The Role of Mast Cells in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) Pathogenesis: Implications for Future Therapeutics

Mast cells (MC) have recently been demonstrated to play an integral role in the pathogenesis of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). When activated, MCs release pre-formed granules of many pro-inflammatory mediators, including histamine, serotonin, and various chemokines and cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon ɣ (IFN ɣ), macrophage inhibitory factor, transforming growth factor, interleukin (IL) 1, 3–6, 9, 10, 13 and 16. These mediators promote inflammation in AERD by recruiting or activating a network of cells involved in acute and chronic inflammatory pathways, such as endothelial, epithelial, stromal, and other immune cells. Several studies have implicated multifactorial pathways for MC activation in AERD beyond classical IgE mediated mechanisms. The elucidation of these complex networks therefore represents important targets for innovative patient therapeutics. This review summarizes classic and alternative pathways of MC activation in AERD with a special focus in relation to new and emerging treatment strategies.

Risk Factors for Rhinosinusitis After Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Adenomectomy

OBJECTIVE

Patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal adenomectomy (eTSA) for pituitary tumors are at risk for postoperative complications, including rhinosinusitis. We aimed to determine if preoperative sinonasal disease is a risk factor for postoperative rhinosinusitis (PRS).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

Tertiary academic center in U.S.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of pituitary adenoma who underwent eTSA between 2007-2016. PRS patients were matched to non-PRS patients or sex, age, tumor size, skull base reconstruction with intranasal tissue grafting, and concurrent septoplasty. Groups were statistically analyzed for potential preoperative risk factors of sinonasal disease (patient-reported, radiographic, endoscopic).

RESULTS

49 of 987 patients who underwent eTSA developed PRS (44.9% male, 71.4% Caucasian, mean age 49.3y). On analysis of individual risk factors, there was a significantly higher proportion of patients with a history of prior sinonasal surgery in the PRS group than the non-PRS group (25.5% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.01); however, this group difference became insignificant on multivariate analysis. There were no significant group differences with regard to history of sinus infections, nasal symptoms, seasonal allergies, radiographic abnormalities, or sinonasal disease on endoscopy.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to investigate preoperative sinonasal disease as a risk factor for PRS after eTSA. The risk factors considered did not demonstrate definitive risk for PRS, although a history of prior sinonasal surgery should be investigated further.

Endogenous cannabinoids may regulate chronic inflammation in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is characterized by the triad of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, adult-onset asthma and non-IgE mediated reactions to aspirin and other cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibitors. Patients with AERD are dependent on COX-1 activity to maintain production of prostaglandin (PG) species, such as PGE2, which maintain physiologic levels of inflammation and limit the production of pro-inflammatory cysteinyl leukotrienes. The endogenous cannabinoid system is a family of immunomodulatory lipids and their innate g-protein coupled receptors that are closely related to arachidonic acid and may modulate inflammation via several pathways, including the direct production of metabolically active prostaglandin glycerol-esters. A recent pilot study has identified the significant up-regulation of the peripherally expressed, type-2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2) in AERD nasal polyps versus control tissues from patients with either allergic fungal rhinosinusitis or no history of chronic sinonasal inflammation. These early findings suggest the involvement of increased endogenous cannabinoid activity in prostaglandin deficient states such as AERD. Future study is needed to explore the significance of these findings, with specific investigation of the impact of CB2 activation on markers of airway inflammation, as well as the potential to measure CB2 expression as a screening biomarker for the evaluation of unrecognized disease.

Computed Tomography Findings Can Help Identify Different Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyp Phenotypes

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) has several phenotypes.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to evaluate computed tomography (CT) findings associated with each CRSwNP phenotype.

METHODS

Patient charts between January 2015 and March 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient groups, including allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS), aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), central compartment atopic disease (CCAD) and CRSwNP not otherwise specified (CRSwNP NOS), were determined by standard criteria. The oldest CT scan available was reviewed for Lund-Mackay (LM) score, septal involvement of inflammatory disease, opacification of olfactory clefts, nasal cavity opacification, and oblique positioning of the middle turbinates. Nonparametric analyses of variance were performed with correction for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

A total of 356 patients had scans available for review; 80 (23%) patients were categorized into the AFRS group, 101 (28%) in the AERD group, 43 (12%) in the CCAD group, and 132 (37%) in the CRSwNP NOS group. Septal inflammatory involvement and oblique middle turbinate orientation on CT scans was higher in both AERD patients and CCAD patients as compared to AFRS and CRSwNP NOS patients (P < .05). Olfactory cleft opacification was increased in the AERD group compared to all other diagnoses (P < .05). The CCAD group showed lower LM scores compared to all other groups (P < .05), and the AFRS group revealed the greatest differences between left and right LM grades, representing unilaterality of disease (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

CRSwNP encompasses many subsets of disease, which have varying treatments and intraoperative findings. Preoperative CT findings can be used to differentiate between these groups to improve prediction of diagnoses and patient counseling.

Ventilated Upper Airway Endoscopic Endonasal Procedure Mask: Surgical Safety in the COVID-19 Era

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 poses a risk to the endoscopic skull base surgeon. Significant efforts to improving safety have been employed, including the use of personal protective equipment, preoperative COVID-19 testing, and recently the use of a modified surgical mask barrier.

OBJECTIVE

To reduce the risks of pathogen transmission during endoscopic skull base surgery.

METHODS

This study was exempt from Institutional Review Board approval. Our study utilizes a 3-dimensional (3D)-printed mask with an anterior aperture fitted with a surgical glove with ports designed to allow for surgical instrumentation and side ports to accommodate suction ventilation and an endotracheal tube. As an alternative, a modified laparoscopic surgery trocar served as a port for instruments, and, on the contralateral side, rubber tubing was used over the endoscrub endosheath to create an airtight seal. Surgical freedom and aerosolization were tested in both modalities.

RESULTS

The ventilated mask allowed for excellent surgical maneuverability and freedom. The trocar system was effective for posterior surgical procedures, allowing access to critical paramedian structures, and afforded a superior surgical seal, but was limited in terms of visualization and maneuverability during anterior approaches. Aerosolization was reduced using both the mask and nasal trocar.

CONCLUSION

The ventilated upper airway endoscopic procedure mask allows for a sealed surgical barrier during endoscopic skull base surgery and may play a critical role in advancing skull base surgery in the COVID-19 era. The nasal trocar may be a useful alternative in instances where 3D printing is not available. Additional studies are needed to validate these preliminary findings.

Effect of Omega-3 Supplementation in Patients With Smell Dysfunction Following Endoscopic Sellar and Parasellar Tumor Resection: A Multicenter Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic endonasal approaches pose the potential risk of olfactory loss. Loss of olfaction and potentially taste can be permanent and greatly affect patients' quality of life. Treatments for olfactory loss have had limited success. Omega-3 supplementation may be a therapeutic option with its effect on wound healing and nerve regeneration.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact on olfaction in patients treated with omega-3 supplementation following endoscopic skull base tumor resection.

METHODS

In this multi-institutional, prospective, randomized controlled trial, 110 patients with sellar or parasellar tumors undergoing endoscopic resection were randomized to nasal saline irrigations or nasal saline irrigations plus omega-3 supplementation. The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) was administered preoperatively and at 6 wk, 3 mo, and 6 mo postoperatively.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven patients completed all 6 mo of follow-up (41 control arm, 46 omega-3 arm). At 6 wk postoperatively, 25% of patients in both groups experienced a clinically significant loss in olfaction. At 3 and 6 mo, patients receiving omega-3 demonstrated significantly less persistent olfactory loss compared to patients without supplementation (P = .02 and P = .01, respectively). After controlling for multiple confounding variables, omega-3 supplementation was found to be protective against olfactory loss (odds ratio [OR] 0.05, 95% CI 0.003-0.81, P = .03). Tumor functionality was a significant independent predictor for olfactory loss (OR 32.7, 95% CI 1.15-929.5, P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Omega-3 supplementation appears to be protective for the olfactory system during the healing period in patients who undergo endoscopic resection of sellar and parasellar masses.

Spontaneous Skull Base Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks and Their Relationship to Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Background

The association between spontaneous skull base cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) has been suggested, but its significance remains unclear.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of IIH in spontaneous skull base CSF leak patients.

Methods

Systematic collection of demographics, neuro-ophthalmic and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of spontaneous skull base CSF leak patients seen pre- and post-leak repair in one neuro-ophthalmology service. Patients with preexisting IIH were diagnosed with definite IIH if adequate documentation was provided; otherwise, they were categorized with presumed IIH. Classic radiographic signs of intracranial hypertension and bilateral transverse venous sinus stenosis were recorded.

Results

Thirty six patients were included (age [interquartile range]: 50 [45;54] years; 94% women; body mass index: 36.8 [30.5;39.9] kg/m2), among whom six (16.7%, [95% confidence interval, CI]: [6.4;32.8]) had a preexisting diagnosis of definite or presumed IIH. Of the remaining 30 patients, four (13.3%, 95%CI: [3.8;30.7]) had optic nerve head changes suggesting previously undiagnosed IIH, while one was newly diagnosed with definite IIH at initial consultation. One out of 29 patients with normal findings of the optic nerve head at presentation developed new onset papilledema following surgery (3.4%, 95%CI: [0.1;17.8]) and was ultimately diagnosed with definite IIH. Overall, the prevalence of definite IIH was 19.4% (95%CI: [8.2;36.0]).

Conclusion

Striking demographic overlap exists between IIH patients and those with spontaneous CSF leak. Definite IIH was present in approximately 20% of our patients. However, its true prevalence is likely higher than identified by using classic criteria. We therefore hypothesize that an active CSF leak serves as an auto-diversion for CSF, thereby “treating” the intracranial hypertension and eliminating characteristic signs and symptoms at initial presentation.

Diagnosis and Management of Depression in CRS: A Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Survey

Introduction  Comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) is present in up to 25% of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) cases and provides prognostic information for patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Clinical visits offer an opportunity to identify at-risk patients. Objective  The purpose of the present study is to evaluate practice patterns among members of the American Rhinologic Society (ARS) in screening for/diagnosing MDD. Methods  A 21-question survey was distributed to 1,206 members of the ARS from May 26, 2018 to June 12, 2018. The impact of demographic factors, including hospital setting, fellowship status, and experience were assessed through chi-squared analysis. Results  A total of 80 members of the ARS completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 7%. Half of the respondents worked in academic settings and 43% had completed a rhinology fellowship. Twenty percent of the participants felt comfortable diagnosing or managing MDD, while only 10% of participants screened for MDD in patients with CRS. Respondents cited a lack of training (76%) and unfamiliarity with diagnostic criteria (76%) as barriers to the routine assessment of MDD. Most respondents (95%) considered comorbid psychiatric illness to negatively impact outcomes following ESS. Fellowship-trained respondents were significantly more likely to implement screening tools in their practice ( p  = 0.05), and believe in the negative impact of MDD on postoperative outcomes ( p  = 0.007), cost of care ( p  = 0.04) and quality of life ( p  = 0.047). Conclusion  Amongst ARS members, 95% of the respondents consider comorbid MDD to negatively impact patient outcomes following ESS. Regardless, a large proportion of surgeons neither screen nor feel comfortable diagnosing MDD.

Is Respiratory Epithelial Adenomatoid Hamartoma Related to Central Compartment Atopic Disease?

BACKGROUND

Respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH) is a benign lesion of the sinonasal tract that may mimic more concerning pathology. Clinical factors associated with REAH have not been well characterized.

OBJECTIVE

To report our findings on patients with this pathologic diagnosis.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients with REAH between September 2006 and November 2019 was conducted. Data collected included clinical allergic rhinitis and asthma history, additional sinonasal diagnoses, prior sinus surgery, and the location of the REAH within the sinonasal cavity.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients were identified (53.8% male, mean age 62 years [range, 29-93]). Bilateral REAH occurred in 50%. REAH was located at the superior nasal septum in 84.6% cases, with the remainder identified in sinus contents submitted for pathology, making definitive site uncertain. Concurrent sinonasal inflammatory disorders were identified in 18 patients (69.2%), including chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps-not otherwise specified (6), chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (4), aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (2), allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (1), central compartment atopic disease (5), and IgG4-related sclerosing disease (1). Eight patients had isolated REAH. Adequate allergy records were available for 19 patients, of which 18 of 19 (94.7%) had clinical allergic rhinitis.

CONCLUSIONS

REAH is a benign sinonasal lesion commonly located within the central compartment of the nasal cavity, a site of significant allergen exposure. Affected patients have a high incidence of allergy along with chronic inflammatory conditions. The coexistence of REAH within inflammatory nasal mucosa in a consistent anatomic location, suggests REAH may have a similar etiology to central compartment atopic disease, with resultant respiratory glandular ingrowth within long-standing reactive changes of mucosa derived from ethmoid embryologic origin.

NSAID-ERD Syndrome: the New Hope from Prevention, Early Diagnosis, and New Therapeutic Targets

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the latest information on the appropriate identification, evaluation, and treatment of patients with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-exacerbated respiratory disease (NSAID-ERD), also known as aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Within the framework of our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of NSAID-ERD, we also provide an update regarding new surgical techniques and newly available or upcoming medical therapies that may benefit these patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

There have been considerable developments regarding recommendations for both the extent and timing of sinus surgery for NSAID-ERD. The last few years have also given us several new biologic medications that warrant consideration in the treatment of patients with recalcitrant NSAID-ERD. Further clinical trials are underway to investigate additional medications that may decrease the type 2 inflammation that dominates this disease. Despite the severe lower respiratory inflammation and recurrent nature of the nasal polyps in patients with NSAID-ERD, significant recent advances now afford much-improved quality of life for these patients. Careful collaboration between Allergy/Immunology and Rhinology specialists is imperative to ensure proper treatment of patients with NSAID-ERD.

Central compartment atopic disease: prevalence of allergy and asthma compared with other subtypes of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Central compartment atopic disease (CCAD) is a recently described variant of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) associated with inhalant allergy. An association with asthma was noted to be uncommon within our clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to determine allergy and asthma prevalence in CCAD and other CRSwNP subtypes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis at a tertiary care institution was performed over the period from 2015 to 2019. CRSwNP was grouped into the following subtypes: allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS); aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD); CCAD; and CRSwNP not otherwise specified (CRSwNP NOS). Patients with sinonasal polyps and concomitant polypoid disease in the central compartment (CRSwNP/CC) were analyzed as a separate cohort for the purpose of this study. Prevalence of allergy and asthma was compared between groups.

RESULTS

Three hundred fifty-six patients were included. CRSwNP NOS was the most common subtype (37.1%) and CRSwNP/CC was the least common (3.7%), with other CRS subtypes ranging between 11.5% and 24.2%. Asthma prevalence was highest in AERD (100%) and CRSwNP NOS (37.1%), but substantially lower in AFRS (19.0%) and CCAD (17.1%). Asthma was significantly more common in AERD and CRSwNP NOS when compared with CCAD (p < 0.001 and p = 0.039, respectively). Prevalence of allergy was significantly higher in AFRS (100%), CCAD (97.6%), CRSwNP/CC (84.6%), and AERD (82.6%) when compared with CRSwNP NOS (56.1%) (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CCAD represents a clinically distinct phenotype of CRSwNP with a high prevalence of allergy and low prevalence of asthma. Patients with both CCAD and diffuse sinonasal polyps had an allergy prevalence approaching that of CCAD and an asthma prevalence approaching CRSwNP NOS.

Sample collection for laboratory-based study of the nasal airway and sinuses: a research compendium

BACKGROUND

Collection of biologic samples from the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is of critical importance to the study of infectious or inflammatory conditions that affect both upper and lower airways. Numerous techniques for the study of ex-vivo samples exist, with specific applications, strengths, and weaknesses associated with each of them. In this compendium we summarize the available methods for collection of primary human samples and incorporate expert discussion of the pros, cons, and applications associated with each technique.

METHODS

An expert panel containing members of the American Rhinologic Society's Research and Grants Committee compiled this educational reference. Rationale for use and the potential advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Research protocols and key references are enumerated.

RESULTS

Sampling of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses can be achieved through a number of methods. Nonspecific sinonasal secretions may be collected via forced exhalation, nasal lavage, and nasal spray aspiration. Targeted collection of sinonasal secretions may be achieved via endoscopic placement of absorbent matrices. Nasal cytology or collection of superficial epithelium may be completed via brushing or scraping of endonasal structures. Collection of mucosal biopsies may be completed via sinonasal explant or full-thickness biopsy.

CONCLUSION

Multiple sampling techniques are available to collect biologic samples from the sinonasal cavity. These techniques differ in their ease of application, reproducibility, sample yield, and utility for different sinonasal pathologies or research goals. An appreciation of the benefits and drawbacks of each approach will allow investigators to select the techniques most appropriate for achieving research objectives.

Treatment practices for aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease: analysis of a national insurance claims database

BACKGROUND

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is the triad of asthma, nasal polyposis, and sensitivity to cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitors. Treatment options include medical management, surgical intervention, and aspirin desensitization (AsaD).

METHODS

AERD patients were identified using the MarketScan Database from 2009 to 2015. Patients were included using International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition (ICD-9) codes for asthma, nasal polyposis, and drug allergy. Treatments were determined by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for drug desensitization and endonasal procedures. Geographic trends and timing of interventions between those exposed and not exposed to desensitization were explored.

RESULTS

A total of 5628 patients met inclusion criteria for AERD, with mean age 46 years, 60% female; 395 (7%) underwent AsaD and 2171 (39%) underwent sinus surgery. Among patients who were desensitized, 229 (58%) underwent surgery, of whom 201 (88%) had surgery prior to AsaD (median [quartile 1, quartile 3]; 61 days [30, 208] prior to desensitization). For patients undergoing surgery following AsaD (n = 46), surgery was performed a median of 302 (163, 758) days after AsaD. Nineteen patients had multiple surgeries post-AsaD with median time between surgeries being 734 days (312, 1484); 261 patients were not desensitized to aspirin but did undergo multiple surgeries, with the median of the median time between surgeries being 287 days (15, 617), which is shorter than for patients post-AsaD (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A very small percentage of AERD patients undergo AsaD. Patients who had AsaD underwent surgery approximately 2 months prior to AsaD. Patients who underwent AsaD experienced an increased time between surgeries compared to patients who did not undergo AsaD.

Follow-up Management of Patients After Transsphenoidal Approach for Resection of Pituitary Adenomas

Background

Endoscopic transsphenoidal adenomectomy (eTSA) is widely utilized for resection of pituitary adenoma. eTSA patients undergo healing for weeks to months and are potentially at risk for complications. Multidisciplinary follow-up monitoring is necessary. We hypothesized that patients with deviations from the routine postoperative course, broadly termed complications of interest (COI) in this study, following eTSA would increase the duration of follow-up in the rhinology clinic.

Methods

Retrospective review was performed on patients undergoing eTSA for pituitary adenoma from August 2007 to May 2016 at a single tertiary care center. COIs were reviewed for their influence on follow-up time.

Results

A total of 985 patient records were reviewed (mean age 51.0 ± 15.7 years, 55.2% female), of which, 21.1% of patients had a deviation from the expected postoperative course (7.0% rhinologic, 10.8% surgical, 0.6% perioperative medical, and 2.7% endocrinologic COIs). The most common COI was cerebrospinal fluid leak 5.6% (n = 55) followed by sinusitis 5.0% (n = 49). Moreover, 935 patients (94.9%) attended rhinology follow-up (172 patients with COI). For patients seen postoperatively by the rhinology service, COIs significantly increased the number of rhinologic follow-up visits (median 2 [interquartile range, IQR: 2–3] vs 3 visits [IQR: 2–4], P < .001), duration of rhinologic follow-up (median 54.0 days [IQR: 43.0–104.0] vs 88.0 days [IQR: 54.5–242.0], P < .001), and duration of overall multidisciplinary follow-up (median 354.0 days [IQR: 104.0–789.0] vs 537.0 days [IQR: 171.5–1313.5], P < .001), compared to those without COIs.

Conclusions

Patients who develop postoperative complications after eTSA have significantly extended follow-up with the multidisciplinary team.

Longitudinal progression of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease: analysis of a national insurance claims database

BACKGROUND

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a recalcitrant inflammatory disorder defined by asthma, nasal polyposis, and sensitivity to cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitors. The timeline and course of disease progression is unclear.

METHODS

The Truven MarketScan Database, a large American health insurance claims repository, was queried to identify patients meeting criteria for AERD from 2009 to 2015. Included patients had associated International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition (ICD-9) codes consistent with all 3 components of AERD: asthma, nasal polyposis, and drug allergy. Patterns of disease onset and time to progression were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 5628 patients were identified for study inclusion. Of the 3 components of AERD, 3303 patients (59%) were initially diagnosed with asthma, 1408 (25%) were initially diagnosed with nasal polyps, and 917 (16%) were first diagnosed with drug sensitivity. The most common (36%) sequence of diagnoses was asthma, followed by nasal polyps, followed by drug allergy. The median interval between diagnosis of upper or lower airway involvement (ie, nasal polyps and/or asthma) to recognition of drug sensitivity was 259 days (quartiles Q1 to Q3: 92 to 603 days). In patients with both asthma and nasal polyps diagnoses, the risk of developing drug sensitivity during the study time period was 6%.

CONCLUSION

Upper and lower airway disease is often initially recognized in patients with AERD, whereas drug sensitivity presents month to years later. This delay may be due to the pathophysiology of AERD and disease progression or due to practice patterns in diagnostic testing and coding. Further work is warranted to identify these patients at early stages in their disease progression.

Central compartment involvement in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease: the role of allergy and previous sinus surgery

BACKGROUND

Evidence for a relationship between allergy and chronic rhinosinusitus with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is equivocal. Central compartment (CC) atopic disease is a nasal inflammatory condition related to inhalant allergy. CC involvement is common in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), a subset of CRSwNP, and we hypothesize it is related to allergic status.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective analysis of a single-institution database for the January 2016 to February 2019 time period. Data regarding endoscopic CC findings, clinical allergy history, and results of allergy testing were collected. Statistical analysis was performed, with significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Seventy-two AERD patients met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-nine patients had CC involvement (53 bilateral, 6 unilateral). For patients with documented allergy status, 100% of patients with endoscopic CC disease had clinical allergic rhinitis (AR), and 45 of 48 (93.8%) had positive allergy testing. Thirteen patients had no CC involvement (4 with clinical AR; 3 of 7 with positive allergy testing). CC endoscopic findings in AERD were significantly associated with clinical allergy (p < 0.0001, phi = 0.771). Overall, patients with CC involvement averaged 3.8 surgeries vs 3.2 for those without CC involvement (p = not statistically significant). However, patients with septal involvement averaged 4.2 surgeries vs 2.0 for those without septal involvement (p = 0.004). As the number of sinus surgeries increases, middle turbinate (MT) resection (r = 0.300, p = 0.022) and septal involvement (r = 0.372, p = 0.004) significantly increase. All patients with MT resection had septal disease, whereas none without CC disease had MT resection.

CONCLUSION

Most AERD patients exhibit AR, and this correlates with CC disease. As the number of surgeries increases, MT resection may predispose to polyposis of the septum.

Endocannabinoid receptor CB2R is significantly expressed in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

The endocannabinoid system represents a highly conserved, innate signaling network with direct and indirect control of eicosanoid-mediated inflammation. Activation of the type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) leads to decreased type 2 inflammation and reduced production of arachidonic acid (AA). Given that altered AA metabolism is associated with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), we hypothesized that expression of the CB2R gene CNR2 is increased in AERD.

METHODS

Nasal polyps from consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for AERD or allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) were prospectively evaluated. Control sphenoid mucosa was collected from patients undergoing endoscopic skull base procedures. Expression and localization of endocannabinoid receptors were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcript-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. A 2-group unpaired t test with unequal variances was used to evaluate group differences.

RESULTS

Thirteen subjects were included in this pilot study, including 5 controls, 5 AFRS patients, and 3 AERD patients. Upregulated expression of CNR2 was detected in subjects with AERD vs both AFRS (p = 0.049) and controls (p = 0.047), with a mean increase of 5.2-fold. No significant differences in expression of the CB1R gene CNR1 were detected between control and AFRS groups. Immunohistochemistry predominantly localized CB1R and CB2R expression to the surface epithelium in all subjects.

CONCLUSION

The endocannabinoid system is an emerging immunomodulatory network that may be involved in AERD. This is the first study of CB2R in sinonasal disease, showing significantly increased transcription in nasal polyps from subjects with AERD. Additional study is warranted to further evaluate the contribution and therapeutic potential of this novel finding in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Does Medical Therapy Improve SinoNasal Outcomes Test-22 Domain Scores? An Analysis of Clinically Important Differences

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Minimum clinically important differences (MCIDs) for the 22-item SinoNasal Outcomes Test (SNOT-22) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) electing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) are well described. However, similar estimations for the MCID have not been investigated for patients electing continued appropriate medical therapy (CAMT). We sought to determine MCID values for a medically treated CRS cohort and compare them to historical MCIDs associated with ESS.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective observational cohort study.

METHODS

One hundred twenty patients with refractory CRS electing CAMT were prospectively enrolled from academic referral clinics into an observational cohort study. Baseline and posttreatment SNOT-22 survey responses were collected. Four distribution-based methods for calculating MCIDs (e.g., half-standard deviation, Cohen's d, standard error of measurement, and minimum detectable change) were used to identify a range of MCID values for SNOT-22 total and domain scores.

RESULTS

The average MCID value for SNOT-22 total scores was 8.0, whereas mean MCID values for rhinologic, extranasal rhinologic, ear/facial, psychological, and sleep symptom domain scores were 3.9, 2.5, 3.3, 3.4, and 2.9, respectively, comparable to previously reported values for patients electing ESS. Although change in SNOT-22 total scores following CAMT exceeded the MCID, none of the average SNOT-22 domain score improvements surpassed their respective MCID thresholds.

CONCLUSIONS

MCID values for SNOT-22 total and domain scores in patients electing CAMT are similar to previously published MCID values associated with ESS, indicating that MCID values are independent of treatment modality selection. Therefore, despite evidence of statistical significance, CAMT for CRS may not be associated with clinically discernable improvements in average SNOT-22 domain scores.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2c Laryngoscope, 129:31-36, 2019.

Temporomandibular joint involvement in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a preliminary report

OBJECTIVE

Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are at risk for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis. This can lead to pain, limited mouth opening, facial asymmetry, and malocclusion. Our objective was to characterize patients with JIA and TMJ involvement in a single center.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective study of children with JIA evaluated at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Inclusion criteria were confirmed JIA and jaw complaints. Medical records were reviewed to document demographics, JIA information, age at first TMJ complaint, and involvement of other joints. Descriptive statistics were computed.

RESULTS

Majority of patients were white (mean age 13 years; range 5-18 years) with polyarticular rheumatoid factor (RF) negative or oligoarticular persistent JIA. Some were antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive, RF positive, or human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 positive. Patients had involvement of other joints (e.g., fingers, knees, wrists). Of those with TMJ symptoms, 6 (10%) had TMJ arthritis.

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort, 60 (10%) of patients were diagnosed with TMJ arthritis. In this population, patients who are female, white, RF negative, HLA-B27 negative, ANA negative, and polyarticular RF-negative subtype and have involvement of other joints have a higher likelihood of having TMJ symptoms. If a patient meets these criteria, careful evaluation of TMJs should take place.