Nasal Endoscopy Scores Research Articles

Surgical therapy vs continued medical therapy for medically refractory chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The currently accepted treatment paradigm of treating chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) first with appropriate medical therapy (AMT) and then with surgery if patients are refractory to AMT, has been criticized for lack of evidence. The objective of this study was to reassess the literature and establish the highest level of evidence possible regarding further management of CRS patients refractory to AMT. This study was a systematic review (SR) with meta-analysis (MA). Adult CRS patients who received AMT and then underwent either medical or surgical therapy in moderate to high level prospective studies were included. Outcomes assessed were disease-specific quality of life (QOL), nasal endoscopy, health-state utility, missed work days, change in cardinal symptoms of CRS, economic impact, and adverse events. A total of 970 manuscripts were identified; 6 studies were ultimately included in the SR with 5 included in the MA. Compared to continued medical therapy, endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) significantly improved patient-based QOL scores (p < 0.00001) and nasal endoscopy scores (p < 0.00001). Difference in missed work days depended heavily on patient choice of intervention. Unpooled analysis showed improvements in olfaction, health utility scores, and cost-effectiveness. On meta-analysis, for CRS patients refractory to AMT, ESS significantly improves objective endoscopic scoring outcomes vs continued medical therapy alone. In patients with refractory CRS who have significant reductions in baseline QOL, ESS results in significant improvements. Continued medical therapy appears to maintain outcomes in patients with less severe baseline QOL. Unpooled analysis demonstrates improvement in health utility, olfaction, and cost-effectiveness following ESS compared to continued medical therapy alone, in medically refractory CRS.

Clinical significance of serum allergen sIgE and peripheral blood EOS in patients with chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps

Objective:To explore the influnces of allergen sIgE and peripheral blood eosinophilic(EOS) on the severity and surgical outcomes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps（CRSwNP）. Method:Eighty-nine patients with CRSwNP were enrolled. Before operation, allergen sIgE levels and peripheral blood EOS were detected.All patients were examined paranasal computed tomography(CT). After 3 and 6 months of operation, all patients were examined by nasal endoscopy，Allergen sIgE, peripheral blood EOS, nasal endoscopy score, and CT score were retrospective analyzed. According to the results of allergen sIgE the subjects were divided into two groups: the positive allergens group and negative allergens group. Result:Allergen sIgE were positive in 49 patients(the positive allergens group) and negative in 40 patients(the negative allergens group). The major allergens were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus（39 patients） and cockroach（16 patients）. Between the positive allergens group and the allergens negative group, there were no statistically significant differences in peripheral blood EOS count and EOS percentage and CT scores and nasal endoscopy scores of 3-month postsurgery(P>0.05). There was signifigant diference in the nasal endoscopy scores of 6- month postsurgery between the two groups(P<0.05). In the 89 patients with CRSwNP, peripheral eosinophil count showed no significant correlation with CT image scores and 3-month postsurgery nasal endoscopy scores and 6-month postsurgery nasal endoscopy scores(r=0.119，0.180，0.126，P>0.05). Blood eosinophil percentage was not significantly correlated to CT image scores and 3-month postsurgery nasal endoscopy scores and 6-month postsurgery nasal endoscopy scores(r=0.167，0.263，0.140，P>0.05). Conclusion:Allergen sIgE has some impacts on postoperative outcomes but has no impact on the severity of CRSwNP. Peripheral eosinophil may not affect the severity and surgical outcomes of CRSwNP.

Effect of liposomes, vitamins A and E nasal spray in reducing the healing time after septoplasty with concurrent turbinate surgery in adolescents.

This study evaluates endoscopic and quality of life (QoL) outcomes in two groups, composed by both allergic (A) and non-allergic (N-A) adolescents undergoing septoplasty with concurrent turbinate surgery by radiofrequency treated after surgery with nasal spray containing liposomes and vitamins A and E. This double-blind randomized study was carried out on 40 patients (22 males, 18 females, mean age 15.5±1.0 years) undergoing septoplasty and volumetric tissue reduction of inferior turbinates by radiofrequency for post-traumatic deformities and severe nasal obstruction. We enrolled 20 subjects with positive skin prick tests and 20 with negative skin prick tests (SPT) to aeroallergens. All subjects underwent the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaire and the nasal endoscopy score by Lund and Kennedy (LK) at baseline before surgery (T0) and 15 days (T15) and 21 days (T21) after treatment. After surgery, the nose was not packed and the day after surgery all subjects were randomized into two groups, experimental arm group I (GI) and control arm group II (GII) and given the treatment, nasal spray containing liposomes composed of phospholipids, fatty acids, and vitamin A and E for group I and saline solution (sodium chloride 0.9%) for group II. After therapy, the VAS and LK scores were better (P<0.05) in the investigational than in the control arm in both sub-groups (A and N-A). Our findings suggested that liposomal, vitamins A and E nasal spray improves the QoL in the early postoperative period, both in A and N-A sub-groups.

Amoxicillin-clavulanate for patients with acute exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis: a prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

The management of acute exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis (AECRS) is still under debate, especially because there are no adequate studies to support a best-evidence treatment for this condition. Antibiotic use for AECRS has been recommended based on extrapolation of data from acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) or non-placebo-controlled studies. This study aimed to evaluate whether antibiotic therapy modifies the course of AECRS in a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Patients with AECRS were randomized in a double-blinded manner (2:1 ratio) to receive either amoxicillin-clavulanate 875 mg/125 mg twice daily (BID) (AMX-CLAV, n = 21) or placebo capsules (n = 11) during 14 days. All patients were also treated with mometasone furoate and nasal washes with saline. Global sinonasal symptoms (Severity Symptom Assessment [SSA]), quality of life (22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test [SNOT-22]), nasal endoscopic score (Lund-Kennedy), and microbiological evaluation were compared to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic therapy in AECRS. Despite the majority of bacteria cultured from the middle meatus swab were sensitive for AMX-CLAV (84%), both AMX-CLAV and placebo-treated groups presented the same clinical course, with no difference between groups. Both groups exhibited overall improvement of symptoms on day 14 compared to day 0 (p < 0.01), especially the items "nasal secretion" and "nasal obstruction" (p < 0.05). We also observed the same evolution of nasal endoscopic and quality of life scores between placebo and AMX-CLAV. We concluded that AMX-CLAV for 14 days did not change the clinical course of AECRS compared with placebo. The addition of an oral antibiotic to ongoing topical intranasal steroid spray may not provide additional benefit during management of AECRS.

The value of a feasibility study into long-term macrolide therapy in chronic rhinosinusitis

There is currently conflicting level 1 evidence in the use of long-term antibiotics for chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps. The primary aim of this feasibility study was to optimise future randomised trial design by assessing recruitment and retention of patients alongside providing preliminary data on symptomatic control. Prospective, multicentre feasibility (cohort) study with all patients receiving macrolide therapy for 12 weeks and a further subsequent 12-week follow-up. Participants received a 12-week course of clarithromycin 250 mg alongside twice daily topical mometasone and nasal douching. Primary outcomes focused on recruitment, retention and compliance. Clinical and quality-of-life outcomes measures were also recorded. Patients were prospectively recruited from six UK outpatient clinics. Adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps and no prior endoscopic sinus surgery underwent baseline assessment and then follow-up at 3 and 6 months. Six-month recruitment and retention data. Over 13 months, 55 adults were recruited from five centres. Four patients declined participation. 75% of patients were retained within the study. Dropouts included one medication contraindication, three unable to tolerate medication and 10 not attending full follow-up. Sino Nasal Outcome Test-22 and endoscopic scores showed statistically significant improvement. No other clinical or quality-of-life assessment improvements were seen. Retention and recruitment to a trial using long-term clarithromycin to treat chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps is achievable and this data will support a future randomised controlled trial. The study provides vital insight into trial design, thus informing UK research networks and rhinology researchers internationally.

Evaluation of the medical and surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a group of disorders characterized by inflammation of the mucosa of the nose and paranasal sinuses of at least 12 consecutive weeks duration. Surgical intervention may be required if severe symptoms of obstruction and infection prove medical treatment to be ineffective. Little is known about the outcomes of patients electing to continue medical management or the comparative effectiveness of continued medical therapy with FESS.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; The study was conducted on 126 adult patients in the age group of 18-55 who fulfilled the CRS criteria with nasal polyposis. All patients were medically treated for the CRS, and observed after 3 weeks. In case the treatment was not effective; they were scheduled for FESS intervention and further observed after another 6 weeks. The improvement of the patients was measured by Visual analogue score, nasal endoscopy score and saccharine test. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Males between 41-50 were the most common patients with CRS. There was a significant improvement in the VAS score, nasal endoscopy score after 3 weeks of medical treatment. In 88% of patients the saccharine score was normal showing that this was not an effective measure for assessing the improvement.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Medical treatment was found to be sufficient to treat most symptoms of CRS with nasal polyposis (grade 1 and 2). Surgery should only be done in refractory cases. Selection of those patients who will benefit from surgery should be based on the patient’s symptoms and not on the examiner’s polyp score. Quality of life is not proportional to polyp size (Upto grade 2).&lt;/p&gt;

Peripheral blood eosinophilia correlates with hyperplastic nasal polyp growth

Eosinophils are thought to play a significant role in nasal polyposis, but the exact mechanism by which they contribute to polyposis remains unclear. Therefore, we proposed to test the hypothesis that peripheral blood eosinophilia (PBE) is a surrogate and biomarker for polyp load. To do this, we examined whether PBE levels correlate with nasal polyp load in a longitudinal manner. We retrospectively analyzed the fluctuation of PBE and nasal polyp load in each patient (n = 61) assessed preoperatively, 1-2 months postoperatively, and 3-12 months postoperatively. Nasal polyp load was assessed using computed tomography (CT) scan preoperatively and nasal endoscopy postoperatively. Correlation coefficients were analyzed using parametric statistics. There was a positive correlation between initial preoperative baseline PBE and CT scan staging of polyp load (r = 0.35, p < 0.01). When patients were analyzed longitudinally, we found that the change in PBE correlated with the change in nasal endoscopy scores obtained at or near the same timepoint (r = 0.82, p < 2.0 × 10(-10) ). When nasal polyp load increased with time, we observed a stepwise increase in eosinophil counts (r = 0.37, p < 0.02). PBE correlates with nasal polyp load. PBE levels may be used along with nasal endoscopy to prospectively follow nasal polyp load postoperatively in chronic rhinosinusitis patients with hyperplastic nasal polyposis who have eosinophilia, asthma, and/or aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease.

Outcomes of chronic frontal sinusitis treated with ethmoidectomy: a prospective study.

In medically refractory chronic frontal sinusitis, ethmoidectomy without instrumentation of the frontal ostium may resolve frontal disease. Our aim was to determine the efficacy of ethmoidectomy alone for the treatment of chronic frontal sinusitis. Adults with chronic rhinosinusitis prospectively enrolled in a multicenter study who demonstrated frontal sinusitis on computed tomography were divided into 2 groups: (1) endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) incorporating ethmoidectomy, but excluding frontal sinusotomy; and (2) ESS incorporating frontal sinusotomy. The primary outcome was improvement in 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores. Secondary outcomes included endoscopic scores and use of corticosteroids and antibiotics. A total of 196 cases undergoing frontal sinusotomy and 30 cases treated with ethmoidectomy without frontal sinusotomy were analyzed and were comparable demographically. The prevalence of nasal polyps, previous ESS, asthma, and aspirin intolerance was more common in the frontal sinusotomy group (p < 0.050). Preoperative endoscopy and computed tomography scores were higher in the frontal sinusotomy group (p ≤ 0.001). Postoperatively, both groups showed comparable SNOT-22 scores with worse endoscopy scores in the frontal sinusotomy group (p = 0.038). Postoperative improvement in SNOT-22 total and subdomain scores was comparable between groups. Nasal endoscopy scores improved to a greater degree in the frontal sinusotomy group (p = 0.023). Duration of postoperative topical steroid use was higher in the frontal sinusotomy group (p = 0.007). Revision surgery was needed in 2.6% of frontal sinusotomy patients and 0% of patients without frontal sinusotomy. The treatment of chronic frontal sinusitis through ethmoidectomy is a potential alternative to frontal sinusotomy achieving similar quality of life (QOL) improvements in patients manifesting less severe sinus disease.

Change in nasal congestion index after treatment in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.

Background:The management of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) involves both surgical and medical approaches, and remains a controversial subject.Objective:The objective of this prospective, randomized, controlled trial was to compare the medical and surgical treatments of CRSwNP in terms of their effect on the nasal congestion index (NCI).Methods:Forty-eight patients with CRSwNP were randomized either to medical or surgical therapy. Pretreatment and 3- and 6-month posttreatment assessments of the visual analog scale score, the 20-Item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test, saccharine clearance time, nasal endoscopy, and NCI measurement with acoustic rhinometry were performed. Forty-one subjects were included in the analysis.Results:Both the medical and surgical interventions for CRSwNP resulted in significant improvement in the visual analog scale score, 20-Item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test, saccharine clearance time, and nasal endoscopic examination scores. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of the percentage change from baseline for any of the parameters at the 6-month posttreatment assessment. NCI showed no significant difference from baseline. Similarly, no significant difference was found between the medical and surgical groups in terms of their effect on the NCI (p > 0.05).Conclusion:Because NCI does not correlate with standard subjective measures in outcomes for this group of patients, it cannot be used as an outcome measurement of treatment of subjects with CRSwNP. Results of this prospective randomized study did not find any additional benefit of surgical therapy over medical therapy in subjects with CRSwNP.

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Comparison in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Two of the commonest indications for FESS are chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps and chronic rhinosinusitis with ethmoid polyps. This prospective study was carried out in Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara to compare the results of FESS for bilateral chronic rhinosinusitis with and without ethmoid polyps. The study comprised of a cohort of 104 patients with bilateral chronic rhinosinusitis who underwent FESS between January 2012 and December 2014. The patients were divided into group 1 (without ethmoid polyps) and group 2 (with ethmoid polyps). Results in the two groups were assessed by comparing the Lund-Kennedy nasal endoscopic grading scores and Sino Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores. Statistical analysis was done with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The Lund-Mackay CT scan mean scores for group 1 and group 2 were 14.02 and 15.28 respectively before surgery (p = 0.11). Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score 3 months after FESS were much better in group 2 patients than in group 1(p<0.00001). After FESS, there was significant improvement in SNOT-22 scores in both groups. The SNOT-22 scores 3 months after FESS were much better in patients of group 2 than in patients of group 1(p<0.0001). The improvement in post-operative endoscopic grading and SNOT-22 scores wasmore in patients of chronic rhinosinusitis with ethmoid polyps than in patients without ethmoid polyps. There was no improvement in decreased sense of smell after FESS in most patients with ethmoid polyps.

Depression and anxiety in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Both depression and anxiety have been suspected to impact quality of life adversely in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The objective of this work was to assess for the presence of anxiety and/or depression in the setting of CRS and to assess their impact on disease-related quality of life by analyzing the correlation between the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression score (HADS), as well as the Lund-Kennedy nasal endoscopic scores. A total of 124 patients with CRS were prospectively evaluated in the outpatient setting using the RSDI and HADS questionnaires as well as the Lund-Kennedy nasal endoscopy scoring system. The total RSDI and its subscale scores had moderate to very strong correlation with the HADS total score and each of its subscale scores in comparison to their poor correlation with Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score. CRS patients with depression or anxiety scores 8 to 10 (possible case of clinically significant depression or anxiety) and 11 to 21 (probable case) reported worse total RSDI and subscale scores when compared with those with normal scores (0 to 7). There was no significant difference in the Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores between the different groups of anxiety and depression scores. Depression and anxiety are prevalent in CRS. The total RSDI and its different subscale scores exhibit moderate to very strong correlation with depression/anxiety scores as determined by HADS, whereas poor correlation was seen with the Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score.

Effects of Preoperative Clarithromycin Administration in Patients with Nasal Polyposis.

In recent years, various investigators have shown considerable interest in the use of macrolide antibiotics for treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of preoperative long-term, low-dose clarithromycin administration in patients with nasal polyposis. Eighty nasal polyp patients (42 non-atopic and 38 atopic) were included in this prospective, non-placebo controlled investigation and randomized equally to either the combined clarithromycin-surgical or surgical group. Forty patients received 500 mg of clarithromycin daily for eight weeks, and, after evaluation, they were treated by functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The other 40 patients were treated only surgically. The nasal symptom scores and endoscopic scores after macrolide treatment/surgical treatment, and after six and 12 months of follow-up were evaluated. After clarithromycin therapy, we found improvement in symptom scores in 25/40, and improvement in endoscopic scores in 19/40 patients. We found no significant difference in nasal symptom score between allergic and non-allergic patients regarding the outcome to macrolide (p = 0.352) or surgical treatment (p = 0.396). When we compared differences between endoscopic scores at the time points of 12 months and six months postoperatively (ESt12 minus ESt6), we found statistically lower differences in the clarithromycin-surgery group than in the surgery group (p = 0.006). Preoperative clarithromycin administration postponed nasal polyp relapse after FESS. Allergies have no influence on the clinical efficacy of clarithromycin therapy and on the efficacy of FESS.

Comprehensive quality of life outcomes for pediatric patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery.

Limited quality of life data exist for pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Further exploration of the following areas will enhance understanding and support clinical decision-making: baseline and post-ESS general and disease-specific quality of life, parent vs. child report, and correlation of nasal endoscopy to sinus CT scores. A prospective cohort study evaluated CRS patients age 5-18 undergoing ESS. Surveys were completed at two timepoints: (1) pre-ESS and (2) 30-90 days post-ESS, with parents completing general (PedsQLTM) and CRS-specific (SNOT-16 and SN-5) quality of life surveys and children completing PedsQLTM and SNOT-16 surveys. Preoperative Lund-Kennedy nasal endoscopy and Lund-Mackay sinus CT scores were calculated. Where appropriate, outcomes were stratified by cystic fibrosis status. Impaired preoperative general quality of life was evidenced by parent proxy-report of PedsQLTM scores in 10 cystic fibrosis and 11 non-CF patients. ESS was associated with decreased sinus symptoms at 1-3 months postoperatively with SN-5 change scores of -1.85 and -2.2, in CF and non-CF patients, respectively. Parents reported worse CRS symptoms via higher preoperative SNOT-16 scores than their children did. Nasal endoscopy and sinus CT scores correlated with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.51. Scores not reaching statistical significance included CF-related CRS SNOT-16 change scores and PedsQLTM general quality of life change scores. In pediatric patients with CRS electing ESS, general quality of life is impaired preoperatively and sinus symptoms improve significantly 1-3 months after sinus surgery. Parents report statistically worse CRS symptom scores than their children do. Nasal endoscopy scores in this cohort correlated with sinus CT scores.

Controlled trial for long-term low-dose erythromycin after sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis.

The efficacy of macrolides in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is still under controversy. To date, only two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have been published with differing results. None of these studies investigated the possible benefit of macrolides in the postoperative period. We conducted an investigator-initiated clinical trial using 250-mg erythromycin once a day over a period of 3 months, beginning the administration of either erythromycin or placebo 2 weeks after a surgical intervention for CRS. Randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The concentrations of eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) and myeloperoxidase in nasal secretion were chosen as primary outcome measures. Additionally, as a secondary outcome measure, changes in the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 score, olfaction, saccharin transit time, nasal endoscopy score, and self-rating of nasal health using a visual analogue scale were evaluated. Sixty-seven patients after surgery for CRS with or without nasal polyps were screened, and 58 patients were randomized to the study groups. For the primary outcomes, the concentrations of ECP changed from 176.4 µl/l ± 79.0 to 226.1 µl/l ± 200.6 in the erythromycin group and from 186.9 µl/l ± 36.0 to 192.9 µl/l ± 189.2 in the placebo group; no statistical differences were found. Of the secondary outcomes, only the nasal endoscopy score showed a statistically significant improvement in the erythromycin group (from 2.6 ± 1.4 to 1.9 ± 1.5 points) compared to the placebo group (from 2.5 ± 1.3 to 2.6 ± 1.5 points). The subgroup of patients without nasal polyps in the erythromycin group showed a tendency to improvement in some secondary outcome criteria. A general recommendation for long-term, low-dose erythromycin treatment after surgery for CRS cannot be given. In patients with CRS without nasal polyps, a tendency to improved parameters was detected. Ib.

The effectiveness topical amphotericin B in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis: a meta-analysis.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is believed to be the result of an exaggerated reaction to fungi in the nasal mucosa, and topical amphotericin B (AMB) is a commonly used treatment. The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of high-quality comparative studies to examine the efficacy of topical AMB for the treatment of CRS. A search was conducted of Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Knowledge until December 31, 2013 using combinations of the search terms chronic rhinosinusitis, human, treatment, antibiotics, nasal irrigation, nebulized, nasal lavage, sinonasal rinses, and antimicrobials. Inclusion criteria were (1) comparative studies, (2) a diagnosis of CRS or chronic sinusitis, and (3) the intervention was a topical antifungal. The primary outcome measure was quality of life (QOL), and the secondary was nasal endoscopy score. Of 235 article initially identified, five randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Analysis of four studies with complete QOL data found no difference between treatment and placebo groups [standard difference in means 0.78, 95 % confidence interval (CI) -0.25 to 1.81, P = 0.138]. Analysis of four studies with complete nasal endoscopy score data found no difference between the treatment and placebo groups (standard difference in means 0.34, 95 % CI -0.08 to 0.76, P = 0.117). AMB is not more effective than placebo in improving QOL or nasal endoscopy scores in patients with CRS.

Endoscopic, radiological, and symptom correlation of olfactory dysfunction in pre- and postsurgical patients of chronic rhinosinusitis.

The aim of the present study was to correlate olfactory dysfunction determined with psychophysical testing with nasal endoscopy, computed tomography (CT) scan, and patient's self-assessed olfactory deficit in patients of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) before and after sinus surgery. It was a prospective cohort study comprising of a total of 40 consecutive patients of CRS. All of them were given Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center Test for olfactory evaluation, nasal endoscopy, CT scan, and a graded questionnaire for perceived olfactory ability preoperatively on the same day after failing maximal medical management for 3 weeks. All investigations except CT scan were repeated 3 months postsinus surgery. For metrics, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, Lund Kennedy nasal endoscopy score, and Lund MacKay CT score were used. Spearman's correlation coefficients were determined between olfactory scores and endoscopic, CT, and VAS scores. Significant positive correlation was found between subjective VAS scores and composite odor scores both preoperatively (r = 0.89, P < 0.001) and 3 months postoperatively (r = 0.54, P < 0.001). Significant negative correlation was established between olfactory scores and CT (r = -0.71, P < 0.001). With nasal endoscopy also, the correlation results of odor scores were significant (r = -0.39, P = 0.01 in preoperative period and r = -0.47, P = 0.002 in postoperative period). Hence, it could be concluded that severity of olfactory disturbance determined by olfactory tests correlates well with nasal endoscopic findings, presence of CT opacification, and the patient's self-perceived olfactory insufficiency in CRS both before and after sinus surgery and can guide us well to determining the olfactory burden.

The role of microbes in the pathogenesis of acute rhinosinusitis in young adults.

Objectives/HypothesisTo provide information on the course of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) with sequential nasal and paranasal microbiological data and their correlation with clinical outcomes.Study DesignWe conducted a prospective cohort study among 50 Finnish military recruits with clinically diagnosed ARS in spring 2012.MethodsWe collected symptom, nasal endoscopy, and cone‐beam CT (CBCT) scores during the early (2–3 days from onset) and later phases (9–10 days). We took viral samples from the nasopharynx (multiplex respiratory virus polymerase chain reaction [PCR]), bacterial culture from the middle meatus during both phases, and both viral and bacterial samples from the maxillary sinus aspirate (respiratory virus PCR, bacterial culture, broad‐range bacterial PCR) during the later phase. Cilia destruction and microbial biofilms were sought from a nasal mucosal biopsy sample.ResultsWe found that 42 (84%) of the subjects had viral nucleic acid in the nasopharynx during ARS. During the early phase, 28 (56%) of the subjects had nontypeable H. influenzae (NTHi) in the middle meatus, which was associated with wider paranasal mucosal changes in CBCT scans and increased symptoms during the study period. After 9 to 10 days from the onset, NTHi was found in the maxillary sinus in eight subjects (40%, 8/20) and led to prolonged symptoms. Bacterial biofilm was ruled out in 39 (78%) cases, and cilia destruction did not correlate with microbiological or clinical outcomes.ConclusionNasal and paranasal H. influenzae coinfection during viral infection may modify the symptoms and the extent of sinonasal mucosal disease observed in CBCT scans already from the beginning of the ARS episode.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 125:E1–E7, 2015

Correlation between clinical findings and eosinophil/neutrophil ratio in patients with nasal polyps.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a frequent disease which can be classified as eosinophilic or neutrophilic based on dominant inflammatory cell type at tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of classifying nasal polyps as eosinophilic or neutrophilic on treatment outcomes. The study was conducted with 40 patients who underwent either surgical or medical treatment with the diagnosis of CRSwNP. The patients were classified into two groups for further assessment up to eosinophil intensity at polyp tissue. All patients were examined by nasal endoscopy and paranasal computed tomography (CT). Before treatment, subjective symptom score, nasal endoscopy score, and CT score were measured. Subsequently, they were reevaluated by similar diagnostic tests after either medical or surgical treatment at sixth month. The preoperative subjective symptom score, endoscopy score, and paranasal CT score were compared between chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with eosinophilic nasal polyps (E-NP) (CRSwE-NP) group and CRS with neutrophilic nasal polyps group and there was no difference between the two groups (p=0.369, p=0.310 and p=0.494 respectively). Although after treatment in both groups symptom score and endoscopy score were significantly improved but not the CT score, we found no difference in between the groups at sixth month. In most of the previous studies, patients with CRSwE-NP were assumed to have poor prognosis and high recurrence rate despite surgical or medical treatment. However, we did not find any association between eosinophilic or neutrophilic nature of nasal polyp tissue and disease severity.

Discussion on the treatment methods of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

To explore the treatment methods of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). A total of 386 children with OSAHS were enrolled from June 2008 to April 2011.Ninety children with adenoid and tonsil ≤ degree III (group A) were randomly divided into A1 subgroup and A2 subgroup, while 22 of 296 (group B) children aged less than 3 years old with degree IV adenoid and(or) tonsil were divided into B1 subgroup, and the other 274 of 296 children with degree IV adenoid and (or) tonsil were divided into B1 subgroup, B2 subgroup and B3 subgroup. The adenoid, tonsil size examination and nasal endoscopic examination scores were performed before treatment, 3 months and 6 months after treatment. Drug therapy included oral antibiotics, mometasone furoate as a nasal spray, leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRAs), mucoactive medications. Conservative treatment meant drug therapy plus negative pressure of sputum aspiration.Surgical treatment meant coblation adenotonsillectomy. A1 subgroup received drug therapy for 3 months; A2 and B1 subgroup received conservative treatment for 3 months; B2 subgroup received coblation adenotonsillectomy after 3 days conservative treatment and postoperative drug therapy for 2 weeks; B3 subgroup received coblation adenotonsillectomy after 2 weeks conservative treatment and postoperative drug therapy for 3 months. The adenoid and tonsil size of A2 subgroup decreased at 3 months after treatment (Wald χ² were 10.584 and 8.366, respectively, P < 0.05), no significant re-increase was found at 6 months, and no decrease was found in the A1 subgroup (P > 0.05). The nasal endoscopic examination scores decreased in both A1 and A2 subgroup at 3 months after the treatment (F = 403.420, P < 0.05), but it was found re-increase in A1 subgroup at the 6 months (P < 0.05), no significant re-increase was found in the A2 subgroup. The polysomnography (PSG) monitor of A2 subgroup was 100.0% normal at 3 months after treatment, while the A1 subgroup was only 43.2% (χ² = 36.189, P < 0.05). B2 and B3 subgroups cured after coblation adenotonsillectomy, but no decrease of the adenoid and tonsil size was found in B1 subgroup (P > 0.05). The nasal endoscopic examination scores of B1, B2 and B3 subgroups showed significant decrease after the treatment, but re-increase was found in both B1 and B2 subgroups at the 6 months (F = 1 614.244, P < 0.05), no significant re-increase was found in the B3 subgroup. The PSG monitor of B3 subgroup was 100.0% normal at 3 months after treatment, B2 subgroup 73.4%, and B1 subgroup only 57.4% (χ² = 90.846, P < 0.05). The treatment method of children with OSAHS should be selected according to the age, condition of disease, and size of the adenoid and tonsil. Adenoid and tonsil ≤ degree III should select conservative treatment; while for degree IV adenoid and (or) tonsil, surgical treatment should be primary choice. Conservative treatment can reduce the risk of perioperative and adequate postoperative drug therapy can help prevent recurrence after surgery.

Nasal endoscopic findings and nasal symptoms in patients with asthma: A clinical study from a rhinological perspective

ObjectiveAllergic rhinitis (AR), non-allergic rhinitis (NAR), chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) occur frequently in asthmatic patients. We evaluated nasal symptoms and nasal endoscopic findings in patients with asthma and correlated them to asthma severity. MethodsSubjects (n=150) with asthma completed questionnaires designed to provide information related to asthma and nasal disease. Patients were divided into four groups based on asthma severity. Pulmonary function tests, skin-prick tests (SPTs) and nasal endoscopy were performed on every patient. Clinical findings were compared in asthma patients by rhinologists. ResultsThe total incidence of AR, NAR, CRSwNP and CRSsNP in these patients with asthma was 76%. By using Fisher's Exact Test, there was no statistical significance between asthma severity and the incidence of AR, NAR, CRSwNP and CRSsNP (P=0.311). There was a significant difference in the total nasal symptoms score among subjects with different grades of asthma (P=0.002). However, there were no significant differences in the total Lund–Kennedy endoscopic score (LKS) (P=0.736). The nasal endoscopic scores were significantly correlated at a high degree with the nasal symptoms score (P=0.000). A significant correlation was found between the nasal endoscopic score and the duration of asthma in the patients with different grades of asthma (P<0.05). ConclusionsThe relationship between rhinitis and asthma is complex. Nasal airways should become part of standard clinical assessment and follow-up in patients with asthma.