Evolution of sinonasal clinical features in children with cystic fibrosis

Evaluation of otorhinolaryngologic, audiologic, and genetic findings in children with cystic fibrosis: A tertiary care experience

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate otorhinolaryngologic findings and the relationship between aminoglycoside (AG) exposure and hearing loss in paediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (cwCF). We also aimed to investigate the genetic predisposition to AG ototoxicity by screening for m.1555A>G mutations.

METHODS

CwCF who underwent otorhinolaryngologic and audiologic examinations were retrospectively included. Clinical characteristics, ear-nose-throat related symptoms, and a history of ototoxic drug exposure were recorded. m.1555A>G mutations were retrospectively screened among patients with audiologic evaluations.

RESULTS

Two hundred thirty-four cwCF were included in this study with a median age of 10.7 (range, 6.8-14.2) years. Nasal obstruction (14.1%) was the most common symptom. Fifty-two (22.2%) patients had chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). There was a positive correlation between CRSwNP and the symptom of nasal obstruction (r:.234, p < .001), snoring (r:.179, p = .006), and sleeping with mouth open (r:.138, p = .034). One hundred forty-nine (63.6%) patients had audiologic evaluations; 14 (9.4%) had hearing impairment. No statistical significance existed between ototoxicity and IV AG exposure (p = .90). Six (42.8%) of 14 patients did not receive ototoxic drugs. One hundred nineteen (50.8%) patients were screened for m.1555A>G mutations, and none were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost a quarter of the study population had CRSwNP. Neither the relationship between AGs exposure and hearing loss nor the genetic predisposition to AG ototoxicity could be shown in cwCF.

Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor- Ivacaftor improves sinonasal outcomes in cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Many individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) have chronic rhinosinusitis resulting in nasal obstruction, sinus infections, and repeated surgeries. Elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor is a highly effective modulator therapy approved for individuals aged 6 years or older with CF who have at least one F508del allele or other responsive mutation. The current study tests the hypothesis that ELX/TEZ/IVA improves sinonasal disease in CF.

METHODS

The study was a pre/post, observational cohort study conducted at two sites. Participants underwent a study visit prior to starting ELX/TEZ/IVA and a second visit at a median of 9 months on therapy. Each visit included sinus CT scan, rigid nasal endoscopy, and sweat chloride measurement. Symptoms were measured with the 22 item Sinonasal Outcome Test at scheduled intervals during the study. Regression models were used to test for improvement in symptoms, endoscopy, and CT scales.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 34 individuals, with a median age of 27 years (range 12-60). Symptoms improved within 7 days of therapy and plateaued by day 28. Endoscopic crusting resolved and nasal polyposis improved, with a decrease in size or resolution of polyps. Sinus opacification and mucosal thickening improved on CT radiographs with treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Sinonasal symptoms improved rapidly and durably for at least 180 days on ELX/TEZ/IVA therapy. Objective measures of disease including endoscopic and CT findings improved with ELX/TEZ/IVA.

Differing rates of fungi in sinonasal cultures from pediatric sinusitis patients

OBJECTIVES

Pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis (PCRS) is a unique clinical entity and the underlying source of inflammation is unknown. Certain subgroups, such as children with nasal polyps and cystic fibrosis (CF) sinusitis are often recalcitrant to standard medical PCRS treatments that target bacterial inflammation. Fungal infection and allergy to fungal proteins drive inflammation in other airway diseases, resulting in chronic inflammation of both the upper and lower airways. However, there is limited understanding of the role of fungi in the pathophysiology of PCRS. The objective of this study is to define the frequency of fungal infection in pediatric CRS patients, hypothesizing that certain subgroups may have more frequent positive fungal sinus cultures than other subgroups of pediatric sinusitis.

METHODS

Retrospective study of patients undergoing sinus surgery at a tertiary care pediatric hospital to determine the period prevalence of positive fungal cultures in subgroups of patients.

RESULTS

400 children from 2012 to 2019 were included. 265 patients had surgical culture results available. Of the 52 patients with CF 11 (21%) had positive fungal sinus cultures. Similarly, 28% of the 25 patients with non-CF nasal polyps had positive cultures. Only 8.2% of 110 CRS without polyps patients had positive cultures, significantly fewer than other subgroups (X² (1, N = 240) = 17.22, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Children with CF and children with nasal polyps had more frequent positive fungal cultures than children without nasal polyps having sinus surgery. This confirms that pediatric CF and pediatric CRS with polyps represent unique populations to study the impact of fungal infection in CRS. Further research is required to determine if these fungi represent colonization or contribute to the inflammatory environment of the airways.

Ethmoidal mucocele causing proptosis in a pediatric patient with cystic fibrosis: A case report

In cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, Ear Nose Throat (ENT) pathology is often undiagnosed despite its high prevalence and its possible life-threatening complications. We present the case of an ethmoidal mucocele leading to ocular manifestations in a 2-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis with no previous serious complications. She progressively developed non-axial proptosis, limitation of the adduction and exotropia of her left eye. Paranasal sinus magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed a left ethmoidal mucocele causing displacement of the ocular globe, compression of the medial rectus and the optic nerve. Eye fundus revealed disc edema and diffuse vascular congestion. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed to remove the mass. The mucocele was drained and the discharge was sent for microbiology assessment. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was found in the culture and treated with cefotaxime and dexamethasone with complete resolution of non-axial proptosis and disc edema.