Improvements in sleep-related symptoms after endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

Dupilumab improves sleep quality in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

PURPOSE

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) often alters sleep quality. Dupilumab emerged as an innovative and effective therapy for refractory/recurrent severe CRSwNP. The aim of this observational retrospective study was to evaluate the sleep quality in patients with CRSwNP who underwent treatment with dupilumab.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-five patients treated with dupilumab for CRSwNP were enrolled. Clinical parameters (age, sex, comorbidities, Nasal Polyp Score - NPS, Asthma Control Test - ACT), nasal cytology, quality of life (Sino Nasal Outcome Test 22 - SNOT-22), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index - PSQI, Epworth Sleepiness Scale - ESS), and risk of sleep apnea (STOP-BANG) were recorded before treatment (T0), and after 3 (T1), 6 (T2), and 12 months (T3).

RESULTS

NPS, ACT and SNOT-22 total score improved during treatment (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, all sleep parameters evaluated with SNOT-22, ESS and PSQI improved over time (p < 0.001), expect for PSQI Use of sleeping medications. Indeed, sleep drugs are rarely used before and during the treatment. The global sleep quality was classified as poor in 88.9 % of cases at T0 and decreased to 5.7 % at T3. A high risk of sleep apnea was revealed by the STOP-BANG in 68.9 % of cases at T0 and 2.8 % of patient at T3 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Dupilumab improves the sleep quality and reduce the risk of sleep apnea in patients with severe CRSwNP. Its favorable effect occurs within 3 months and is maintained during the treatment.

Electroacupuncture for Pain Relief After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Postoperative pain is a common problem after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Electroacupuncture (EA) is proven to be effective in relieving postoperative pain. However, EA has not been studied in patients undergoing ESS. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EA compared to a sham control in relieving pain after ESS. A total of 62 patients were randomly allocated to receive either EA (n = 31) or sham EA (n = 31) for 5 sessions, 30 minutes per session for 4 days (2 hours before and 2 hours after surgery, and 3 sessions daily for the following 3 days). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to demographic characteristics. Compared to the sham EA group, the EA group showed a significantly greater reduction in the pain intensity of single daily scoring with a numerical rating scale at the day following surgery (postoperative day 1, POD1) (-1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.74 to -0.97; P < .001) and POD2 (-1.16; 95% CI, -1.55 to -0.77; P < .001), whereas no significant between-group difference was detected at the day of surgery (POD0), POD3 or POD6. Intraoperative heart rate and mean blood pressure in the EA group showed a more stable trend. A significant improvement was found for an actigraphy-measured average time of night wakings, recovery time from anesthesia, and quality of recovery-15 in the EA group. No severe adverse events occurred during the trial. Our results demonstrate that EA can serve as an effective adjuvant therapeutic tool for pain relief after ESS. PERSPECTIVE: This randomized sham-controlled, patient-and-assessor blinded trial provided evidence for the first time that EA can relieve postoperative pain and other symptom management in patients after ESS. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900024183, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=40573.

Understanding the CRSwNP Patient as Whole

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a distinct inflammatory disease of the upper airways with a significant impact on the health and quality of life of affected patients. Several comorbid conditions such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, sleep disorders, and gastroesophageal reflux disease are commonly reported in patients with CRSwNP.

OBJECTIVE

In this article, we intended to review the UpToDate information on how these comorbidities can impact CRSwNP patients' health and well-being.

METHODS

A PUBMED search was performed to review relevant recent article on the topic.

RESULTS

While there have been significant advances in the knowledge and management options for CRSwNP in the past few years, additional studies are needed to understand the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of these associations. In addition, awareness of the impact of CRSwNP on mental health, quality of life, and cognition is paramount to treating this condition.

CONCLUSION

Recognition and addressing CRSwNP comorbidities such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, sleep disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and cognitive function impairment are important to optimally understand and manage the patient with CRSwNP as a whole.

Work productivity and activity impairment in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery-A prospective, multi-institutional study

BACKGROUND

Productivity loss and activity limitations due to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are known to contribute to the significant economic and personal burden of disease. The purpose of this study was to assess productivity and activity impairment before and after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for medically refractory CRS.

METHODS

This investigation was a prospective, multi-institutional, observational cohort study. Patients diagnosed with medically refractory CRS completed the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment-Specific Health Problem (WPAI-SHP) questionnaire before surgery and approximately 6 months after the procedure. Factors associated with minimal clinical important differences (MCIDs) for productivity and activity impairment were identified.

RESULTS

A total of 279 study participants were screened for inclusion, of whom 176 (63.1%) with postoperative follow-up were included in the final cohort. Preoperative productivity and activity impairment were observed in 63.2% and 69.8% of the patients, respectively. Among these patients, postoperative improvement equaling at least 1 MCID was reported in both productivity (76.1%) and activity (76.4%) impairments. Multivariate regression identified sphenoidotomy (odds ratio [OR], 4.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-17.02) as the only factor associated with increased likelihood of productivity improvement, whereas septoplasty during ESS (OR, 8.45; 95% CI, 2.33-30.68) and migraine (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.12-0.96) were associated with differential odds of activity improvement.

CONCLUSION

CRS is associated with a substantial burden on productivity and activity that significantly improves after treatment with ESS. These data may facilitate improved patient counseling and shared decision-making regarding surgical management for CRS.

Changes in Sleep Quality Following Treatment for Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) presents with broad and systemic manifestations, including impaired sleep; however, the impact of CRS treatments upon sleep is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To establish the effect of medical or surgical CRS treatment on subjective and objective sleep metrics for patients not previously diagnosed with sleep apnea.

METHODS

Review of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was performed from the databases' date of inception through August 13, 2020, for studies evaluating the effect of CRS treatment on sleep quality. All studies reporting on subjective and objective sleep parameters for patients with CRS, with completed pre- and posttreatment data were included. Studies composed of patients with diagnosed sleep apnea were excluded.

RESULTS

Sixteen unique studies reporting data on a total of 1770 patients (mean age, 50.6 ± 15.6 (n = 1675) years) following treatment for CRS were included. Patient-reported outcome measures, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Fatigue Severity Scale, demonstrated mean posttreatment differences of -2.8 (95% CI: -4.9 to -0.7), -2.4 (95% CI: -3.7 to -1.2), and -1.2 (95% CI: -1.6 to -0.7), respectively. The SNOT-22 and its sleep domain demonstrated a mean posttreatment difference of -23.5 (95% CI: -31.7 to -15.3) and -5.4 (95% CI: -6.8 to -4.0), respectively. EpSS, FSS and SNOT-22 exceeded their respective reported MCID values. Objective findings did not significantly change with treatment; mean difference: AHI: 0.7 (95% CI: -1.5 to 2.9), oxygen nadir: 0.3 (95% CI: -0.4 to 0.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of CRS may lead to clinically meaningful reduction in disease burden and improvements in both overall sleep quality and patient-reported fatigue. Despite clinically meaningful quality of life improvements, objective sleep parameters did not demonstrate corresponding posttreatment improvements.

Dexmedetomidine-soaked nasal packing can reduce pain and improve sleep quality after nasal endoscopic surgery: a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Bilateral endoscopic nasal surgery is usually associated with pain and sleep disturbance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine-soaked nasal packing on analgesia and improvement of sleep quality in patients undergoing this surgery.

METHOD

Eighty patients were enrolled and randomly allocated into 4 groups. At the end of surgery, dexmedetomidine-soaked nasal packings were applied to three groups with a dosage of 1 μg kg^-1 (D1), 2μg kg^-1 (D2), 4 μg kg^-1 (D4) and normal saline-soaked nasal packing (NS) was applied to a fourth group. The primary outcome was postoperative pain scores using a visual analog scale (VAS) recorded at six time points: before the surgery (T1); 2 h (T2), 8 h (T3), 24 h (T4), 48 h (T5) after surgery; and at the moment of nasal packing removal (T6). Secondary outcomes were postoperative sleep status evaluated by the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and subjective sleep quality value (SSQV). Factors affecting sleep, hemodynamic changes, and adverse events were also recorded.

RESULTS

Compared with the NS group, dexmedetomidine-soaked nasal packing significantly relieved postoperative pain and improved sleep quality. The effect was similar between D2 and D4, which was greater than in D1. However, D2 was associated with fewer adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Dexmedetomidine-soaked nasal packing not only offers effective analgesia but also improves postoperative sleep quality in patients undergoing bilateral endoscopic nasal surgery. Taking effect and adverse events into consideration, a dosage of 2μg kg^-1 may be optimal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx (ChiCTR1900025692) Retrospectively registered 5 September 2019.

LPS decreases CFTR open probability and mucociliary transport through generation of reactive oxygen species

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) serves as the interface between gram-negative bacteria (GNB) and the innate immune response in respiratory epithelial cells (REC). Herein, we describe a novel biological role of LPS that permits GNB to persist in the respiratory tract through inducing CFTR and mucociliary dysfunction. LPS reduced cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulater (CFTR)-mediated short-circuit current in mammalian REC in Ussing chambers and nearly abrogated CFTR single channel activity (defined as forskolin-activated Cl^- currents) in patch clamp studies, effects of which were blocked with toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 inhibitor. Unitary conductance and single-channel amplitude of CFTR were unaffected, but open probability and number of active channels were markedly decreased. LPS increased cytoplasmic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species resulting in CFTR carbonylation. All effects of exposure were eliminated when reduced glutathione was added in the medium along with LPS. Functional microanatomy parameters, including mucociliary transport, in human sinonasal epithelial cells in vitro were also decreased, but restored with co-incubation with glutathione or TLR-4 inhibitor. In vivo measurements, following application of LPS in the nasal cavities showed significant decreases in transepithelial Cl^- secretion as measured by nasal potential difference (NPD) – an effect that was nullified with glutathione and TLR-4 inhibitor. These data provide definitive evidence that LPS-generated reactive intermediates downregulate CFTR function in vitro and in vivo which results in cystic fibrosis-type disease. Findings have implications for therapeutic approaches intent on stimulating Cl^- secretion and/or reducing oxidative stress to decrease the sequelae of GNB airway colonization and infection.

Rhinologic disease and its impact on sleep: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Rhinologic disease can be responsible for systemic symptoms affecting mood, cognition, and sleep. It is unclear whether sleep disturbance in specific rhinologic disorders (chronic rhinosinusitis [CRS], rhinitis, and nasal septal deviation [NSD]) is an obstructive phenomenon or due to other mechanisms. In this review we examine the impact of CRS, rhinitis, and NSD on objective and subjective sleep outcome metrics and draw comparisons to normal controls and patients with known obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

A systematic review of 4 databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) was performed. Studies reporting on objective (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI], respiratory disturbance index [RDI], oxygen nadir) and subjective (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [EpSS], Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS]) sleep parameters and disease-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs; 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test [SNOT-22], Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire [RQLQ], Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation [NOSE]) were included.

RESULTS

The database search yielded 1414 unique articles, of which 103 were included for analysis. Baseline PROMs were at the high end of normal to abnormal for all 3 conditions: EpSS: CRS (9.8 ± 4.0), rhinitis (9.7 ± 4.3), and NSD (8.9 ± 4.6); and PSQI: CRS (11.0 ± 4.5), rhinitis (6.1 ± 3.7), and NSD (8.6 ± 3.5). Objective measures demonstrated a mild to moderate OSA in the studied diseases: AHI: CRS (10.4 ± 11.5), rhinitis (8.6 ± 8.8), and NSD (13.0 ± 6.9). There were significant differences when compared with reported norms in all measured outcomes (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Sleep quality is impacted by rhinologic (CRS, rhinitis, NSD) disease. There is likely a mild obstructive component contributing to poor sleep, but other contributing factors may be involved.

Lack of impact of radiologic septal measurements upon patient symptoms and performance of septoplasty during endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND

Recent literature suggests that concurrent septoplasty during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) improves patient outcomes, however, the underlying indications for performing concurrent septoplasty are unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between objective radiologic measures of nasal septal deviation with preoperative patient symptomatology and measures of CRS disease severity. We also sought to understand the association of objective radiologic measurements with surgeon performance of concurrent septoplasty during ESS.

METHODOLOGY

Seventy-four patients with CRS undergoing ESS were prospectively enrolled. Angles of septal deviation, intranasal areas and volumes were assessed on preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans and correlated with a robust battery of patient reported outcomes measures (PROMs), objective measures of CRS severity including olfaction scores, radiologic and endoscopic staging, and performance of septoplasty.

RESULTS

Intranasal areas and volumes demonstrated only weak linear associations with patient-reported nasal congestion, however, angles of septal deviation alone did not correlate with congestion or any other PROM measure. Meanwhile, radiologic septal-related measurements did not correlate with objective measures of CRS disease severity or the performance of a concurrent septoplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

Though prior studies demonstrate improved patient outcomes in the setting of concurrent septoplasty during ESS, this study failed to establish an association between preoperative radiologic septal-related measurements and patient symptomatology or surgeon decision to perform septoplasty. Although objective factors to identify patients most likely to benefit from concurrent septoplasty remain unidentified, the potential improvement of surgical recommendations and patient outcomes makes this an important area of continued investigation.

Effect of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery on Outcomes in Chronic Rhinosinusitis​

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has a significant negative impact on quality of life (QoL). Surgical treatment of CRS is indicated when medical therapy fails to achieve adequate symptom control. This review summarizes the latest information on the outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) with relation to QoL, revision rates, olfaction, absenteeism, asthma control, use of systemic medications, quality of sleep and complications. We also provide an update regarding the factors that can impact outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

CRS has classically been divided into two phenotypes depending on the presence or absence of nasal polyps. However, this is an oversimplification as many factors impact disease burden and outcome after treatment. It has been demonstrated that in many cases, ESS fails to meet the expectations of the patients. Evidence based patient counselling is key to help surgeons guide their patients in the best possible way to make well-informed decisions. Repeatedly it has been demonstrated that ESS improves QoL, improves olfaction, leads to better asthma control and less use of systemic antibiotics. However, various patient characteristics including phenotype, disease burden, comorbidities, age, gender and surgical technique can influence the outcome after ESSIt is of paramount importance to include a follow-up period when discussing revision rates. Based on available data, the genuine revision rate is probably 15-20% after five to ten years of follow-up. The revision rate is also affected by various factors and comorbidities.

Sleep quality assessment in chronic rhinosinusitis patients submitted to endoscopic sinus surgery: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Chronic rhinosinusitis can lead to poor sleep quality in affected individuals. Endoscopic nasal surgery has been indicated for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, resulting in improved quality of life, but it is still unknown if there is a similar improvement in sleep quality after the surgical procedure.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the sleep quality of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis after undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery.

METHODS

The literature search was conducted in the indexed databases PubMed, Embase, Lilacs, SciELO, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, Database of Thesis and Dissertations of CAPES, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials and in the grey literature. It included studies that reported the sleep quality of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis after undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery based on questionnaires assessing quality of life. Two researchers independently conducted the study selection and extraction. The random effects model was chosen to conduct the meta-analysis that was performed using the statistical package STATA, version 11.

RESULTS

Overall, 4 studies and 509 subjects were included in the systematic review. Improved sleep quality was observed in 90% of the patients. There was an improvement (on average, from 57% to 67%) in each of the five symptoms related to sleep quality. The results of the meta-analysis revealed high heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

This review shows that a large percentage of patients report improved sleep quality after endoscopic sinus surgery.

The Upper Airway Nasal Complex: Structural Contribution to Persistent Nasal Obstruction

OBJECTIVE

To determine the contribution of the nasal floor and hard palate morphology to nasal obstruction for nonresponders to prior intranasal surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

SETTING

Tertiary academic center.

METHODS

Institutional review board-approved, retrospective institutional database analysis was obtained of a cohort of 575 patients who presented with nasal obstruction over a 21-year period. Of the patients, 89 met inclusion criteria: 52 were placed into the experimental group, defined as having persistent nasal obstruction following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), septoplasty, nasal valve repair, and/or turbinoplasty using validated subjective questionnaires, and 37 were placed into the control group, defined as having resolution of subjective nasal obstruction. Computed tomography imaging was presented to 3 blinded experts, who measured numerous nasal airway and hard palate morphology parameters, including anterior nasal floor width, anterior maxillary angle, maxilla width, anterior nasal floor width, and palatal vault height. Standard demographic information, comorbidities, perioperative 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), and follow-up time were also assessed. Wilcox rank sum analysis or t test was performed where appropriate.

RESULTS

Follow-up ranged from 2 to 36 months following surgical intervention. Several skeletal characteristics within the upper airway were significantly associated with persistent nasal obstruction, including acute maxillary angle (P = .035), narrow maxillary width (P = .006), and high arched palate (P = .004).

CONCLUSION

Persistent nasal obstruction may be seen in patients with narrow, high arched hard palate despite prior nasal surgical intervention and may benefit from additional skeletal remodeling procedures such as maxillary expansion.

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.

The role of sinus surgery in sleep outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Poor sleep is associated with reduced health, increased morbidity, and increased mortality.

RECENT FINDINGS

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the United States, affecting up to 16% of the U.S.

POPULATION

It has been linked to poor sleep with up to 75% of patients with CRS reporting reduced sleep. Yet there has been little examining the improvement in sleep following surgical treatment of patients with CRS.

SUMMARY

In this review, we examine the current knowledge on the association between sleep and CRS as well as review the current data examining the role of sinus surgery. After a structured literature search, we conclude that an evolving body of research demonstrates that sleep is compromised in the majority of patients with CRS. Following surgical treatment of CRS, there is a significant improvement in reported sleep quality that is correlated with subsequent improvement in disease-specific quality of life. Furthermore, we acknowledge that additional research characterizing both objective and subjective measures of sleep following surgical treatment is still needed. Additional investigation is required to better elucidate the underlying pathophysiology of the relationship between sleep dysfunction and CRS.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of SNOT-22 Outcomes after Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis

Objective Wide variation exists regarding reported outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). This study seeks to combine data across studies to generate a summary measure and explore factors that might lead to variation. Data Sources OVID Medline, Scopus, EbscoHost, Database of Abstracts and Reviews of Effects, Health Technology Assessment, and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database. Review Methods A search was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. Two independent researchers conducted a search using the mentioned data sources. Studies published before August 29, 2016, that involved ESS to treat CRSwNP were included. Mean changes in Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) scores were determined through metaregression of the following independent variables: publication year, sex, age, allergy status, asthma, tobacco use, prior surgery, follow-up length, and preoperative SNOT-22. Results Fifteen articles with 3048 patients treated with ESS met inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses of SNOT-22 scores revealed a mean change of 23.0 points (95% CI, 20.2-25.8; P < .001). A metaregression of patient factor effects on the mean change of SNOT-22 scores demonstrated that age ( r = 0.71, P = .01), asthma ( r = 0.21, P = .01), prior ESS ( r = 0.29, P = .01), and preoperative SNOT-22 score ( r = 0.4, P < .01) correlated with greater improvement in SNOT-22 scores. Tobacco use ( r = -0.91, P = .01) and longer lengths of follow-up ( r = -0.45, P < .01) were associated with less improvement in SNOT-22 scores. Conclusions Quality-of-life outcomes are significantly improved after ESS among patients with CRSwNP. Patient-specific factors may affect the degree of SNOT-22 change after surgery.

Comparison of surgical outcomes between patients with unilateral and bilateral chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

Although the majority of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) suffer from bilateral disease, a subset suffer from unilateral disease. Currently, outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for medically recalcitrant CRS are inferred from outcomes for patients with bilateral disease. This study compares outcomes of ESS between patients with unilateral and bilateral disease.

METHODS

Patients with CRSsNP who failed appropriate medical therapy and elected ESS were enrolled between 2011 and 2015. Patients were dichotomized according to radiographic evidence of unilateral disease (Lund-Mackay [LM] score = 0 for 1 side) or bilateral disease (LM ≥ 1 for both sides). The primary outcome of interest was the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), with secondary outcomes including the Brief Smell Identification Test (BSIT) and the Lund-Kennedy (LK) endoscopy staging system.

RESULTS

A total of 190 patients met inclusion criteria consisting of 19 with unilateral (10%) and 171 with bilateral CRSsNP (90%). Both groups were similar across all preoperative demographic factors, SNOT-22, and BSIT scores. Postoperatively, patients with bilateral disease reported greater improvement in mean SNOT-22 scores compared to unilateral disease, but this difference was not statistically or clinically significant (-24.3 ± 21.1 vs -21.5 ± 24.0, p = 0.582). Mean LK scores improved for patients with bilateral disease but not unilateral disease, without a difference between groups (-2.0 ± 3.5 vs -0.4 ± 2.4, p = 0.090).

CONCLUSION

Patients with unilateral CRSsNP experience improvement after ESS comparable to patients with bilateral disease on patient reported outcome measures.

Sino-Nasal outcome test-22 outcomes after sinus surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

The goal of the study was to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the mean change in the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) across patients who have had endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in the literature.

METHODS

A literature search was performed to identify studies that assessed SNOT-22 scores before and after ESS in adult patients with CRS. A random effects model with inverse variance weighting was used to generate the mean change after surgery, along with the forest plot and 95% confidence interval (CI). The impact of patient-specific factors across studies was assessed using a mixed-effects meta-regression.

RESULTS

The final study list included 40 unique patient cohorts published from 2008 to 2016. All studies showed a statistically significant change in mean SNOT-22 scores between baseline and postoperative time points (P < .001), ranging from 12.7 to 44.8, at an average follow-up of 10.6 months. The summary change in mean SNOT-22 across all studies was 24.4 (95% CI: 22.0-26.8). After forward, step-wise multivariate modeling, studies with higher mean preoperative SNOT-22 score and higher asthma prevalence were associated with greater changes in SNOT-22 score after ESS, whereas studies with longer mean follow-up had smaller changes in SNOT-22 score.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies evaluating quality-of-life outcomes after sinus surgery using the SNOT-22 instrument universally show significant improvement after ESS. Across the published literature, the magnitude of change is quite variable and appears to be influenced by a number of factors including baseline SNOT-22 score, asthma prevalence, and length of follow-up. Laryngoscope, 128:581-592, 2018.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Improves Sleep Quality in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective Up to 75% of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) suffer with poor sleep quality and reduced quality of life. Endoscopic sinus surgery has demonstrated encouraging results in improving sleep function. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the change in sleep quality after surgery for CRS. Data Sources PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE. Review Methods An electronic search was conducted with the keywords "sinusitis" or "rhinosinusitis" and "sleep." Studies were included only when adults underwent endoscopic sinus surgery and were evaluated pre- and postoperatively by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), the sleep domain of Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22, or the sleep domain of Rhinosinusitis Disability Index. Results The database search yielded 1939 studies, of which 7 remained after dual-investigator screening. The standardized mean differences (95% CI) for the ESS, PSQI, and AHI were -0.94 (-1.63 to -0.26), -0.80 (-1.46 to -0.14), and -0.20 (-0.32 to -0.07), indicating large, moderate to large, and small improvements, respectively. All analyses displayed high heterogeneity ( I² = 95%-99%). Conclusion Sleep quality, as measured by the ESS and PSQI surveys, shows substantial improvement after surgery for CRS, with smaller improvement seen for AHI. Generalizability of our results is limited by high heterogeneity among studies and by broad confidence intervals that cannot exclude small to trivial changes. The findings of this meta-analysis provide insight into the effect of CRS-related endoscopic sinus surgery on sleep quality, which should guide future research direction and counseling of patients in the clinical setting.

What drives productivity loss in chronic rhinosinusitis? A SNOT-22 subdomain analysis

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Previous studies have shown declines in productivity due to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are correlated with disease-specific quality-of-life (QOL) measures. However, it is unclear which symptom domains contribute primarily to productivity loss. This investigation sought to assess the association between CRS-specific QOL subdomain impairment and productivity loss.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, multi-institutional, observational cohort study.

METHODS

There were 198 patients with refractory CRS enrolled between August 2012 and June 2015. Baseline QOL measures were obtained across five subdomains of the 22-item SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). Lost productivity time was determined from patient-reported measures of annual absenteeism, presenteeism, and lost leisure time, and then monetized using annual daily wage rates from the 2012 US National Census and 2013 Department of Labor statistics.

RESULTS

Productivity losses correlated with impairments in both SNOT-22 psychological dysfunction (Spearman correlation coefficient [Rs] = 0.428, P < .001), and sleep dysfunction domain scores (Rs = 0.355, P < .001). Higher SNOT-22 total scores also significantly correlated with increased monetized productivity losses (Rs = 0.366, P < .001). The mean annual productivity cost was $11,820/patient, whereas patients with comorbid immunodeficiency ($23,285/patient), tobacco use ($23,195/patient), and steroid dependency ($18,910/patient) reported higher than average annual productivity costs. Multivariate linear regression found maximum annual productivity costs in adjusted psychological ($13,300/patient, P < .001) and sleep dysfunction ($9,275/patient, P < .001) domains.

CONCLUSIONS

Impairments in sleep and psychological SNOT-22 domains correlate with productivity losses. Patients with comorbid immunodeficiency, smoking, and steroid dependency had higher than average productivity losses. Targeted management of psychological and sleep dysfunction in combination with standard symptom control may improve patient-centered care and reduce the annual economic burden of CRS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2c. Laryngoscope, 128:23-30, 2018.

Sleep disruption in chronic rhinosinusitis

INTRODUCTION

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease of the upper airways and paranasal sinuses with a marked decline in quality of life (QOL). CRS patients suffer from sleep disruption at a significantly higher proportion (60 to 75%) than in the general population (8-18 %). Sleep disruption in CRS causes decreased QOL and is linked to poor functional outcomes such as impaired cognitive function and depression. Areas covered: A systematic PubMed/Medline search was done to assess the results of studies that have investigated sleep and sleep disturbances in CRS. Expert commentary: These studies reported sleep disruption in most CRS patients. The main risk factors for sleep disruption in CRS include allergic rhinitis, smoking, and high SNOT-22 total scores. The literature is inconsistent with regard to the prevalence of sleep-related disordered breathing (e.g. obstructive sleep apnea) in CRS patients. Although nasal obstruction is linked to sleep disruption, the extent of sleep disruption in CRS seems to expand beyond that expected from physical blockage of the upper airways alone. Despite the high prevalence of sleep disruption in CRS, and its detrimental effects on QOL, the literature contains a paucity of studies that have investigated the mechanisms underlying this major problem in CRS.

Sleep dysfunction and its association to chronic rhinosinusitis: Updated review

Background

Poor sleep has significant effects on health contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. The direct and indirect costs of sleep dysfunction total well in to the billions of dollars annually in the United States. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects up to 16% of the US population and has been linked to poor sleep quality with up to three quarters of patients with CRS reporting poor sleep quality. There is a growing body of literature evaluating the relationship between sleep and CRS. In this review, we organize and present the current knowledge on the associations between sleep and CRS as well as identify areas for further investigation.

Data sources

A structured literature search from 1946 to 2016 was conducted in the English language using OVID MEDLINE database, PubMed, and EMBASE.

Review methods

Abstracts were reviewed for relevance and appropriate studies were included in the narrative review.

Results

Studies were analyzed and discussed as they pertained to the following categories of CRS and sleep: (1) subjective measures of sleep dysfunction, (2) objective measures of sleep dysfunction, and (3) outcomes on sleep quality following treatment of CRS. Articles on the pathophysiology of sleep dysfunction in CRS were separately reviewed.

Conclusions

An evolving body of research demonstrates that quality of sleep is compromised in the majority of patients with CRS. Following treatment of CRS, there is significant improvement in subjective sleep quality, but additional research investigating objective measures following treatment is still needed. Additionally, further investigation is required to better elucidate the underlying pathophysiology of the relationship between sleep dysfunction and CRS.

Level of Evidence

N/A.

Sleep quality outcomes after medical and surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has been shown to improve sleep in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, it is unknown how this improvement compares with non-CRS control subjects' sleep, and medically treated CRS patients.

METHODS

Patients meeting diagnostic criteria for CRS and controls from the same reference population were recruited from 4 academic centers. Patients chose either medical or surgical treatment. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was administered to patients before treatment and after 6 months, whereas controls received the PSQI at enrollment.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 187 cases (64 medical and 123 surgical) and 101 controls. Baseline PSQI scores for CRS patients (9.27 ± 4.76) were worse than for controls (5.78 ± 3.25), even after controlling for potential confounding factors such as asthma and allergy (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in baseline PSQI between patients choosing medical vs surgical treatment. The PSQI score in surgical patients improved from 8.36 ± 5.05 to 7.44 ± 5.09 (p = 0.020). The PSQI score in medical patients demonstrated a nonsignificant increase with treatment from 8.71 ± 4.48 to 9.06 ± 4.80 (p = 0.640). After controlling for allergy and asthma, 6-month PSQI scores in medical patients remained significantly higher than in controls (p = 0.001), whereas a significant difference could not be demonstrated between surgical patients and controls (p > 0.05). PSQI subdomain analysis mirrored the overall findings.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CRS report worse sleep compared with controls. Surgically treated CRS patients show significant improvement in PSQI scores, whereas those continuing with medical management fail to improve and remain worse than controls.

Improvements in psychological dysfunction after endoscopic sinus surgery for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

Psychological dysfunction is highly prevalent among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Previous study has identified various measures of anxiety and depression as predictors of quality-of-life outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Psychological dysfunction scores, as measured by the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), have been found to influence treatment decision making in CRS. This study aims to further elucidate improvement in discrete psychological symptoms following ESS for CRS.

METHODS

Adult patients with medically recalcitrant CRS electing to undergo ESS were prospectively enrolled into a multi-institutional, observational cohort. Psychological-related symptom severity and postoperative outcomes were assessed using psychological domain items of the SNOT-22, including subgroup analysis of patients with and without comorbid depression.

RESULTS

A total of 374 participants met inclusion criteria and were followed postoperatively for a mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 14.6 ± 5.0 months. Total mean psychological domain scores improved from 15.9 ± 8.2 to 8.5 ± 8.4 (p < 0.001). Significant relative mean improvements were reported in "waking up tired" (23%; p < 0.001), "fatigue" (25%; p < 0.001), "reduced productivity" (28%; p < 0.001), "reduced concentration" (27%; p < 0.001), " frustrated/restless/irritable" (27%; p < 0.001), "sad" (15%; p < 0.001), and "embarrassed" (8%; p < 0.001) scores. A total of 64% to 66% of participants reported improvement in "reduced productivity," "waking up tired," "fatigue," and "frustrated/restless/irritable," compared to 46% and 38% reporting improvement in "sad" and "embarrassed," respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CRS report significant improvement in common mental health-related symptoms following ESS. Despite these improvements, some degree of persistent postoperative psychological dysfunction was reported. Further study is necessary to determine which factors are associated with persistent psychological dysfunction after ESS in order to optimize treatment outcomes.