Sinonasal symptom assessment by the self-reported DyNaChron questionnaire: Before or after consultation?

Critical review of diagnosis in rhinology and its therapeutical implications

Diagnosis in rhinology is currently based on the concept of inflammation (chronic rhinosinusitis [CRS]) or the clinical concept of chronic nasal dysfunction (CND). The complementarity between these two approaches can be discussed by a critical review of the literature structured by the analysis of the fundamental and diagnostic bases and the therapeutic implications linked to each. The concept of CRS is based on the anatomical continuity of the nasal and sinus respiratory mucosa and molecular biology data, seeking to analyze the mechanisms of chronic inflammation and to identify proteins and biomarkers involved in the different supposed endotypes of chronic inflammation of this mucosa. The concept of CND seeks to analyze medical, instrumental or surgical diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, taking account of both inflammatory and non-inflammatory causes impacting the anatomy or physiology of each of the three noses (olfactory, respiratory and sinus) that make up the mid-face sinonasal organ of evolution-development (Evo-Devo) theory. Thus, the concept of CRS offers an endotypic approach, based on biological characterization of mucosal inflammation, while the concept of CND offers a compartmentalized phenotypic and pathophysiological approach to sinonasal diseases. The joint contribution of these two concepts in characterizing nasal functional pathology could in future improve the medical service provided to patients.

Cross-sectional study to describe allergic rhinitis flare-ups and associated airways phenotype in house dust mite sensitization

OBJECTIVES

To quantify and describe flare-ups of house dust mite allergic rhinitis (HDM-AR) which had occurred during the last 12 months in a population of adults and children candidate for Allergen ImmunoTherapy (AIT). Next, to identify associated clinical features.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was an observational, multicenter, cross-sectional study that included patients aged ≥ 5 years with HDM-AR eligible for AIT and without prior AIT for at least 12 months. Flare-ups were all period with impairment of quality of life (QoL) and requiring a change in their usual treatment. Data were collected using medical records and patient questionnaires. Variables associated with the occurrence of ≥ 2 AR flare-ups were identified.

RESULTS

1,701 patients were included (average age: 23 years, 51.5% males, 30.4% children, 17.7% adolescents and 51.9% adults). Severe and persistent AR affected 70.9% of them and 53.7% showed polysensitization. Asthma was associated with AR in 34.4% and was well-controlled in 58.5%. The occurrence of at least one AR flare-up in the year was reported by 77.7%, with an annual rate in the whole population of 2.6 ± 3.9 and a duration of 14.1 ± 17.1 days. Deeply or moderately AR-related degraded QoL was experienced by 39.5% and 64.6%, respectively. The occurrence of ≥ 2 AR flare-ups was reported by 54.5% and was associated with polysensitization, AR intermittence and severity.

CONCLUSION

AR flare-ups are frequent and impair QoL in HDM-allergic patients, suggesting that it could be considered as therapeutic targets.

Assessment of chronic sinonasal dysfunction and cross-cultural adaptation of the DyNaChron questionnaire

OBJECTIVE

Sinonasal pathologies generate six principal symptoms with major organic and psychosocial impact that can be studied on a self-administered questionnaire assessing chronic sinonasal dysfunction independently of etiology. The objective of the present study was to translate, culturally adapt and validate the DyNaChron questionnaire for Arabic-speaking Moroccan patients.

METHODS

The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of DyNaChron followed international guidelines. 164 patients filled out the questionnaire at day 0 and day 7 (without treatment) and day 60 after treatment. A prospective multicenter study validated the questionnaire for internal consistency, test-retest reliability and sensitivity to change.

RESULTS

Mean age was 35 years, with male predominance (63%). Nasal obstruction was the most frequent symptom (97.6%). Internal consistency on Cronbach alpha was high (0.97). Reproducibility on intraclass correlation (ICC) was excellent (0.84). Sensitivity to change was excellent for the majority of patients (effect size=0.97-6.69; SRM=2.47-6.74).

CONCLUSION

This study of a cross-cultural Moroccan adaptation of the DyNaChron questionnaire showed good validity, reproducibility and sensitivity to change, and better representation of all symptoms generated by chronic sinonasal dysfunction. It can be used to evaluate the psychosocial and organic impact of chronic sinonasal dysfunction and to assess treatment.