria for CRS 3%. There were sex differences in these, EPOS symptoms, female 15%, male 20%; LM ≥4, female 10%, male 15%, and clinical criteria for CRS female 2%, male 8%. Conclusions Our general population clinical CRS prevalence estimates are closer to previous estimates by EPOS symptoms for males but not females. This signifies disconnect between symptoms and objective evidence for females, and the need for re-evaluation of the current diagnostic criteria for females. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a highly prevalent (8-12%) and morbid inflammatory disease of the sinuses. General population CRS prevalence has been identified by European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis (EPOS) symptom criteria rather than by clinical criteria which requires both subjective and objective evidence (Lund-Mackay (LM) score ≥4). This is a descriptive study of the prevalence of CRS and LM score in the general population, stratified by sex. Using questionnaire-based symptom criteria as identified by EPOS and latent class analysis on 7847 subjects, stratified random sampling was done to invite 3269 subjects for sinus CT scan, which could be reflected back to 200,769 in the source population. EPOS symptoms were collected along with CT, which were independently reviewed by two otolaryngologists to provide LM score. Prevalence estimates were obtained by weighted frequency analysis. There were 646 who had CT scan, with 67% female, 96% white, 50% with EPOS symptoms and 30% with asthma. After applying sampling weights, the prevalence of EPOS symptoms was 16%, LM ≥3 12% and LM ≥4 11%, and clinical criteria for CRS 3%. There were sex differences in these, EPOS symptoms, female 15%, male 20%; LM ≥4, female 10%, male 15%, and clinical criteria for CRS female 2%, male 8%. Our general population clinical CRS prevalence estimates are closer to previous estimates by EPOS symptoms for males but not females. This signifies disconnect between symptoms and objective evidence for females, and the need for re-evaluation of the current diagnostic criteria for females.

European position paper on the management of patients with patent foramen ovale. General approach and left circulation thromboembolism.

The presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of medical conditions; however, the subject remains controversial and no official statements have been published. This interdisciplinary paper, prepared with involvement of eight European scientific societies, aims to review the available trial evidence and to define the principles needed to guide decision making in patients with PFO. In order to guarantee a strict process, position statements were developed with the use of a modified grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) methodology. A critical qualitative and quantitative evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures was performed, including assessment of the risk/benefit ratio. The level of evidence and the strength of the position statements of particular management options were weighed and graded according to predefined scales. Despite being based often on limited and non-randomised data, while waiting for more conclusive evidence, it was possible to conclude on a number of position statements regarding a rational general approach to PFO management and to specific considerations regarding left circulation thromboembolism. For some therapeutic aspects, it was possible to express stricter position statements based on randomised trials. This position paper provides the first largely shared, interdisciplinary approach for a rational PFO management based on the best available evidence.

European position paper on the management of patients with patent foramen ovale. General approach and left circulation thromboembolism.

The presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of medical conditions; however, the subject remains controversial and no official statements have been published. This interdisciplinary paper, prepared with involvement of eight European scientific societies, aims to review the available trial evidence and to define the principles needed to guide decision making in patients with PFO. In order to guarantee a strict process, position statements were developed with the use of a modified grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) methodology. A critical qualitative and quantitative evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures was performed, including assessment of the risk/benefit ratio. The level of evidence and the strength of the position statements of particular management options were weighed and graded according to predefined scales. Despite being based often on limited and non-randomised data, while waiting for more conclusive evidence, it was possible to conclude on a number of position statements regarding a rational general approach to PFO management and to specific considerations regarding left circulation thromboembolism. For some therapeutic aspects, it was possible to express stricter position statements based on randomised trials. This position paper provides the first largely shared, interdisciplinary approach for a rational PFO management based on the best available evidence.

European position paper on drug-induced sleep endoscopy: 2017 Update.

The first edition of the European position paper (EPP) on drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) was published in 2014 with the aim to standardise the procedure, to provide an in-depth insight into the main aspects of this technique and to have a basis for future research. Since 2014, new studies have been published concerning new sedative agents or new insights into the pattern/levels of the obstruction depending on the depth of sedation. Therefore, an enlarged group of European experts in the field of sleep breathing disorders (SBD), including the most of the first DISE EPP main authors, has decided to publish an update of the European position paper on DISE, in order to include new evidence and to find a common language useful for reporting the findings of this endoscopic evaluation in adult population affected by SBD. The authors have evaluated all the available evidence reported in the literature and have compared experience among various departments in leading European centres in order to provide an update regarding the standardisation of the DISE procedure and an in-depth insight into the main aspects of this technique. After the first European Position Consensus Meeting on DISE and its update, consensus was confirmed for indications, required preliminary examinations, where to perform DISE, technical equipment required, staffing, local anaesthesia, nasal decongestion, other medications, patient positioning, basics and special diagnostic manoeuvres, drugs and observation windows. So far, no consensus could be reached on a scoring and classification system. However, regarding this aim, the idea of an essential classification, such as VOTE with the possibility of its graded implementation of information and descriptions, seems to be the best way to reach a universal consensus on DISE classification at this stage. A common DISE language is mandatory, and attempts to come to a generally accepted system should be pursued.

Anatomical terminology of the internal nose and paranasal sinuses: cross-cultural adaptation to Portuguese.

IntroductionFunctional endonasal endoscopic surgery is a frequent surgical procedure among otorhinolaryngologists. In 2014, the European Society of Rhinology published the “European Position Paper on the Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses”, aiming to unify the terms in the English language. We do not yet have a unified terminology in the Portuguese language.ObjectiveTranscultural adaptation of the anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal cavities of the “European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses” to Portuguese.MethodsA group of rhinologists from diverse parts of Brazil, all experienced in endoscopic endonasal surgery, was invited to participate in the creation of this position paper on the anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal sinuses in the Portuguese language according to the methodology adapted from that previously described by Rudmik and Smith.ResultsThe results of this document were generated based on the agreement of the majority of the participants according to the most popular suggestions among the rhinologists. A cross-cultural adaptation of the sinonasal anatomical terminology was consolidated. We suggest the terms “inferior turbinate”, “nasal septum”, “(bone/cartilaginous) part of the nasal septum”, “(middle/inferior) nasal meatus”, “frontal sinus drainage pathway”, “frontal recess” and “uncinate process” be standardized.ConclusionWe have consolidated a Portuguese version of the European Anatomical Terminology of the Internal Nose and Paranasal Sinuses, which will help in the publication of technical announcements, scientific publications and the teaching of the internal anatomical terms of the nose and paranasal sinuses in Brazil.

Prediction models for postoperative uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis in daily practice.

The European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps proposes an assessment of clinical control of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, there are limited data about the percentage of postoperative control, and no prediction models for uncontrolled CRS have been reported. The aim of the study was to develop prediction models for postoperative uncontrolled CRS. Retrospective case series. Patients (n = 136) who had undergone endoscopic sinus surgery at least 1 year prior to the study were recruited to assess the clinical control. Risk factors were determined by logistic models and presented as odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval. Receiver operating characteristics curves were constructed to set the cutoff points and create predictive models. Approximately 47.8% of patients had controlled, 22.1% partially controlled, and 30.1% uncontrolled CRS. Univariate regression models revealed the risk factors for uncontrolled CRS: tissue eosinophilia, blood eosinophilia, high computed tomography (CT) score, bilateral disease, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Multiple regression models found tissue eosinophil ratio >0.206 (OR: 12.96, P = .001) or blood eosinophil ratio >0.025 (OR: 4.56, P = .003), Lund-Mackay (LM) score ≥ 15 (OR: 15.50, P < .001) and CT ethmoid (E) score ≥ maxillary (M) score (OR: 3.51, P = .037) were independent risk factors. We generated a pathological model (tissue eosinophil ratio and LM score) and a clinical model (blood eosinophil ratio, LM score and E ≥ M score) to categorize CRS into mild, moderate, and severe. This research provides simplified and efficient prediction models for uncontrolled CRS. It may help otolaryngologists to predict the prognosis before surgery in daily practice. 2b Laryngoscope, 128:2673-2680, 2018.

WITHDRAWN: Topical and systemic antifungal therapy for the symptomatic treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory disorder of the nose and sinuses. Since fungi were postulated as a potential cause of CRS in the late 1990s, there has been increasing controversy about the use of both topical and systemic antifungal agents in its management. Although interaction between the immune system and fungus has been demonstrated in CRS, this does not necessarily imply that fungi are the cause of CRS or that antifungals will be effective its management. To assess the effectiveness of topical or systemic antifungal therapy in the treatment of CRS. We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; BIOSIS Previews; Cambridge Scientific Abstracts; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the most recent search was 8 March 2011. All randomised, placebo-controlled trials considering the use of topical or systemic antifungal therapy in the treatment of CRS and allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS). CRS was defined using either the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS) or American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) criteria. We reviewed the titles and abstracts of all studies obtained from the searches and selected trials that met the eligibility criteria. We extracted data using a pre-determined data extraction form. There was significant heterogeneity of outcome data reporting with reports containing both parametric and non-parametric representations of data for the same outcomes. Means and standard deviations for change data were unavailable for a number of trials. Due to the limited reported data, we contacted authors and used original data for data analysis. Six studies were included (380 participants). Five studies investigated topical antifungals and one study investigated systemic antifungals. The risk of bias in all included studies was low, with all trials being double-blinded and randomised. Pooled meta-analysis showed no statistically significant benefit of topical or systemic antifungals over placebo for any outcome. Symptom scores in fact statistically favoured the placebo group. Adverse event reporting was statistically significantly higher in the antifungal group. On the basis of this meta-analysis, there is no evidence to support the use of either topical or systemic antifungal treatment in the management of CRS.

EPOS2012 has better specificity compared to IDSA2012 for diagnosing acute bacterial rhinosinusitis.

Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) is a subtype of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS). To prevent excessive antibiotic prescribing, clinical criteria for diagnosing ABRS are presented in two major international guidelines from European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS2012) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA2012). This study aims to assess accuracy of these criteria. Patients with ARS were recruited. Clinical features were collected including discolored nasal discharge, facial pain, fever, double sickening, symptoms persisting longer than 10 days, and elevated serum C reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ERS). Using middle meatal bacterial culture as a reference, accuracy of EPOS2012 and IDSA2012 criteria were analyzed. Eighty-eight patients (age 43.2+/-14.5 years, 67% female) with ARS were recruited. Using the two criteria for diagnosing ABRS, EPOS2012 and IDSA2012 have sensitivity of 50% (95%CI: 38%-62%) versus 69% (95%CI: 57%-79%), specificity of 63% (95%CI: 43%-79%) versus 46% (95%CI: 28%-65%), and accuracy of 53% versus 63%, respectively. Both EPOS2012 and IDSA2012 had modest accuracy. EPOS2012 had less sensitivity but a better specificity compared to IDSA2012. This suggests that IDSA2012 diagnostic criteria may contribute to inappropriate use of antibiotics due to poorer specificity.

Diagnosis and treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Children according European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and nasal Polyps –EPOS-2012 and American Academy Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2014

Pediatric rhinosinusitis is defined as a presence of two or more symptoms and one of them should be either nasal blockage or nasal discharge and headache/facial pain or cough. Chronic rhinosinusitis - CRS is recognized when the four most common symptoms as cough, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion and post nasal drip with a slightly higher predominance of chronic cough are presented for more than 12 weeks and influence the quality of life. CRS should be considered in respect of unique conditions because of the differences in predisposing factors (immunological and others) and the anatomy of the sinuses between children and adults. The adenoids are a prominent contributor to CRS in young children, both from bacteriologic and immunologic status. The older children suffer from CRS in the same manner as adults. During evaluation a child with symptoms of CRS , one should always consider the possibility of underlying disease as a contributing factor. Diseases impacting sinuses and nasal function include CF, primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and a variety of normal immune deficiencies, including the still-developing immature immunity of healthy young children. Surgical intervention for rhinosinusitis is usually considered for patients with CRS who have failed maximal pharmacological treatment. There are two important consensus statements for pediatric chronic sinusitis (CRS): European Position papers on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps -EPOS 2012 and Clinical Consensus Statement: Pediatric Chronic Sinusitis American Academy Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery 2014. Both of them contain necessary information and recommendation for diagnosis and treatment of CRS in children.

Test-retest reliability of drug-induced sleep endoscopy using midazolam.

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) has been suggested to be a valuable method for determining the obstruction patterns causing sleep-disordered breathing. However, since DISE is not performed throughout the duration of sleep but for less than 1 hour, the reproducibility and reliability of DISE are questionable. Therefore, we aimed to determine the test-retest reliability of DISE using midazolam. Thirty-four patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea were prospectively included in this study. The patients underwent 2 separate DISE examinations that were performed at different days using the same drug and technique. For a more accurate comparison, the depth of sleep and examination time were identically controlled. VOTE classification was used to classify the obstruction findings, and the findings of upper airway obstruction were compared between the 2 tests. There were 30 men and four women; the mean age was 45.4 ± 13.1 years. The mean apnea-hypopnea index was 38.3 ± 22.6, and the lowest oxygen saturation was 77.5% ± 12.4%. The lateral wall of the oropharynx, tongue base, and epiglottis showed very good agreement, and the velum showed good agreement between the first and second DISE examinations. The reliability of DISE is debatable because it observes only a small portion of the total sleep, but this study suggests that DISE is a reliable test because the findings of 2 separate DISE examinations on different days showed a high concordance rate.

The use of drug-induced sleep endoscopy in England and Belgium

PurposeThe purpose of this international survey is to ascertain the current practice of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) for patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) by Otolaryngologists in the United Kingdom and Belgium. We compare the results with recommendations from the European Position Paper on drug-induced sleep endoscopy.MethodsAn online questionnaire was circulated to Consultant Otolaryngologists, independent practitioners, and trainees across the two countries. Eleven questions were used in total.Results181 responses from the UK and 117 responses from Belgium were received, mostly from consultants and independent practitioners. SDB was a common presentation to ENT practice, seen by over 90% of clinicians. The use of DISE varied greatly between the two countries (72.9% Belgium, 26.1% UK). 54.1% of Belgian respondents use DISE on over 50% of their patients, compared to only 32.4% of British clinicians. Attitudes of surgeons towards the diagnostic value of DISE varied; in Belgium, the majority (54%) gave a rating of 3 or more (1 = useless to 5 = essential), with no respondents giving a score of 0 (useless). In the UK only 16% of respondents felt DISE had useful clinical value, with 25 respondents deeming it ’useless’. The majority opt for DISE when non-surgical therapies fail (51.4% UK, 61.3% Belgium). The majority of participants do not use objective measures for depth of sedation (75.7% UK, 66.7% Belgium), with a marked variation on anaesthetic methods. 62.2% of UK clinicians do not use a classification system, whereas in Belgium the majority of clinicians (60.8%) use the VOTE grading system.ConclusionsClinicians in Belgium were more favourable to using DISE than in the UK. Differences in its clinical effectiveness were apparent between the two countries. A consensus on patient selection, method of sedation and an effective classification system seemed to be lacking from both countries. Further education is required to raise awareness for the use of DISE.

Prevalence, severity, and risk factors for acute exacerbations of nasal and sinus symptoms by chronic rhinosinusitis status.

Nasal and sinus symptoms (NSS) are common to many health conditions, including chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Few studies have investigated the occurrence and severity of, and risk factors for, acute exacerbations of NSS (AENSS) by CRS status (current, past, or never met European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis [EPOS] criteria for CRS). Four seasonal questionnaires were mailed to a stratified random sample of Geisinger primary care patients. Logistic regression was used to identify individual characteristics associated with AENSS occurrence and severity by CRS status (current long-term, current recent, past, never) using EPOS subjective symptoms-only (EPOSS ) CRS criteria. We operationalized 3 AENSS definitions based on prescribed antibiotics or oral corticosteroids, symptoms, and symptoms with purulence. Baseline and at least 1 follow-up questionnaires were available from 4736 subjects. Self-reported NSS severity with exacerbation was worst in the current long-term CRS group. AENSS was common in all subgroups examined and generally more common among those with current EPOSS CRS. Seasonal prevalence of AENSS differed by AENSS definition and CRS status. Associations of risk factors with AENSS differed by definition, but CRS status, body mass index, asthma, hay fever, sinus surgery history, and winter season consistently predicted AENSS. In this first longitudinal, population-based study of 3 AENSS definitions, NSS and AENSS were both common, sometimes severe, and differed by EPOSS CRS status. Contrasting associations of risk factors for AENSS by the different definitions suggest a need for a standardized approach to definition of AENSS.

Nasal IL-25 predicts the response to oral corticosteroids in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Nasal IL-25 predicts the response to oral corticosteroids in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps