Nasal Obstruction Visual Analog Scale Research Articles

Single-Sided Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow as an Adjunct Objective Measure in Functional Septorhinoplasty.

Nasal obstruction can negatively impact patient quality of life, which can be alleviated by functional nasal surgery. Quantification of improvement is most commonly evaluated with the use of validated survey instruments but lacks widely utilized objective measures. Herein, we evaluate the utility of single-sided peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) as an objective outcome measure in the evaluation and management of nasal obstruction. Adults presenting with nasal obstruction who were recommended septorhinoplasty were included in the study. Single-sided and bilateral PNIF measures, nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scores, surgeon-rated percent nasal obstruction, and nasal obstruction visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded preoperatively with Spearman's correlation coefficients (ρ) calculated. Correlation coefficients were also calculated between the change in the above variables from the pre- to postoperative state. One Hundred Fifteen patients were enrolled in the study and underwent septorhinoplasty. Significant correlations between single-sided PNIF and the associated VAS scores of the same laterality were found for the worse (ρ = -0.366; p < 0.001) and better (ρ = -0.313; p < 0.001) breathing sides. Correlations between postoperative improvement in single-sided PNIF and improvement in VAS scores were also found (ρ = -0.330; p = 0.007, ρ = -0.354; p = 0.004). No correlation between NOSE scores and single-sided PNIF was found except in the subgroup of patients presenting with bilateral asymmetric nasal obstruction, in who NOSE scores correlated with worse side PNIF (ρ = -0.369; p = 0.038). Single-sided PNIF has a better correlation to patients' symptoms as rated by VAS score than bilateral PNIF and may be a useful adjunct objective measure in the evaluation and quantification of improvement in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty. Level III Laryngoscope, 2024.

Mepolizumab in CRSwNP/ECRS and NP: the phase III randomised MERIT trial in Japan, China, and Russia.

This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, 52-week Phase III study (MERIT; NCT04607005) assessed mepolizumab efficacy and safety in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)/eosinophilic CRS (ECRS) in Japan, Russia, and China, for which data are limited. Eligible patients (enrolled at 60 centres) had blood eosinophil count &gt;2%, endoscopic bilateral NP score ≥5, nasal obstruction visual analogue scale (VAS) score &gt;5, ≥2 sinonasal symptoms, and either previous sinus surgery or systemic corticosteroid use/intolerance. Patients were randomised (1:1) to receive mepolizumab 100 mg subcutaneously or placebo every 4 weeks, plus standard of care. Co-primary endpoints: change from baseline in total endoscopic NP score (ENPS) (Week 52) and nasal obstruction VAS score (Weeks 49-52). Post hoc analyses conducted in a modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population excluded patients from two study sites, related to Good Clinical Practice violations by the Site Management Organisation overseeing these sites. These were considered the primary efficacy analyses. In the mITT population, mepolizumab (n=80) versus placebo (n=83) significantly improved nasal obstruction VAS score from baseline to Week 49-52 and was associated with a trend of total ENPS improvements at Week 52. Mepolizumab/placebo on-treatment adverse events (AEs) occurred in 68/84 and 65/85 patients in the safety population (treatment-related AEs: 2/84 and 5/85, respectively), and on-treatment serious AEs in 0/84 and 4/85 patients, respectively (no fatalities reported). Mepolizumab was effective and well-tolerated in patients with CRSwNP/ECRS from Japan, Russia, and China.

Mepolizumab Reduces Systemic Corticosteroid Use in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps

Systemic corticosteroids (SCSs) are associated with short- and long-term adverse effects. To assess mepolizumab efficacy according to prior SCS use and characterize mepolizumab's SCS-sparing capabilities, in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. In the randomized, double-blind, phase IIISYNAPSE trial (NCT03085797), adults with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps eligible for repeat sinus surgery despite standard of care treatment received mepolizumab (100 mg subcutaneously) or placebo every 4 weeks for 52 weeks. The impact of prior SCS courses (0/1/>1) on mepolizumab versus placebo treatment responses (changes from baseline in total endoscopic nasal polyp [week 52], nasal obstruction visual analog scale [weeks 49-52], and 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test total [week 52] scores) was analyzed post hoc. To characterize mepolizumab's SCS-sparing capabilities, time-to-first SCS course for nasal polyps (prespecified) and total prednisolone-equivalent oral corticosteroid dose by patient baseline characteristics (post hoc, in patients with ≥1 SCS course during SYNAPSE) were assessed up to week52. Mepolizumab versus placebo improved treatment responses, irrespective of prior SCS use. By week 52, the probability of requiring SCSs for nasal polyps (Kaplan-Meier estimate [95% CI]) was lower with mepolizumab (25.4% [20.0-32.1]) versus placebo (37.5% [31.1-44.6]). In patients requiring 1 or more dose of SCSs, total (mean ± SD mg/y) prednisolone-equivalent oral corticosteroid dose was lower with mepolizumab (438.9 ± 350.40) versus placebo (505.2 ± 455.091), overall and irrespective of prior sinus surgeries, blood eosinophil count, or comorbidities. Mepolizumab is associated with clinical benefits in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps regardless of prior SCS use and has an SCS-sparing effect.

Functional Endoscopic Sinonasal Surgery in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract Background: Functional Endoscopic Sinonasal Surgery needs indicators to determine success outcomes in the management of nasal obstruction-related obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Materials and Methods: Preexperimental pretest and posttest designed studies were performed to evaluate the percentage changes value of Visual Analog Scale (VAS) nasal obstruction, Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), polysomnographic parameters, and upper airway collapsibility examined by drug-induced sleep endoscopy. Results: Seventeen patients from 2 studies were recruited with mean Apnea-Hypopnea Index of 3.74 ± 3.30 and respiratory disturbance index of 7.03 ± 3.56. The first study showed a significant percentage change in inferior turbinate size, nasal obstruction VAS, peak nasal inspiratory flow, and ESS Score as well as the second study of significant differences pre- and postoperatively of NOSE (from 49.50 ± 19.2 to 4.50 ± 4.4) and ESS (from 12.60 ± 3.6 to 6.60 ± 3.9). Both studies significantly changed the percentage of the duration of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) to 81.4% ±100% (95% confidence interval − 23.6, 186.3) and a significant difference from preoperative of 4.93 ± 4.40% to post-operative of 11.89 ± 6.19%. Three subjects with preoperative epiglottic collapse (EC) showed a mean value of NOSE 60 ± 5 compared to the non-EC collapse of 45 ± 21.6. In postoperative, there were 4 subjects with EC collapse with a NOSE of 6.25 ± 4.7 and 6 subjects without EC collapse with a NOSE of 3.33 ± 4.1. Conclusion: Functional Endoscopic sinonasal surgery improves NOSE, ESS score, and REM sleep in OSA.

Computational fluid dynamics calculations in inferior turbinate surgery: a cohort study

PurposeTo investigate how the results of nasal computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations change due to inferior turbinate surgery and how the results correlate with patient specific subjective assessment and volumetric results in the nasal cavities.MethodsThe steady inspiratory airflow of 25 patients was studied pre- and postoperatively with heat transfer from the mucous membrane by performing CFD calculations to patient-specific nasal cone beam computed tomography images. These results were then compared to the severity of the patients’ nasal obstruction Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Glasgow Health Status Inventory assessments, and acoustic rhinometry measurements.ResultsTotal wall shear forces decreased statistically significantly (p < 0.01) in the operated parts of the inferior turbinates. Patients’ subjective nasal obstruction VAS assessment changes between the pre- and postoperative conditions correlated statistically significantly (p = 0.04) with the wall shear force results.ConclusionInferior turbinate surgery lead to decreased total wall shear force values postoperatively. Changes in subjective nasal obstruction VAS results against total wall shear force changes between the pre- and postoperative conditions were statistically significant. CFD data have a potential to be used for the evaluation of nasal airflow.

The Effect of Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray on Blood Oxygenation in Allergic Rhinitis Patients

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a disease that presents with symptoms like nasal discharge, blockage, and itchiness, which impair the quality of life of most patients depending on its severity. The most common symptom in AR patients is a persistent bilateral nasal blockage, which may indirectly and potentially affect the airflow into the lung. However, the symptoms can be controlled using intranasal steroid spray (INS). This study investigated the role of nasal obstruction in lowering blood oxygenation and how INS improved blood oxygenation. This study included 33 patients with AR. Subjects with moderate-to-severe nasal obstruction were recruited based on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS) – two puffs twice a day for two weeks was given. Pre- and post-medication parameters compared included nasal obstruction VAS, partial oxygen arterial pressure (PaO2), partial arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO2), and oxygen saturation (O2 saturation). All parameters were substantially different between pre- and post-medication. VAS, PaO2, PaCO2, and O2 saturation were significantly different before and after medicine (p&lt;0.01). A comprehensive treatment of nasal obstruction using MFNS helps improve blood oxygenation and nasal obstruction in AR patients.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy Versus Coblation for the Treatment of Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy: A Clinical Trial.

To compare the efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy with coblation for the treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH). In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 20 patients underwent inferior turbinate surgery, which consisted of either HIFU or coblation therapy. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability were evaluated by subjective symptom scores, acoustic rhinometry, and nasal endoscopy. The modified nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) score and nasal obstruction visual analog scale (NO-VAS) significantly decreased in both groups 12 weeks postoperatively. The between-group differences in the evaluation scores were not statistically significant. On nasal endoscopy, the HIFU patients showed improvements in mucosal swelling sooner than the patients undergoing coblation therapy. Nasal crusting significantly increased in the patients undergoing coblation compared to the patients undergoing HIFU therapy until postoperative week 4. Mucosal preservation was superior in the HIFU patients. Although HIFU was less painful than coblation therapy during the procedure, the difference was not significant (4.9 vs. 6.3, P=0.143). The difference in global satisfaction between the two groups was not statistically significant, although satisfaction was slightly higher among the HIFU patients than among the coblation patients (4.6 vs. 4.1, P=0.393). HIFU provided results similar to those of coblation therapy for patients with nasal obstruction due to ITH, but HIFU therapy caused less discomfort during the procedure. HIFU therapy appears to be a good noninvasive alternative to the current surgical modalities for ITH.

SUSTAINED CLINICAL BENEFITS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC RHINOSINUSITIS WITH NASAL POLYPS 24 WEEKS POST-MEPOLIZUMAB TREATMENT

<h3>Introduction</h3> SYNAPSE, a Phase 3 study in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), demonstrated significantly reduced disease severity with 52 weeks of 4-weekly mepolizumab 100 mg versus placebo. The durability of clinical improvements following treatment cessation has not been established. <h3>Methods</h3> Mepolizumab-induced effects versus placebo were evaluated for 24 weeks post-treatment. Exploratory endpoints were mean change from baseline (CFB) in: total endoscopic NP score (NPS) at Week 76 and nasal obstruction visual analogue scale (VAS) score at Weeks 73–76, in patients without surgery (analyzed post hoc); 22-item sinonasal outcome test (SNOT-22) total score at Week 76 in the overall follow-up population. <h3>Results</h3> 134 patients (mepolizumab n=69; placebo n=65) entered follow-up; 26 patients with surgery during SYNAPSE were excluded. There was a larger reduction in NPS from baseline to Week 52 with mepolizumab versus placebo (mean [SD] CFB: -1.5 [1.8] vs -0.6 [1.4]), which persisted throughout the follow-up period (Table). For nasal obstruction VAS score, larger improvements from baseline with mepolizumab versus placebo was maintained from Weeks 49–52 (-5.5 [2.9] vs -3.9 [3.0]) to Weeks 73–76 (-4.4 [3.2] vs -3.9 [3.3]). Larger improvements in SNOT-22 total score with mepolizumab versus placebo were maintained throughout follow-up (Week 52: -40.7 [22.4] vs -17.1 [24.7]; Week 76: -28.5 [26.8] vs -16.7 [25.8]). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Post-treatment, patients with severe CRSwNP maintained mepolizumab-induced improvements in NP size and symptoms. These findings suggest that targeted inhibition of interleukin-5 mediated type 2 inflammation offers a durable clinical response in these patients.

Activation of the hedgehog signaling pathway is associated with the promotion of cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

To investigate the pathogenesis of the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway activated by inflammation in the development of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The 82 people including CRSwNP patients (case group) and nasal septal deviation patients (control group) were recruited. The samples in the case group were collected and classified into two groups: mucosal tissue of nasal polyps (NP group) and mucosal tissue adjacent to nasal polyps (NM group), the samples were collected from the control group as CM group. Clinical characteristics were assessed. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were performed to detect eosinophils (EOS), the expression of the key genes of the pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in the samples. There were significant differences in the nasal obstruction visual analog scale (VAS) score, rhinorrhea VAS score, percentage of blood EOS, blood EOS absolute counts and tissue EOS counts in the case group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The EOS level and expression levels of PTCH1, SMO, Gli1, Gli2, Ki67 and vimentin were higher in NP group than in the other two groups (P < 0.05). E-cadherin expression was decreased in NP group (P < 0.05). A positive correlation between PTCH1 expression and CRSwNP Lund-Mackay score in NP group. Our results indicated that the activation of Hh signaling pathway might promote cell proliferation and EMT occurrence, ultimately leading to the development of CRSwNP, which might provide a new target for treatment.

Association of Sinonasal Computed Tomography Scores to Patient-Reported Outcome Measures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To perform a systematic review of proposed sinus computed tomography (CT) scoring systems and determine their association with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. A systematic search was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) for studies describing CT scores and PROMs in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. A total of 144 studies were included. Out of 20,741 patients, 53.6% were male and 55.5% had nasal polyposis. A meta-analysis of correlations revealed a moderate correlation between Lund-McKay (LM) and the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22; r = 0.434, P < .001) and a weaker correlation between LM and the 20-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20; r = 0.257, P = .039). Meta-regression also revealed a weak association between LM and SNOT-20 (n = 25 studies) but no significant associations between Zinreich score and SNOT-22 or LM scores and PROMs, including SNOT-22 (n = 94 studies), Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (n = 25), nasal obstruction visual analog scale (n = 15), Chronic Sinusitis Survey (n = 12), Total Nasal Symptom Score (n = 4), Total Symptom Score (n = 3), and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (n = 3). There is essentially little association between radiologic grade and PROMs. CT grading systems with improved clinical utility are needed.

Mepolizumab for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: Treatment efficacy by comorbidity and blood eosinophil count

In the phase III SYNAPSE study, mepolizumab reduced nasal polyp (NP) size and nasal obstruction in chronic rhinosinusitis with NP. We sought to assess the efficacy of mepolizumab in patients from SYNAPSE grouped by comorbid asthma, aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), and baseline blood eosinophil count (BEC). SYNAPSE, a randomized, double-blind, 52-week study (NCT03085797), included patients with severe bilateral chronic rhinosinusitis with NP eligible for surgery despite intranasal corticosteroid treatment. Patients received 4-weekly subcutaneous mepolizumab 100 mg or placebo plus standard of care for 52 weeks. Coprimary end points were change in total endoscopic NP score (week 52) and nasal obstruction visual analog scale score (weeks 49-52). Subgroup analyses by comorbid asthma and AERD status, and post hoc by BEC, were exploratory. Analyses included 407 patients (289 with asthma; 108with AERD; 371 and 278 with BEC counts ≥150 or ≥300 cells/μL, respectively). The proportion of patients with greater than or equal to 1-point improvement from baseline in NP score was higher with mepolizumab versus placebo across comorbid diseases (asthma: 52.9% vs 29.5%; AERD: 51.1% vs 20.6%) and baseline BEC subgroups (<150 cells/μL: 55.0% vs 31.3%; ≥150 cells/μL: 49.5% vs 28.1%; <300 cells/μL: 50.7% vs 29.0%; ≥300 cells/μL: 50.4% vs 28.1%). Asimilar trend was observed in patients without comorbid asthma or AERD. More patients had more than 3-point improvement in nasal obstruction VAS score with mepolizumab versus placebo across comorbid subgroups. Mepolizumab reduced polyp size and nasal obstruction in chronic rhinosinusitis with NP regardless of the presence of comorbid asthma or AERD.

Olfactory neuroepithelium in the middle turbinate: is there any impact on olfaction function after lateral marsupialization for concha bullosa surgery?

IntroductionThe effect of the quantity of olfactory neuroepithelium in the middle turbinate on the postoperative olfactory function for middle turbinate concha bullosa patients has not yet been evaluated. ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study was to investigate the olfactory structures in the middle turbinate by immunohistochemical analysis of the olfactory marker protein and to correlate the immunostaining results with the olfaction test results for patients with middle turbinate concha bullosa. MethodsSurgical materials of 18 middle turbinate concha bullosa patients who had undergone lateral marsupialization surgery were immunostained with olfactory marker protein antibodies. Smell diskettes olfaction test was applied to all of the study group patients both preoperatively and three months postoperatively. A visual analog scale was used to quantify the sense of nasal obstruction. ResultsIt was observed that the postoperative smell scores and the nasal obstruction visual analog scale values were significantly improved as compared to the preoperative values (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant correlation between the smell score gain and the visual analog scale gain values (r = 0.682). Results also indicated no significant correlation between the olfactory marker protein staining scores and the smell scores (p > 0.05). ConclusionThis first paper demonstrated that the quantity of the olfactory mucosa in the middle turbinate was not a determining factor for the postoperative smell function degree for middle turbinate concha bullosa patients. The underlying cause of the olfactory deficit for middle turbinate concha bullosa patients seems to be obstruction related rather than the middle turbinate’s olfactory mucosa containing status.

Mepolizumab reduces disease symptoms for Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: Data from the SYNAPSE study

Assess efficacy of 4-weekly add-on mepolizumab 100 mg SC on patient reported symptoms of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP). Co-primary endpoints of change from baseline in endoscopic NP score and nasal obstruction visual analogue scale (VAS) score have been previously reported.

Mepolizumab Improves Health Related Quality of Life for Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: Data from the SYNAPSE study

To report the efficacy of 4-weekly add-on mepolizumab 100 mg SC on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) . SYNAPSE (NCT03085797), a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, 52-week study, enrolled adult patients with highly symptomatic CRSwNP and prior surgery, treated with intranasal corticosteroids. Co-primary endpoints: change from baseline in endoscopic NP score (Week 52) and nasal obstruction visual analogue scale (VAS) score (Weeks 49–52). HRQoL was measured every 4 weeks using the SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), assessing symptoms and impact of CRSwNP. Blinded psychometric analysis of SYNAPSE data and prior qualitative research in patients with CRSwNP was conducted to confirm domain structure and meaningful within-patient change thresholds. Psychometric analyses support a six-domain solution: nasal symptoms, ear/facial symptoms, non-nasal symptoms, fatigue, impact on sleep, and emotional impact supporting the validity of a total score. A threshold of -28 points was defined using anchor-based methods and supported by distribution-based methods. Although substantially greater than previously published thresholds, this value is supported by qualitative patient research. LS mean change from baseline total score at week 52 was -29.5 (SE1.62) for mepolizumab and -15.6 (SE 1.65) for placebo, with 54% and 32% responders respectively (post-hoc analyses). Odds ratio of response was 2.66 95% CI (1.75, 4.04) favouring mepolizumab. Change from baseline in all domain scores was approximately twice as large for mepolizumab compared with placebo, with similar magnitude of improvement across all domains. Mepolizumab significantly and meaningfully improves HRQoL in CRSwNP.

Application of the subjective and objective evaluation in functional rhinoplasty

Objective: To explore the subjective and objective evaluation methods in functional rhinoplasty. Methods: Sixty-four patients who underwent rhinoplasty in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were included in this study from January 2017 to October 2018. There were 32 males and 32 females, with the age ranging from 18 to 45 years old. Before and 6 months after operation, nasal ventilation function was evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), nasal acoustic reflex and nasal resistance. Satisfaction with nasal appearance was evaluated by VAS, Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) and facial proportions evaluation. Psychological state was assessed by Emotional Balance Scale and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. Finally, the Pearson correlation analysis of patient satisfaction was performed. SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Compared with pre-operation, nasal obstruction VAS, NOSE scores, total nasal resistance and difference ratio of nasal resistance showed significantly decline after surgery (1.62±0.85 vs 7.56±1.44, 22.62±3.54 vs 69.75±7.85, (0.16±0.08) Pa·s/ml vs (0.31±0.43) Pa·s/ml, 0.33±0.28 vs 0.71±0.32, all P<0.05). VAS of appearance and ROE scores showed an increase after surgery (11.20±3.66 vs 2.70±0.97, 17.80±2.71 vs 7.50±1.12, all P<0.05). The measurement of the external nasal subunits showed that the length of the dorsum of the nose, the angle of the face to the nose, the angle of the frontal and the angle of the alar of the nose were obviously reduced ((29.33±4.26) mm vs (33.61±5.24) mm, (135.11±3.81)° vs (139.91±6.30)°, (130.63±2.88)° vs (136.74±5.72)°, (99.71±4.02)° vs (106.27±5.60)°, all P<0.05). The scores of postoperative Emotional Balance Scale and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale increased significantly (5.88±1.54 vs 4.31±1.85, 28.31±2.64 vs 22.13±2.77, all P<0.05). The Pearson correlation analysis showed that patients' satisfaction was positively correlated with subjective score of nasal ventilation (VAS, NOSE), subjective score of nasal appearance (VAS, ROE) and emotional balance scale, while negatively correlated with nasal resistance, and not correlated with the measurement of external nasal subunit. There was a significant positive correlation between the subjective score of nasal ventilation and the measurement of nasal resistance, but there was no significant correlation between the subjective score of nasal appearance and the measurement of external nasal subunit. Conclusion: The subjective and objective evaluation of nasal ventilation function, aesthetics of nasal appearance and psychological state can evaluate the effect of functional rhinoplasty effectively.

Older Age Is Associated With Better Compliance With Follow-up in Taiwan After Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is frequently conducted for restoring sinus ventilation and function. Postoperative care is critical for success. However, loss to follow-up is disturbing. The specific aim of this study was to identify critical factors contributing to loss of patients to follow-up and how to improve it. A total of 221 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing FESS were enrolled. Patients were divided into three groups according to their follow-up after surgery: Less than 1 month (short-term), 1-3 months (medium-term) and more than 3 months (long-term). The gender, age, smoking status, comorbidities, laterality, Lund-Mackay score, 22-question Sinonasal Outcome Test, nasal obstruction Visual Analogue Scale and mucociliary clearance were evaluated for their contribution to better compliance in follow-up. The results revealed that older patients had better compliance in follow-up compared with younger ones (p=0.0093). Other factors were not contributory (p>0.05). In contrast to the US, older patients in Taiwan have better compliance in postoperative follow-up, while younger ones require more education on the importance of follow-up.

Comparison of nasal and olfactory functions between two surgical approaches for the treatment of concha bullosa: a randomised clinical trial.

Concha bullosa may be associated with paranasal sinus infections and nasal obstruction. Middle concha mucosa membranes have olfactory neurofibrils. This study investigated the impact of routinely used concha bullosa surgery techniques - crushing and lateral laminectomy - on nasal and olfactory functions. Forty-three adult patients who had undergone surgery for a symptomatic concha bullosa completed the odour test, nasal obstruction visual analogue scale, 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test, and peak nasal inspiratory flow test, pre-operatively and three months post-operatively. The pre- and post-operative results within and between the two treatment groups were compared. Intragroup comparison of mean pre- versus post-treatment changes revealed statistically significant findings for the nasal obstruction visual analogue scale, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test, peak nasal inspiratory flow and olfaction tests (all p < 0.05). However, there were no statistically significant changes when comparing the scores between the groups (intergroup comparison). Lateral laminectomy and crushing in concha bullosa surgery have no negative effects on olfactory function. Concha bullosa surgery provides positive outcomes regarding nasal complaints in symptomatic patients.

Influence of nasal septum deformity on nasal obstruction, disease severity, and medical treatment response among children and adolescents with persistent allergic rhinitis

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of different types of nasal septum deformity (NSD) on nasal obstruction, rhinitis severity and response to medical treatment among pediatric persistent allergic rhinitis (PER) patients. MethodsIn a prospective, real-life study, 150 children and adolescents (mean age 13 ± 2.8 years, females 32.6%) diagnosed with PER according to ARIA guidelines were assessed by nasal endoscopy for NSD according to Mladina's classification, their response to medical treatment (intranasal steroids and antihistamines or antileucotriens), the presence of comorbidities, rhinitis severity (modified-ARIA criterion) and nasal obstruction visual analog scale score (VAS). ResultsMost patients (87%) had 1 of the 7 types of septal deformities. There was a high prevalence of bilateral (types 4 and 6; 46%) and anterior unilateral (types 1 and 2; 25%) NSD in patients not responding to medical treatment. Type 4 (OR = 6.4; p = 0.005) or type 6 (OR = 4.4; p = 0.03) NSD increased the risk of lack of improvement with medical treatment. Coexistence of anterior unilateral or bilateral NSD with severe turbinate enlargement increased >20-fold the risk of lack of improvement. Patients with bilateral NSD presented greater rhinitis severity. Non-responder adolescents displayed higher prevalence of bilateral NSD than children (53% vs. 23%; p = 0.02). Nasal obstruction VAS was higher for patients with anterior than posterior NSD, and greater for patients with bilateral NSD than any other type of septal morphology. ConclusionNasal endoscopy shows that bilateral and unilateral anterior nasal septum deformities are strongly associated with a poor response to medical treatment, greater rhinitis severity and higher nasal obstruction VAS. Consequently, nasal endoscopy is necessary in the PER patients to understand the disease severity as well as to plan a specific surgical treatment in order to improve nasal obstruction, disease severity, and patient's quality of life.

Sinonasal Characteristics in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Compared to Healthy Controls.

Background. The difference in nasal obstruction between OSA patients and healthy individuals is not adequately documented. Our aim was to describe the sinonasal quality of life and nasal function in OSA patients and healthy controls using the sinonasal outcome test-20 (SNOT-20), nasal obstruction visual analog scale (NO-VAS), and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF). Methodology and Principal. Ninety-three OSA patients and 92 controls were included in a case-control study from 2010 to 2015. Results. Mean SNOT-20 score in the OSA group was 1.69 (SD 0.84) compared to 0.55 (SD 0.69) in controls (p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.9, 1.4]). The mean NO-VAS score was 41.3 (SD 12.8) and 14.7 (SD 14.4) in the OSA group and controls, respectively, (p < 0.001, 95% CI [22.7, 30.6]). PNIF measured 105 litres/minute in the OSA group and 117 litres/minute in controls (p < 0.01, 95% CI [−21.8, −3.71]). There was a positive correlation between subjective nasal obstruction and change in PNIF after decongestion in the control group alone. Conclusions. OSA patients have a reduced sinonasal QoL and lower peak nasal inspiratory flow compared to controls. Treatment of nasal obstruction in OSA patients should be made a priority along with treatment of the ailment itself.

Posttraumatic Nasal Valve Collapse: Is Alar Batten Graft the Answer?

ABSTRACT Introduction Posttraumatic nasal valve collapse (NVC) is an underdiagnosed cause of nasal obstruction causing significant symptoms and has been treated by various techniques, the results of which have been variable. In our study, alar batten graft (ABG) has been used to strengthen the nasal wall. Techniques A prospective interventional study was done on 13 patients of posttraumatic NVC using an ABG to reinforce the ala, and results were measured on the basis of standardized nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) and nasal obstruction visual analog scale (NO-VAS) scores at 6 months. Results There was a statistically significant improvement in 12 out of 13 patients, with mean improvement of 25.62 on NOSE and 2.4 on NO-VAS scores. There was a visible improvement in the extent of collapse also. Conclusion Posttraumatic NVC can be treated effectively using ABG, with significant improvement in standard scores as well as the symptomatology. How to cite this article Maggon NV, Sethi A, Das A. Posttraumatic Nasal Valve Collapse: Is Alar Batten Graft the Answer? Clin Rhinol An Int J 2016;9(3):125-129.