Adult chronic rhinosinusitis: definitions, diagnosis, epidemiology, and pathophysiology

[Problems of polypragmasia and drug interaction in the treatment of uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis]

This publication discusses polypragmasia and drug interactions in the treatment of uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis in children and adults. Treatment of rhinosinusitis on an outpatient basis in multimorbid patients may be accompanied by multiple prescriptions, which increases the risk of drug interactions. The article reflects the most significant inappropriate combinations of both medicines and biologically active additives, herbal preparations. The advantages of using drugs with proven effectiveness, in particular intranasal glucocorticosteroids, are considered.

A Prospective Correlation Study Between Computerized Tomography of Paranasal Sinuses and Nasal Endoscopy Findings in Patients of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Undergoing Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

In order to diagnose chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), diagnostic nasal endoscopy (DNE) and computed tomography (CT) scan both are important investigations. But both have their pros and cons, some findings are seen better in DNE and others in CT. Our study aims to correlate DNE and CT findings. 50 patients with CRS were included in this observational prospective study done at tertiary care hospital. Preoperative each patient underwent DNE and got CT scan followed by scoring using Lund Kennedy and Lund Mackay grading respectively. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) was performed and intraoperative findings were correlated with CT scan for each of them. The sensitivity of endoscopy was 93.18% and the specificity was 83.33%. Positive predictive value of DNE was 97.62% and negative predictive value was 62.50%. Most of the endoscopy positive patients of CRS were CT positive. Also, the sensitivity of CT PNS was highest for all groups of sinus disease while specificity was high for posterior group of sinuses (81.82%) and frontal sinus (89.19%). Both DNE and CT scan should be used for planning the management of CRS. DNE tells better about middle meatal secretions, condition of mucosa, polyps. But in situations where due to anatomical variation DNE is difficult, CT scan helps us. CT identifies the extent of disease, the anatomical variants and vital relations of PNS. Overdiagnosis through CT is checked by DNE.

Introducing a Novel Combination Therapy with Macrolides for the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Macrolides have shown beneficial effects in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This study aimed to compare the effect of azithromycin and clarithromycin in combination with conventional therapies for the treatment of CRS.

METHODS

This single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted during 2018-2019 at the Otorhinolaryngology Clinic of Shahid Mohammadi Hospital, Bandar Abbas, Iran. Out of 102 selected patients, 90 were included in the analysis. Patients were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two equal groups. In addition to conventional therapies (nasal irrigation, betamethasone injection, oxymetazoline and fluticasone spray, guaifenesin syrup, and steam inhalation), the patients in the clarithromycin group received clarithromycin 500 mg tablets twice daily for four weeks. The other group received azithromycin 500 mg tablets daily for four weeks. Patients' symptoms were evaluated pre- and post-intervention, and the Lund-Mackay (LM) scoring system was used for the staging of CRS based on computed tomography scan findings. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Patients in both groups were comparable in terms of age and sex. Complete resolution of symptoms was significantly higher in the azithromycin group than the clarithromycin group (71.1% vs. 24.4%, P<0.001). Baseline LM scores did not differ significantly between the groups (P=0.120). However, post-intervention, LM scores reduced considerably in both groups, but the change was significantly higher in the azithromycin group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

In combination with conventional therapies for CRS in adults, a four-week course of treatment with azithromycin is more effective than clarithromycin.Trial Registration Number: IRCT20201209049661N1.

The Efficacy of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Combined With Triamcinolone Acetonide Aqueous Nasal Spray for the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Objective

We aimed to investigate the efficacy of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) combined with triamcinolone acetonide aqueous nasal spray (TAA AQ) for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Methods

From December 2019 to June 2021, 109 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were classified into a control group (n = 50) and an experimental group (n = 59) according to the method of treatment. Subjects in the control group were treated with FESS while those in the experimental group were treated with FESS + TAA AQ. We then compared clinical indices, total effective rate, and the clinical symptoms of patients between the two groups. The pre- and postoperative serum levels of inflammatory cytokines were also determined. Before and 12 months after surgery, we analyzed the recovery of the nasal mucosa, olfactory function, and mucociliary transport rate of each patient. Postoperative complications were observed and recorded and the quality-of-life 12 months after surgery was ascertained.

Results

Clinical indices and total effective rate were higher in the experimental group. After treatment, the VAS score and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in the two groups both decreased, although the experimental group had lower VAS scores and inflammatory cytokine levels. Six months after treatment, olfactory function, and the recovery of nasal mucosa were improved, MTR had increased, and the total incidence of complications had reduced in the experimental group when compared with the control group. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of quality-of-life (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The combination of FESS and TAA AQ exerted a certain therapeutic effect on chronic rhinosinusitis.

Identification of lncRNA Biomarkers and LINC01198 Promotes Progression of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps through Sponge miR-6776-5p

Background

Chronic sinusitis (CRS) was a chronic inflammation that originated in the nasal mucosa and affected the health of most people around the world. Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) was one kind of chronic sinusitis. Emerging research had suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) played vital parts in inflammatories and inflammation development.

Methods

We acquired GEO data to analyze the differential expression between the miRNA, immune genes, TF, and lncRNA data in CRSWNP and the corresponding control tissues. Bioinformatic analysis by coexpression of endogenous RNA network and competitive way enrichment, analysis, and forecasting functions of these noncoding RNA. The different pathway expressions in CRSwNP patients were confirmed using GSVA to analyze the differentially expressed immune genes and TF data sets in CRSwNP patients. The differential immune gene and transcription factor data set in CRSwNP perform functional notes and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network structure. We predicted the potential genes and RNAs related to CRSWNP by constructing a ceRNA network. In addition, we also used 19 hub immune genes to predict the potential drugs of CRSWNP. lncRNA biomarkers in CRSwNP were identified by lncRNAs LASSO regression. The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to contrast the divergence in immune infiltrations between CRSwNP and usual inferior turbinate organizations in 22 immunocyte subgroups.

Results

We identified a total of 48 miRNAs, 304 lncRNAs, 92 TFs, and 525 immune genes as CRSwNP-specific RNAs. GO and KEGG pathways both analyzed differentially expressed immune genes and transcription factor data sets. We predicted the potential genes GNG7, TUSC8, LINC01198, and has-miR-6776-5p by constructing ceRNA and PPI networks. At the same time, we found that the above genes were involved in two important pathways: chemokine signal path and PI3K/AKT signal path. In addition, we predicted 5 small molecule drugs to treat CRSwNP by analyzing 19 central immune genes, namely, danazol, ikarugamycin, semustine, cefamandole, and molindone. Finally, we identified 5 biomarkers in CRSwNP, namely, LINC01198, LINC01094, LINC01798, LINC01829, and LINC01320.

Conclusions

We had identified CRSwNP-related miRNAs, lncRNAs, TFs, and immune genes, which may be making use of latent therapeutic target for CRSwNP. At the same time, we identified 5 lncRNA biomarkers in CRSwNP. The results of this study showed that LINC01198 promoted the progression of CRSwNPs through spongy miR-6776-5p. Our studies provide a new way for further analyses of the pathogenesis of CRSwNP.

Developments and Emerging Trends in the Global Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis From 2001 to 2020: A Systematic Bibliometric Analysis

Background

Research on the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has increased in recent decades. We undertook a bibliometric and visualization analysis of studies on CRS treatment to track research trends and highlight current research “hotspots”.

Methods

Original publications related to CRS treatment were obtained from the Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCI-E) and Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) databases in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) of Clarivate Analytics between 2001 and 2020. The country/region, institution, author, journal, references, and keywords involved in this topic were extracted using CiteSpace and VOSviewer to identify and analyze the research focus and trends in this field.

Results

In the previous two decades (especially after 2015), the number of publications on CRS treatment has grown markedly. With regard to publications and access to collaborative networks, the leading country was the USA. High-frequency keywords were “CRS,” “endoscopic sinus surgery,” “sinusitis,” “nasal polyps,” “asthma,” “rhinosinusitis,” “management,” “diagnosis,” “outcomes,” and “quality of life.” Inspection of keyword bursts suggested that “clinical practice guideline,” “adult CRS,” “innate lymphoid cell,” “recurrence,” and “mepolizumab” are the emerging research hotspots. The timeline view of the cluster map revealed that biologic agents have become an up-and-coming “hot topic” in CRS treatment in recent years.

Conclusion

Academic understanding of CRS treatment has improved markedly over the past 20 years. We study analyzed the papers objectively, methodically, and comprehensively, and identified hotspots and prospective trends in the field of CRS treatment. These results will aid rhinologists in gaining greater insight into CRS treatment strategies and identifying the changing dynamics of CRS research.

The role of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis

CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a multifactorial disease, and various etiological factors like bacterial superantigens are known to develop this disease. Recent studies reported that Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization was detected in 67% of the patients with CRSwNP. Moreover, it was reported that specific IgE against S. aureus enterotoxins are discovered in almost half of the nasal tissue homogenates from nasal polyps. Thus, investigations have highlighted the role of staphylococcal enterotoxins, especially enterotoxin B (SEB), in pathogenesis of CRSwNP. The destruction of mucosal integrity was reported as a main SEB-related pathogenic mechanisms in CRSwNP. SEB activates Toll Like Receptor 2 and triggers the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines; furthermore, it induces reactive oxygen species and endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced inflammation that may cause epithelial cell integrity disruption and enhance their permeability. SEB-induced Type 2/Th2 pathway results in degranulation of eosinophils, cationic proteins production, and localized eosinophilic inflammation. Furthermore, SEB may be involved in the expression of RORC and HIF-1α in Tregs and by maintaining the inflammation in sinonasal mucosa that could have a main role in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis. Different in vitro findings were confirmed in animal studies; however, in vivo analysis of SEB-induced nasal polyps and CRS remains unfulfilled due to the lack of appropriate animal models. Finally, after elucidating different aspects of SEB pathogenesis in CRSwNP, therapeutic agents have been tested in recent studies with some encouraging results. The purpose of this article is to summarize the most important findings regarding SEB-induced CRS and nasal polyposis.

Facial Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma: A Deadly Sinusitis Mimic

Sinusitis and pre-septal cellulitis are common emergency department (ED) conditions, though rare and lethal mimics can present in a similar manner. We present a case of natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma mimicking sinusitis and pre-septal cellulitis. Diagnosis of this condition may include imaging modalities such as CT and MRI, though definitive diagnosis requires tissue biopsy. Therapeutic interventions involve chemotherapy and radiation, with little role for surgical debridement. Complications in treatment can occur including hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Despite standard treatments, mortality remains high for cases of facial lymphoma.

Expert Opinion on Biological Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps in the Gulf Region

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is defined as the inflammation of nose and paranasal sinuses, affecting the patients' quality of life and productivity. Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a principal clinical entity confirmed by the existence of chronic sinonasal inflammation and is characterized by anterior or posterior rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, hyposmia and/or facial pressure or facial pain. Several epidemiologic studies have revealed wide variations in the incidence of CRS among regions globally ranging from 4.6% to 12%. The Gulf countries are also witnessing an unprecedented burden of CRSwNP. According to the current clinical guidelines, glucocorticosteroids and antibiotics are the principal pharmacotherapeutic approaches. Endoscopic sinus surgery is recommended for those who have failed maximal pharmacotherapy. Recently, biologics are considered as an alternative best approach due to the complications associated with medical therapy and surgery. However, precise data on the clinical position of biologic agents in the management of CRSwNP in the Gulf region is not available. The present review article addresses the current diagnostic and management approaches for CRSwNP and also emphasizes the role of emerging biologics in the current treatment strategies for CRSwNP in the Gulf region. Further, a consensus protocol was convened to rationalize the guideline recommendations, strategize the best practices with biologics, and develop clinical practice guidelines for all primary-care specialists in the Gulf region. The consensus-based report will be a useful reference tool for primary-care physicians in primary-healthcare settings, regarding the appropriate time for the initiation of biological treatment in the Gulf region.

The Role of Probiotics in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Treatment: An Update of the Current Literature

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a significant health problem. It affects 5–12% of the general population. The causes that underlie the onset of CRS are not yet well known. However, many factors may contribute to its onset, such as environmental factors and the host’s general condition. Medical treatment mainly uses local corticosteroids, nasal irrigation, and antibiotics. In recent years, a new therapeutic approach that employs the use of probiotics emerged. Probiotics have been extensively studied as a therapy for dysbiosis and inflammatory pathologies of various parts of the body. We aimed to examine the studies in vivo and in vitro and clinicals reports in the existing literature to update probiotics’ role in rhinosinusitis chronic medical treatment.

Effects of Nigella sativa Extract on Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Randomized Double Blind Study

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) causes long-term discomfort for patients, and due to the frequent relapses and dissatisfaction with current treatments, CRS patients pay more attention to herbal-traditional remedies nowadays. Nigella sativa seed has a special place in Traditional Persian medicine because of its therapeutic and clinical applications. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the effect of N. sativa seed extract on clinical symptoms of CRS patients. In a double-blind controlled clinical trial on CRS patients referred to otolaryngology clinics of Firoozgar and Amiralmomenin hospitals, all the patients used nasal drops of the N. sativa (drug) or sesame oil extract (placebo), and standard SNOT-22 questionnaire completed on days 0 and 28th of study. Data collected and statistical analysis performed by SPSS software. Level of significance was considered as P < 0.05. Out of 53 subjects (33 male and 20 female), 27 were assigned in the drug group and 26 in the placebo group. The mean SNOT-22 score on the 28th day was 19.08 ± 13.21 in the drug group, and in the placebo group, the mean was 37.15 ± 21.47 (P = 0.001). N. sativa extract was particularly effective in improving the feeling of pain, pressure or fullness, numbness and congestion in the nose, and reduction of bad breath. The results of our study indicated that the N. sativa seed nasal drop significantly improved the symptoms of CRS-especially, four major and one minor symptoms- and improved the quality of life of the patients.

Correlation of Clinical Symptoms With Nasal Endoscopy and Radiological Findings in the Diagnosis of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Prospective Observational Study

Introduction: In the diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), computed tomography (CT) of the nose and paranasal sinuses (PNS) remains the gold standard investigation. Though the diagnostic nasal endoscopy (DNE) is an equally effective and easily available investigation for diagnosis of CRS, its reliability and clinical significance to that of patient’s symptoms have to be proven.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the correlations between the symptom severity score, radiological score, and the endoscopic score in the diagnosis of CRS. 

Methods: This prospective observational study included 70 patients with CRS. It was conducted in a tertiary care institute from January 2019 to June 2020. All patients were subjected to DNE and CT nose and PNS. Symptom score was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score of 0-10. DNE and CT scores were calculated using the Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scoring system and the Lund-Mackay CT scoring system, respectively. The correlation between these scores were done using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (p-value).

Results: The mean and standard deviation of the symptom score by VAS was 7 ± 1.7; the Lund-Kennedy score was 7.6 ± 2.3, and the Lund-Mackay score was 14.3 ± 6.5, respectively. The symptom score had moderate correlation with the Lund-Kennedy Score (r = 0.643, p < 0.001) and high degree of correlation with the Lund-Mackay Score (r = 0.835, p < 0.001). The Lund-Kennedy score had a positive correlation with The Lund-Mackay score.

Conclusion: DNE can be utilized as an early diagnostic tool in the clinical evaluation of CRS and is equally effective as CT in diagnosing the same. At the same time, a CT scan can be done in patients with positive symptoms and can be reserved as a second-level investigation for those patients with negative endoscopic findings but who become symptomatic on follow-up.

Diversity of cystic fibrosis chronic rhinosinusitis microbiota correlates with different pathogen dominance

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects nearly all individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and is thought to serve as a reservoir for microbiota that subsequently colonize the lung. To better understand the microbial ecology of CRS, we generated a 16S rRNA gene sequencing profile of sinus mucus from CF-CRS patients. We show that CF-CRS sinuses harbor bacterial diversity not entirely captured by clinical culture. Culture data consistently identified the dominant organism in most patients, though lower abundance bacteria were not always identified. We also demonstrate that bacterial communities dominated by Staphylococcus spp. were significantly more diverse compared to those dominated by Pseudomonas spp. Diversity was not significantly associated with clinical factors or patient age, however, younger subjects yielded a much wider range of bacterial diversity. These data mirror bacterial community dynamics in the lung and provide additional insight into the role of sinus microbiota in chronic airway disease progression.

Therapeutic Antibodies for Nasal Polyposis Treatment: Where Are We Headed?

This review article aims to outline what is known in the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and describe the mechanism of the biologic agents being investigated for this disease. Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis is an inflammatory disease of the nasal and paranasal mucosa, which causes symptoms of nasal obstruction, hyposmia, and rhinorrhea. Conventional therapy for CRSwNP includes intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) and polypectomy, but INCS offer only modest benefits, and recurrence after surgery is common. Therefore, effective pharmacologic therapies for CRSwNP are being actively sought. Monoclonal antibodies have been successful in other chronic diseases involving eosinophilic inflammation, such as chronic urticaria and asthma. Thus, researchers have begun expanding their scope and investigating the efficacy of these drugs in the treatment of nasal polyposis. The monoclonal antibodies under investigation (omalizumab (anti IgE), dupilumab (anti IL-4/IL-13), and reslizumab and mepolizumab (both anti IL-5), benralizumab (anti IL-5Rα), and etokimab (anti IL-33)) target key players in the pathophysiology of nasal polyposis (NP). Dupilumab has just completed phase III trials for CRSwNP with positive results, while omalizumab, mepolizumab, and benralizumab are currently in phase III trials for this indication. At this time, while there are no FDA-approved biologics for use in NP, research has highlighted the contributions of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IgE as disease mediators in the pathogenesis of NP. The current FDA-approved treatment of intranasal steroids does not provide significant relief for many patients; therefore, these phase III trials of monoclonal antibodies bring hope for an exciting new treatment option.

An overview of possible pathogenesis mechanisms of Alternaria alternata in chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis

Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a multifactorial disease, and different etiologies like metabolism and immunity disorders, bacterial superantigens, biofilms, and fungal allergens are known to develop this disease, especially the CRS with nasal polyps. Alternaria alternata (Alternaria) is one of the most prevalent airborne fungal species in the nasal discharge, which might have vigorous immunologic activities in nasal epithelial cells and play an essential role in the pathogenesis of CRS. Moreover, the interaction between this fungus and the innate and adaptive immune systems leads to the development of chronic inflammation. This inflammation may consequently instigate the CRS and nasal polyposis. The attenuation of surfactant protein synthesis or intracellular reserves and mucus hypersecretion could prevent the clearance of Alternaria from sinuses and may be correlated with colonization and re-infection of airborne fungi. Furthermore, higher expression of cathelicidin, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, toll-like receptors, and T helper 2-dominant immune responses can result in an IgE-mediated pathway activation and eosinophils degranulation. Moreover, higher local Alternaria-specific IgE was shown to be correlated with eosinophilic cationic proteins and might relate to nasal polyps. However, the role of genetic and environmental factors affecting CRS and nasal polyposis is not well studied. Likewise, further animal and clinical studies are required to better understand the role of Alternaria in CRS disease. The current article reviews the recent findings around the Alternaria-induced CRS and nasal polyposis.

Clinical evaluation and nasoendoscopic scores of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis in Ilorin, Nigeria

Introduction

chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterised by inflammation of the mucosal lining of the nose and paranasal sinuses for at least 12 weeks duration. Other than the diagnostic criteria that is based on clinical features; nasoendoscopy and/or computerized tomographic scan have been included in the diagnosis. This study seeks to outline the clinical evaluation and nasoendoscopic assessment of CRS patients.

Methods

a hospital-based analytical study carried out on 154 participants. Clinical assessment and nasoendoscopy were performed and scored according to the discharge, inflammation and polyps/oedema (DIP) scale. Statistical analysis was carried out and results were presented in charts and tables.

Results

of the 154 participants, 71 (46.1%) were males and 83 (53.9%) females with a male to female ratio of 1: 1.7. Nasal discharge and blockage were the commonest symptoms. Nasoendoscopy had higher yield in the examination of intranasal polyps (NPs) over anterior rhinoscopy. The prevalence of NPs was 26.6%. The result of DIP nasoendoscopic findings revealed more participants with moderate scores. There was a significant statistical difference between the presence of NPs on nasoendoscopy and DIP score.

Conclusion

nasoendoscopy is an important aspect in the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with CRS. It provides a better visualization of NPs; therefore, it should be made routine in the clinical assessment and treatment of patients with CRS. The nasal endoscopic scoring of CRS should be considered as a common practice in clinical setting as well.

Nasal Septal Deviation and Incidental Paranasal Sinus Opacification: A Role of Computed Tomography

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of incidental paranasal sinus (PNS) opacification in nasal septal deviation (NSD) using computed tomography (CT) and to identify contributing factors.Subjects and Method: We analyzed 216 patients who underwent septoplasty for the correction of NSD and who underwent preoperative PNS CT. We assessed the prevalence of incidental PNS opacification in these patients and determined the type of NSD according to Mladina classification. We also evaluated whether the direction of NSD affected the presence of PNS opacification on CT, and whether the presence of PNS opacification was associated with other rhinologic symptoms.Results: Of 216 patients with NSD, 86 showed opacified PNS on CT. According to Mladina classification, NSD patients were classified as type I (24.1%), type II (36.1%), type III (20.8%), type IV (5.6%), type V (9.7%), type VI (2.3%), or type VII (1.4%). Patients with type II NSD showed a significantly higher incidence of PNS opacification compared with other types of NSD (p=0.001). However, the direction of NSD did not significantly influence the presence of incidental PNS opacification. Furthermore, regardless of the presence of PNS opacification, there was no significant difference in rhinologic symptoms such as olfactory dysfunction, among others.Conclusion: We found that incidental PNS opacification on CT was common in NSD patients, especially in patients with type II NSD. Thus, we suggest that CT evaluation of patients with NSD may be helpful for assessing comorbid PNS pathologies as well as objectively identifying nasal septal deformities.

Smell and Taste Impairment in a Nationwide Sample of US Adults With Chronic Rhinosinusitis Symptoms

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of objectively confirmed olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in US adults reporting chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) symptoms in a nationally representative database.

Study Design

Cross-sectional epidemiologic analysis.

Setting

Data were analyzed from the smell and taste component of the 2013-2014 NHANES data set (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey).

Methods

Individuals reporting the presence of ≥2 cardinal CRS symptoms (nasal blockage, sinus pain, discolored mucus, and dysosmia) were identified as patients with a potential diagnosis of CRS. Associations were examined between the presence of CRS symptoms and both self-reported and objectively measured smell and taste.

Results

One-third (33%) of adults who have ≥2 CRS symptoms report subjective olfactory impairment, though only 18% of these adults have quantifiable olfactory dysfunction on objective testing. Of these adults, 27% report subjective taste impairment, but just 17% have quantifiable gustatory dysfunction on objective testing. The presence of ≥2 CRS symptoms was not significantly associated with objective olfactory or gustatory dysfunction, although the individual symptoms of subjective dysosmia and discolored mucus were associated with objectively confirmed olfactory dysfunction.

Conclusion

The prevalence of objective olfactory and gustatory dysfunction was higher among adults reporting the presence of ≥2 CRS symptoms, but the differences were not statistically significant. Specific sinonasal symptoms, including discolored mucus and subjective smell dysfunction, were significantly associated with objective smell impairment.

How does bimaxillary orthognathic surgery change dimensions of maxillary sinuses and pharyngeal airway space?

OBJECTIVES

To assess changes in the maxillary sinus (MS) and pharyngeal airway space (PAS) after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The CBCT scans of 48 patients were divided into two groups: group 1: maxillary advancement and mandibular setback (n = 24); group 2: maxillomandibular advancement (n = 24). The CBCTs were acquired 1 to 2 months preoperatively and 6 to 8 months postoperatively. A kappa test was used to determine intra- and interexaminer agreement. Area, volume, and linear measurements of MSs and PASs obtained before and after surgery were compared using a mixed model (P < .05).

RESULTS

All variables of the MS showed significant postsurgical reductions in both groups, except the MS length, which showed a significant increase in group 2. Volume and minimum axial area of PAS showed statistically significant postsurgical increases in both groups (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the reduction in the MS and the increase in the PAS, results indicated that the airway was not negatively affected after maxillomandibular advancement and maxillary advancement with mandibular setback.

Chronic rhinosinusitis and premorbid autoimmune diseases: a population-based case-control study

Evidence shows that chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is associated with prior presence of autoimmune diseases; however, large-scale population-based studies in the literature are limited. We conducted a population-based case–control study investigating the association between CRS and premorbid autoimmune diseases by using the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. The CRS group included adult patients newly diagnosed with CRS between 2001 and 2013. The date of diagnosis was defined as the index date. The comparison group included individuals without CRS, with 1:4 frequency matching for gender, age, and index year. Premorbid diseases were forward traced to 1996. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals. The CRS group consisted of 30,611 patients, and the comparison group consisted of 122,444 individuals. Patients with CRS had a higher significant association with premorbid autoimmune diseases (adjusted OR 1.39 [1.28–1.50]). Specifically, patients with CRS had a higher significant association with ankylosing spondylitis, polymyositis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, sicca syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus (adjusted OR 1.49 [1.34–1.67], 3.47 [1.12–10.8], 1.22 [1.04–1.43], 1.60 [1.31–1.96], 2.10 [1.63–2.72], and 1.69 [1.26–2.25]). In subgroup analysis, CRS with and without nasal polyps demonstrated a significant association with premorbid autoimmune diseases (adjusted OR 1.34 [1.14–1.58] and 1.50 [1.38–1.62]). In addition, CRS with fungal and non-fungal infections also demonstrated a significant association with premorbid autoimmune diseases (adjusted OR 2.02 [1.72–2.49] and 1.39 [1.28–1.51]). In conclusion, a significant association between CRS and premorbid autoimmune diseases has been identified. These underlying mechanisms need further investigation.

Exosomal miRNA-19a and miRNA-614 Induced by Air Pollutants Promote Proinflammatory M1 Macrophage Polarization via Regulation of RORα Expression in Human Respiratory Mucosal Microenvironment

Air pollution exposure leads to various inflammatory diseases in the human respiratory system. Chronic rhinosinusitis is an inflammatory disease caused by viruses, bacteria, or air pollutants. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms through which air particulate matter (PM) causes inflammation and disease remain unclear. In this article, we report that the induction of exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) from human nasal epithelial cells upon airborne PM exposure promotes proinflammatory M1 macrophage polarization via downregulated RORα expression. Exposure of human nasal epithelial cells to PM results in inflammation-related miRNA expression, and more miRNA is secreted through exosomes delivered to macrophages. Among these, miRNA-19a and miRNA-614 directly bind to the 3'-untranslated region of RORα mRNA and downregulate RORα expression, which leads to inflammation due to inflammatory cytokine upregulation and induces macrophages to a proinflammatory M1-like state. Finally, we showed enhanced expression of miRNA-19a and miRNA-614 but reduced RORα expression in a chronic rhinosinusitis patient tissue compared with the normal. Altogether, our results suggest that PM-induced exosomal miRNAs might play a crucial role in the proinflammatory mucosal microenvironment and macrophage polarization through the regulation of RORα expression.

Long-Term Clinical Follow-Up of Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Objective:

This study comprised a long-term follow-up of a cohort of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) regarding clinical features and symptomatology.

Methods:

Data from 42 patients with CRS were available from a previous study. Forty of these patients were alive and were contacted for inclusion after approximately 10 years. Patients completed a questionnaire about disease and symptoms, and underwent a clinical examination.

Results:

Thirty-four patients (85%) responded and could be included and evaluated. For the participants in this follow-up study median length of time between initial inclusion (C1) and follow-up (C2) was 11 years (range: 8-15). In some patients the CRS shifted phenotype over time, from CRS with nasal polyposis to CRS without nasal polyposis or vice versa. The median total visual analogue score for combined sinonasal symptoms for all patients was statistically significantly reduced at follow-up. For individual patients, scores for nasal congestion, nasal discharge, facial pressure, and hyposmia were also statistically significantly reduced. The most frequently reported symptom-relieving treatments were nasal steroids and saline rinsing of the nose. Self-reported general quality of life was statistically significantly improved at C2 compared to C1.

Conclusion:

At long-term follow-up, symptoms were generally reduced and patients reported an improved quality of life. Patients can be given hope for eventual symptom relief. CRS is a chronic condition that seems to harbor the ability to alter its phenotype after several years. Topical corticosteroids and saline rinsing of the nose should be emphasized, since patients consider these treatments to be of high value.

Contribution of Short Chain Fatty Acids to the Growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Rhinosinusitis

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by complex bacterial infections with persistent inflammation. Based on our rabbit model of sinusitis, blockage of sinus ostia generated a shift in microbiota to a predominance of mucin degrading microbes (MDM) with acute inflammation at 2 weeks. This was followed by conversion to chronic sinus inflammation at 3 months with a robust increase in pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Pseudomonas). MDMs are known to produce acid metabolites [short chain fatty acids (SCFA)] that have the potential to stimulate pathogen growth by offering a carbon source to non-fermenting sinus pathogens (e.g., Pseudomonas). The objective of this study is to evaluate the concentrations of SCFA within the mucus and its contribution to the growth of P. aeruginosa. Methods: Healthy and sinusitis mucus from the rabbit model were collected and co-cultured with the PAO1 strain of P. aeruginosa for 72 h and colony forming units (CFUs) were determined with the targeted quantification of three SCFAs (acetate, propionate, butyrate). Quantification of SCFAs in healthy and sinusitis mucus from patients with P. aeruginosa was also performed via high performance liquid chromatography. Results: To provide evidence of fermentative activity, SCFAs were quantified within the mucus samples from rabbits with and without sinusitis. Acetate concentrations were significantly greater in sinusitis mucus compared to controls (4.13 ± 0.53 vs. 1.94 ± 0.44 mM, p < 0.01). After 72 h of co-culturing mucus samples with PAO1 in the presence of mucin medium, the blue-green pigment characteristic of Pseudomonas was observed throughout tubes containing sinusitis mucus. CFUs were higher in cultures containing mucus samples from sinusitis (8.4 × 10⁹ ± 4.8 × 10⁷) compared to control (1.4 × 10⁹ ± 2.0 × 10⁷) or no mucus (1.5 × 10⁹ ± 2.1 × 10⁷) (p < 0.0001). To provide evidence of fermentative activity in human CRS with P. aeruginosa, the presence of SCFAs in human mucus was analyzed and all SCFAs were significantly higher in CRS with P. aeruginosa compared to controls (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Given that SCFAs are solely derived from bacterial fermentation, our evidence suggests a critical role for mucin-degrading bacteria in generating carbon-source nutrients for pathogens. MDM may contribute to the development of recalcitrant CRS by degrading mucins, thus providing nutrients for potential pathogens like P. aeruginosa.

Results of a RCT assessing saline and xylitol nasal irrigation for CRS and fatigue in Gulf War illness

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of saline nasal irrigation (S-NI) and xylitol nasal irrigation (X-NI) for chronic rhinosinusitis in participants with Gulf War illness (GWI).

METHODS

This 26 week, 3-arm (1:1:1) randomized controlled trial examined veterans meeting criteria for GWI with moderate-to-severe chronic rhinosinusitis and fatigue symptoms. All participants received standard of care for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS); additionally, S-NI or X-NI participants added twice-daily NI using 2% saline or 5% xylitol solutions. Outcomes included disease-specific quality of life (primary; sino-nasal outcome test [SNOT-20]; 0-100 points), overall quality of life (Short-Form 36), and fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Index). Outcome assessors were blind to allocation group. Intention-to-treat analysis used repeated measures modeling; statistical significance was evaluated at the two-sided α level of .05.

RESULTS

Randomization (N = 40) produced three similar groups regarding sex (male, 80%), age (53.8 ± 7.8 years), duration (19.8 ± 7.7 years), and illness severity (48.5 ± 12.7 SNOT-20 points). Age- and gender-adjusted between-group comparison showed that X-NI participants, compared with control, reported improved SNOT-20 scores at 8 weeks (13.5 points, 95% confidence interval [CI] -27.9 to 0.9) and at 26 weeks (15.4 points, 95% CI -30.1 to -0.6). S-NI participants improved by 13.4 points (95% CI -28.8, 2.1) at 26 weeks compared with control.The improvement in both NI groups approached minimal clinical important difference compared to control for the SNOT-20 in the general population. Secondary outcomes were not different between groups. Satisfaction in both irrigation groups was high.

CONCLUSIONS

This randomized controlled trial suggests that NI with saline or xylitol improves chronic sinus symptoms among participants with GWI with improvement scores similar to those in the general population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1b, individual randomized controlled trial.

Are objective 'findings' the same as subjective 'severity'? A study of the relationship between computed tomography findings and subjective severity in preoperative CRSwNP patients

In pre-surgical patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs), positive findings on computed tomography (CT) scans and an exacerbation of symptoms are two possible factors that indicate surgery. However, the relationship between these factors remains unclear. Confirmed CRSwNP patients ready for sinus surgery were consecutively enrolled. The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) and visual analog scale (VAS) scoring were completed by these patients, and scores were subjected to factor analysis using a principal component analysis (PCA) to evaluate subjective symptom components related to CRS. Patient CT scores, measured by the Lund-Mackay score (LMS), together with their demographics, medical treatment, and atopy status, were collected and analyzed. A total of 288 patients who met the criteria for CRSwNP and underwent CT scanning prior to surgery in the Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University were enrolled. Five components were identified from the PCA of the SNOT-22 results and VAS scores related to subjective symptoms. More severe ‘nasal’ symptoms (P=0.03; 95% CI, 0.092-1.824), loss of smell and taste (P<0.001; 95% CI, 0.961-1.767) and lower facial pain (P=0.001; 95% CI 1.811 to -0.475), derived from the SNOT-22, were significantly associated with total CT score. For the VAS PCA components, less severe ‘ocular’ symptoms (P=0.004; 95% CI -1.852 to -0.352), a reduced ‘pain’ component (P<0.001; 95% CI -2.133 to -0.715), a higher ‘nasal’ symptom component (P<0.001; 95% CI 0.752-2.257) and, again, loss of smell and taste (P<0.001; 95% CI 0.437-0.811) showed an association with total CT score. ‘Allergy-associated symptoms’ in both the SNOT-22 and VAS scores and ‘loss of smell or taste’ and ‘hyposmia’ were significantly more severe in patients with ethmoid sinus/maxillary sinus (E/M) ratios of >2.59 compared with patients with E/M ratios <2.59. Loss of smell and taste alone was correlated with the LMS in patients with highly positive CT scores. The present study demonstrated associations between several subjective symptoms and objective severity in preoperative CRSwNP patients. Nasal symptoms, including olfaction loss, were correlated positively with CT scores, while ocular- and pain-related symptoms showed an opposite pattern. However, this relationship was not confirmed in patients with highly positive CT scores. A subset analysis confirmed, in terms of symptoms, the value of the E/M ratio for indicating eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis.

Upper digestive tract abnormalities in dogs with chronic idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Chronic idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis (CILPR) is a common inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology affecting the nasal cavity of dogs. The diagnosis is made by exclusion of other causes of nasal disease and specific therapeutic protocols are lacking. In human medicine, a relationship between CILPR and gastrointestinal clinical signs has been postulated, and remission of respiratory signs after clinical trials with medications for gastrointestinal disorders has been observed.

OBJECTIVES

To describe history, clinical presentation, endoscopic and histopathologic concurrent respiratory and digestive tract abnormalities, and to evaluate improvement of respiratory signs after treatment for gastrointestinal signs.

ANIMALS

Twenty-five dogs with CILPR.

METHODS

Prospective study. For inclusion, following information had to be available: respiratory and digestive clinical signs, airway and digestive tract endoscopic abnormalities, histologic evaluation of respiratory and gastrointestinal tract biopsy specimens, and clinical response to different treatment strategies.

RESULTS

Twenty-two dogs had endoscopic gastrointestinal lesions, whereas 13 dogs had concurrent gastrointestinal signs. Most esophageal and duodenal endoscopic abnormalities were classified as moderate or severe. Respiratory and gastrointestinal tract histologic evaluation identified mostly chronic inflammation. Remission or marked improvement of respiratory signs was observed in the majority of dogs treated only for gastrointestinal signs up to 12 months after endoscopy. No significant associations between treatments and follow-up information were found.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Nasal and upper digestive tract abnormalities coexist in some dogs with CILPR. Lack of standardized therapeutic protocols suggests caution when interpreting improvement in nasal clinical signs. Additional studies are needed to explore the possibility of a cause-effect relationship between the 2 processes.

Numerical evaluation of spray position for improved nasal drug delivery

Topical intra-nasal sprays are amongst the most commonly prescribed therapeutic options for sinonasal diseases in humans. However, inconsistency and ambiguity in instructions show a lack of definitive knowledge on best spray use techniques. In this study, we have identified a new usage strategy for nasal sprays available over-the-counter, that registers an average 8-fold improvement in topical delivery of drugs at diseased sites, when compared to prevalent spray techniques. The protocol involves re-orienting the spray axis to harness inertial motion of particulates and has been developed using computational fluid dynamics simulations of respiratory airflow and droplet transport in medical imaging-based digital models. Simulated dose in representative models is validated through in vitro spray measurements in 3D-printed anatomic replicas using the gamma scintigraphy technique. This work breaks new ground in proposing an alternative user-friendly strategy that can significantly enhance topical delivery inside human nose. While these findings can eventually translate into personalized spray usage instructions and hence merit a change in nasal standard-of-care, this study also demonstrates how relatively simple engineering analysis tools can revolutionize everyday healthcare. Finally, with respiratory mucosa as the initial coronavirus infection site, our findings are relevant to intra-nasal vaccines that are in-development, to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Developing Biodegradable Nanoparticles Loaded with Mometasone Furoate for Potential Nasal Drug Delivery

Intranasal drug administration is considered a routine in the treatment of many nasal conditions including chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), which is a common disease involving long-term inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Topical nasal steroid treatment is safe and easy to use and plays a basic role in both nonsurgical and surgical treatments for CRS. Intranasal steroid therapy for various time intervals is commonly used before and after endoscopic CRS nasal surgeries to reduce inflammation and edema and to improve mucosal healing. The medication is currently administered via conventional nasal sprays; therefore, there is an incentive to develop more efficient drug delivery systems for the controlled release of topical steroids into the sinonasal cavities over a prolonged period of time. In this study, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with mometasone furoate (MF) were generated using the nanoprecipitation method and characterized physicochemically and morphologically. MF NPs exhibited adequate physicochemical properties and high drug encapsulation efficiency and loading content. MF exhibited sustained release from NPs over 7 days in vitro with an initial burst release; various mathematical models were applied to determine the kinetics of drug release. Having demonstrated the ability to load MF in PLGA-NPs using the nanoprecipitation method for the first time, these NPs urge the need for additional investigations to demonstrate their therapeutic potential in nasal delivery applications.

Intraoral Dual Wavelength Laser Diode Therapy for Chronic Maxillary Sinusitis

Background

Chronic sinusitis is one of the most common chronic diseases involving different age groups. The different etiological factors and difficult diagnostic procedures contribute to misdiagnosis and chronicity of sinusitis. There is no standard treatment for sinusitis. Long term use of corticosteroids and antibiotics may lead to numerous adverse side effects. Laser therapy has been suggested as a non-invasive treatment for sinusitis. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. When considering maxillary sinusitis, discharge tends to collect in the sinus base due to its anatomy and altered physiology. To improve penetration of laser into the maxillary sinus, intraoral laser at the vestibule depth of the maxilla may be more effective.

Material and Subject

Thirty-four patients with chronic maxillary sinusitis were assigned into two groups. All were assessed before and after treatment. Group A received laser radiation plus standard medical treatment and group B received medical treatment only. The treatment plan was performed in 12 sessions using a Diode laser with a wavelength of 810 nm and 980nm. The SNOT-22 questionnaire and Computed Tomography were used to evaluate patients. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Both groups showed a significant improvement in symptoms following treatment (p < .001), however, the laser therapy group demonstrated greater improvements for all variables in response to treatment as compared to the traditional treatment group (p < .001).

Conclusions

Using high intensity intra-oral laser therapy with medical treatment is more effective than using medical treatment only for treatment of chronic maxillary sinusitis.

Swing door technique for uncinectomy versus standard technique: a comparative study

INTRODUCTION

Uncinectomy can be performed using various methods. The aim of the present study was to compare the results and complications of uncinectomy and middle meatus antrostomy using the standard and swing door techniques during functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

METHODS

In a prospective controlled study, 60 patients (aged 18-50 years) suffering from chronic maxillary sinusitis underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery from January 2007 to December 2008 at a tertiary care centre. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 30: Group A underwent uncinectomy using the standard technique, while Group B underwent uncinectomy using the swing door technique.

RESULTS

Group B showed more improvement in symptoms, with a mean visual analogue scale score of 80.58 ± 14.34 compared to 78.50 ± 16.63 in Group A. Both groups had no major complications. At the end of Week 2, minor complications were observed in 8 (26.7%) of the patients from Group A and 2 (6.7%) from Group B. By the sixth week, the minor complication rate was 1 (3.3%) and 0 (0%) in Group A and Group B, respectively. When compared statistically during the second week using chi-square test, the difference in the minor complication rate was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05, χ² = 4.81), with lower incidence of complications in Group B.

CONCLUSION

The swing door technique for uncinectomy produces good postoperative results, with fewer complications, as compared to the standard technique.

In-vitro evaluation of a ciprofloxacin and azithromycin sinus stent for Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by persistent inflammation and bacterial infection. Ciprofloxacin and azithromycin are commonly prescribed antibiotics for CRS, but the ability to provide targeted release in the sinuses could mitigate side effects and improve drug concentrations at the infected site. This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the novel ciprofloxacin-azithromycin sinus stent (CASS) in vitro.

METHODS

The CASS was created by coating ciprofloxacin (hydrophilic, inner layer) and azithromycin (hydrophobic, outer layer) onto a biodegradable poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) stent. In-vitro evaluation included: (1) assessment of drug-coating stability within the stent using scanning electron microscopy (SEM); (2) determination of ciprofloxacin and azithromycin release kinetics; and (3) assessment of anti-biofilm activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

RESULTS

The ciprofloxacin nanoparticle suspension in the inner layer was confirmed by zeta potential. Both ciprofloxacin (60 µg) and azithromycin (3 mg) were uniformly coated on the surface of the PLLA stents. The CASS showed ciprofloxacin/azithromycin sustained release patterns, with 80.55 ± 11.61% of ciprofloxacin and 93.85 ± 6.9% of azithromycin released by 28 days. The CASS also significantly reduced P aeruginosa biofilm mass compared with bare stents and controls (relative optical density units at 590-nm optical density: CASS, 0.037 ± 0.006; bare stent, 0.911 ± 0.015; control, 1.000 ± 0.000; p < 0.001; n = 3).

CONCLUSION

The CASS maintains a uniform coating and sustained delivery of ciprofloxacin and azithromycin, providing anti-biofilm activities against P aeruginosa. Further studies evaluating the efficacy of CASS in a preclinical model are planned.

The frequencies of different types of nasal septum deviation and their effect on increasing the thickness of maxillary sinus mucosa

Background. Diseases of the paranasal sinuses are very prevalent in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran, which is attributed to various reasons, including environmental and anatomical factors. This study investigated the prevalence of anatomical variations of nasal septum deviation and evaluated the effect of this factor on increasing the mucosal thickness of the sinuses.

Methods. The samples included all the patients referred to Tabriz Faculty of Dentistry, and the frequency of nasal septum deviation in the sample population was evaluated. The samples were re-examined to select the samples with a thickened mucosa of the maxillary sinus. The results were reported using descriptive statistical methods.

Results. Deviation of the nasal septum was seen in 75% of the cases. The results showed that 31.76 % of males and 56.67% of females had an increased maxillary sinus mucosa thickness.

Conclusion. There was a significant relationship between nasal septum deviation and thickening of the maxillary sinus mucosa.

Exacerbations of Chronic Rhinosinusitis-Microbiology and Perspectives of Phage Therapy

The chronically inflamed mucosa in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) can additionally be infected by bacteria, which results in an acute exacerbation of the disease (AECRS). Currently, AECRS is universally treated with antibiotics following the guidelines for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS), as our understanding of its microbiology is insufficient to establish specific treatment recommendations. Unfortunately, antibiotics frequently fail to control the symptoms of AECRS due to biofilm formation, disruption of the natural microbiota, and arising antibiotic resistance. These issues can potentially be addressed by phage therapy. In this study, the endoscopically-guided cultures were postoperatively obtained from 50 patients in order to explore the microbiology of AECRS, evaluate options for antibiotic treatment, and, most importantly, assess a possibility of efficient phage therapy. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most frequently isolated bacteria, followed by Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacteriaceae. Alarmingly, mechanisms of antibiotic resistance were detected in the isolates from 46% of the patients. Bacteria not sensitive to amoxicillin were carried by 28% of the patients. The lowest rates of resistance were noted for fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. Fortunately, 60% of the patients carried bacterial strains that were sensitive to bacteriophages from the Biophage Pharma collection and 81% of the antibiotic-resistant strains turned out to be sensitive to bacteriophages. The results showed that microbiology of AECRS is distinct from ABRS and amoxicillin should not be the antibiotic of first choice. Currently available bacteriophages could be used instead of antibiotics or as an adjunct to antibiotics in the majority of patients with AECRS.

Differential expression of miR-4492 and IL-10 is involved in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common types of respiratory disease and affects a large proportion of the population worldwide. The clinical differences between CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) facilitate studies on the development of polyps. In the present study, next-generation sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) in CRSwNP vs. CRSsNP tissues and subsequently validated the expression of selected genes using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. In total, 6 miRNAs were identified to be downregulated in the CRSwNP samples compared with those in the CRSsNP samples. The predicted targets of these miRNAs were determined to be enriched in a number of signaling pathways, including the ErbB, Ras, cyclic adenosine monophosphate and Janus kinase (Jak)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways. The expression of miR-4492 and that if its targets predicted by a bioinformatics analysis, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-10, was validated in 96 clinical specimens. miR-4492 was downregulated and IL-10 was upregulated in CRSwNP vs. CRSsNP tissues, and an inverse correlation between miR-4492 and IL-10 was determined in CRS tissues; however no difference was identified in the expression of TNF-α between the different groups. The present results indicate that the miR-4492/IL-10 interaction in the Jak/STAT signaling pathway may be one of the key mechanisms in CRSwNP.

Antibodies against the DNABII protein integration host factor (IHF) inhibit sinus implant biofilms

OBJECTIVES

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common, costly condition often treated with endoscopic sinus surgery and intraoperative placement of intranasal sinus implant materials. Whereas these materials aid in postoperative healing, they also support bacterial biofilm formation and thus contribute to negative outcomes. This study examined pretreatment of sinus implant materials with antibody against an essential bacterial biofilm structural component, the DNABII family of DNA-binding proteins, as a strategy to prevent biofilm formation.

METHODS

Sinus implant materials were equilibrated in immunoglobulin G (IgG)-enriched antiserum against the DNABII protein integration host factor (IHF), individually or in combination with amoxicillin-clavulanate prior to inoculation with nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI), a predominant pathogen of chronic rhinosinusitis. After 16 hours, the bacterial burden was quantitated and compared to pretreatment with saline, IgG-enriched naive serum, or amoxicillin-clavulanate alone.

RESULTS

NTHI readily formed biofilms on all three materials in vitro. However, pretreatment of each material with IgG-enriched anti-IHF resulted in a significant decrease in bacterial burden compared to controls (P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, a significant and synergistic outcome was achieved with a cocktail of anti-IHF plus amoxicillin-clavulanate (P ≤ 0.05) with complete inhibition of NTHI biofilm formation on all three materials.

CONCLUSIONS

Biofilm formation was well supported in vitro on three sinus implant materials that vary in composition and resorption characteristics; however, pretreatment of each with DNABII protein targeted antibodies in combination with a previously ineffective antibiotic was highly effective to prevent the formation NTHI biofilms. These data demonstrate the potential for clinical utility of pretreatment of sinus implant and additional surgical materials with anti-DNABII antibodies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 130:1364-1371, 2020.

Laser Light Therapy in Inflammatory, Musculoskeletal, and Autoimmune Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal of this review is to summarize the field to date and to discuss strengths and limitations of low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for the future investigation as a treatment of inflammatory disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

LLLT is a promising therapeutic, particularly for those diseases of skin and joints because they are most accessible to treatment. Indeed, the known mechanisms of LLLT support its use for anti-inflammatory purposes, as well as stimulation of tissue growth and repair. Although the standard of care for the majority of inflammatory diseases is immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroids with undesirable toxicities, LLLT offers a unique approach by being non-invasive and incurring minimal side effects. It is also relatively inexpensive and accessible and even has the possibility to be patient directed at home. There is evidence that LLLT is able to modulate the immune system at the skin and joint, and it has been shown to be efficacious in humans by affecting bacterial colonization as it may pertain to chronic rhinosinusitis. However, there is variability in the methods of laser application as well as a lack of evidence for laser type, dose-ranging studies, and wavelength selection that create barriers to the implementation of LLLT without further more rigorous and standardized study. The heterogeneity makes it difficult to draw strong conclusions about the efficacy of LLLT and its mechanisms.

Role of inferior turbinate reduction in the quality of life of patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

The impact on quality of life (QoL) of bilateral inferior turbinate reduction (BITR) performed in the setting of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has been a point of controversy. The aim of this study was to determine whether addition of BITR to ESS is associated with improved QoL when compared with ESS alone.

METHODS

This study presented findings a multi-institutional, retrospective analysis of a prospective open cohort of patients electing ESS for failed medical management of CRS. QoL parameters were compared between patients who underwent ESS alone vs those who underwent ESS with BITR.

RESULTS

A total of 571 patients with CRS who elected to undergo ESS were identified. Sixty-one of these patients also underwent concurrent BITR, whereas 510 patients underwent ESS without BITR. Mean length of follow-up was 15.1 months. Comparison between baseline and last postoperative QoL, olfaction, and endoscopic scores revealed significant improvement in both groups. Overall, BITR surgery was not significantly associated with clinically significant incremental improvement in QoL in either the polyp or non-polyp group. Nevertheless, statistically significant improvement was noted for the nasal congestion/blockage symptom in polyp patients (p = 0.006) and in primary surgery patients (p = 0.027) who underwent BITR.

CONCLUSION

BITR in the setting of ESS for CRS is not associated with significant incremental improvement in overall QoL vs ESS alone. However, BITR in polyp and primary surgery patients undergoing ESS appears to offer a significant incremental improvement in nasal congestion/blockage symptoms compared with ESS alone. Future studies are warranted to better corroborate these findings.

Self-reported sinus headaches are associated with neck pain and cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction: a preliminary observational case control study

Objectives: Headaches can be associated with rhinosinusitis and may present a diagnostic challenge because of symptomatic overlap with other recurring headaches. Neck pain has received extensive attention in migraine, tension-type and cervicogenic headache but not as a comorbid feature of headache in those with rhinosinusitis. This study investigated the occurrence of neck pain and cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction in individuals with self-reported sinus headaches (SRSH).

Methods: Participants with and without SRSH attended a single data collection session. Participants completed the Headache Impact Test (HIT)-6 and the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-22. Cervical range of motion (ROM), segmental examination, muscle endurance and pressure-pain threshold (PPT) were measured .

Results: Participants included 31 with SRSH (77.4% female; age 43.7 (9.9) years) and 30 without headache. Average symptom duration was 89.7 (±85.6) months. Mean SNOT-22 and HIT-6 scores were 36.2 (15.3) and 56.7 (7.1), respectively. In the SRSH group, 83.9% (n = 26) reported neck pain. There was a significant difference between groups for cervical sagittal (14.3° [5.3°, 23.3°], p = 0.002) and transverse plane ROM (21.5° [12.4°, 30.6°], p < 0.001), but no difference in frontal plane motion (p = 0.017). There were significant between groups difference in neck flexor endurance (19.5 s [10.1 s, 28.9 s], <0.001), segmental dysfunction O-C4 (p < 0.001) but not in PPT (p = 0.04).

Discussion: Neck pain and cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction are common among persons with SRSH and may be a comorbid feature or contributing factor to headaches attributed to rhinosinusitis. Further research is needed to understand these associations.

A pathway to value-based care of chronic rhinosinusitis using a claims database

Objective

To construct a comprehensive picture of the typical chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patient in the United States including the demographics, comorbidities, and geographic prevalence. The study will also identify the diagnostic and treatment regimens, their cost, and pattern of use for both medically and surgically managed patients.

Study Design

Historical cohort study utilizing private and public payer databases.

Methods

Medical claims data from the Truven Health MarketScan Research Databases from the years 2010 to 2012 for patients with acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) and CRS 18 and older were analyzed.

Results

There were 54 million unique patients in the databases from 2010 to 2012. Approximately 8 million had at least one diagnosis of ARS and 298,337 had a diagnosis of CRS. Females represented 63.7% of patients with ARS and 59.4% with CRS. Medicare patients represented 6.7% of the ARS population and 10.2% of the CRS population. The mean cost of a CRS episode for those commercially insured was $1024 and $762 in Medicare. CRS patients underwent diagnostic procedures including diagnostic endoscopy (55.1%), cultures (23.6%), sinus CT scan (82.1%) and MRI (0.2%). Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was performed on 14.4% of those patients with CRS. Change in frequency of medication use from the 6 months prior to ESS to the 6 months post‐ESS yielded a reduction in total costs of 34.2% or $3.9 M. The most commonly operated sinuses (with or without septoplasty on same day as ESS) were the maxillary (94%/76.1%); followed by ethmoid (82.1%/66.6%); frontal (38.8%/35.1%); and sphenoid (28.5%/28.1%). In total, 16.6% had one sinus operated on, 39.1% had two, 24.6% had three, and 18.7% had four sinuses operated on.

Conclusions

This data paints a much clearer understanding of the current medical and surgical management. This study confirms the previously described “value proposition” for the surgical management of those CRS patients refractory to medical management.

Level of Evidence

4

Cyclamen europaeum improves the effect of oral antibiotics on exacerbations and recurrences of chronic rhinosinusitis: a real-life observational study (CHRONOS)

SUMMARY

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory disease of the nose and paranasal sinuses affecting 11% of the European population. Cyclamen europaeum plant extract (CE) has demonstrated efficacy in treating acute rhinosinusitis, but its role in CRS exacerbations remains unknown. In this real-life, prospective, epidemiological, observational study, a total of 317 patients with exacerbations of CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) of moderate severity were treated using three different options: oral antibiotics, CE extract nasal spray, or the combination of oral antibiotic with CE extract. The main outcomes were the effect of treatment on sinonasal symptoms and endoscopic appearance after 6 weeks of therapy, and the number of recurrences of CRS exacerbations after 6 months of follow-up. On the top of oral antibiotics, CE extract significantly improved sinonasal symptoms and endoscopic findings and caused a 4-fold reduction of CRS recurrences. When administered in monotherapy, CE extract was at least as effective as antibiotic in monotherapy on relief of both symptoms and reduction of CRS recurrences. In patients with CRS exacerbation of moderate severity, CE extract nasal spray in monotherapy or added to standard antibiotic treatment significantly reduces sinonasal symptoms and CRS recurrences compared to antibiotics in monotherapy.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Does Allergy Play a Role?

A few chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) variants have demonstrated a strong association with environmental allergy, including allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) and central compartment atopic disease (CCAD). However, the overall relationship between CRS and allergy remains poorly defined. The goal of this review is to evaluate the relationship between CRS and allergy with a focus on specific CRS variants.

Changes in Maxillary Sinus Volume and It's Walls Thickness Due to Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Prospective Study

This is a prospective observational cross sectional study comprising of 57 patients who were having symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis which were evaluated with the help of computed tomography scan (coronal and axial sections) to measure the thickness of all walls of maxillary sinus and it's volume. Computed tomographic imaging of sinonasal region has become the gold standard in the evaluation of patients with chronic sinusitis. The maxillary sinus is pyramidal in shape with lateral wall of nose forming its base and its apex is directed towards zygomatic process. All three dimensions of the maxillary sinus were measured and the volume of each maxillary sinus was also calculated. Hyperostosis of maxillary sinus tended to increase maxillary sinus walls thickness which ultimately results into decrease in maxillary sinus volume in chronic rhinosinusitis patients.

Impact of chronic headache on workdays, unemployment and disutility in the general population

BACKGROUND

Data on the socioeconomic burden of chronic headache (≥15 days/last month or >180 days/year) is lacking. This study investigated the impact of chronic headache on sickness absence, unemployment and disutility in the general population in Norway.

METHODS

30 000 persons aged 30-44 from the general population were screened for chronic headache by a screening questionnaire. The responder rate was 71%. The International Classification of Headache Disorders was used. We analysed the association of chronic headache with lost workdays, days with ≥50% reduced productivity, sick leave, unemployment and disutility, as assessed with the Short-Form Six-Dimension (SF-6D) in separate regression analyses.

RESULTS

Eighty-three per cent (427/516, 79% women) of the eligible participants completed the data on workdays and utility. They reported a mean of 9.7 (SD 24.8) workdays lost over the last 3 months, because of headache. The mean disutility score (1-SF-6D score) was 0.41. Thirty-three per cent were on long-term (>1 year) sick leave. The OR for being on sick leave was 1.9 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.2, p=0.017) for those with secondary compared with primary chronic headache. Similarly, the OR for increased number of workdays lost to headache was 3.5 (95% CI 1.8 to 6.5, p<0.001) and for unemployment 1.7 (95% CI 1.0 to 2.9, p=0.07), for those with secondary compared with primary chronic headache. Secondary chronic headache, high headache frequency and high psychological distress were significantly associated with higher disutility score.

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of chronic headache in the general population is substantial with high rates of lost workdays and disutility.

Is Sensorineural Hearing Loss Related to Chronic Rhinosinusitis Caused by Outer Hair Cell Injury?

Background

Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by defects in the inner ear. In the present study, associations between chronic rhinosinusitis, outer hair cell injury, and sensorineural hearing loss were investigated.

Material/Methods

A total of 103 patients who met the inclusion criteria were recruited and allocated into a chronic rhinosinusitis group (n=82) and a simple deviated nasal septum group (n=21). Degree and type of hearing loss, including distortion product otoacoustic emissions, were used to assess the status of cochlear outer hair cells.

Results

The rate of hearing loss in the simple deviated nasal septum group was significantly lower than in the chronic rhinosinusitis group (4.76%, 1/21 vs. 24.39%, 20/82, P<0.05), among which 15 chronic rhinosinusitis patients (75%, 15/20) had hearing loss in the high frequency range. Acoustic stapedial reflexes were elicited in all patients of the 2 groups, while positive Metz was found in 3 chronic rhinosinusitis patients (15%, 3/20). The pass rate of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) for chronic rhinosinusitis patients was significantly lower than in simple deviated nasal septum patients (88.10% vs. 70.73%, P<0.05). Moreover, the signal-to-noise ratio of DPOAE test results at 704 Hz, 3991 Hz, and 5649 Hz in the chronic rhinosinusitis group were significantly lower than in the simple deviated nasal septum group (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed a correlation between severity of chronic rhinosinusitis and sensorineural hearing loss (OR=1.39, P<0.05).

Conclusions

Outer hair cell injury and sensorineural hearing loss may have a common cause in chronic rhinosinusitis patients.

Significance of Nasal Septum Angulation and Its Association with Rhinosinusitis Symptom Scores

Objective:

The aim of the study was to determine the association of angulation of nasal septum with the severity of rhinosinusitis as measured by symptom score and Visual Analog Score (VAS).

Method:

The study was performed as a cross sectional study conducted at two different centres in Malaysia. Ninety-eight patients who were diagnosed with rhinosinusitis and fulfilled the selection criteria were assessed as for the symptom score and VAS and the measurement of angulation of nasal septum was performed through a coronal view of CT paranasal sinuses in bone window setting at osteomeatal complex level.

Results:

The result obtained from one-way ANOVA test revealed a significant association between category of severity of septal angulation and the symptom score of rhinosinusitis (p=0.025). In addition, the result obtained from one-way ANOVA test also revealed a significant association between category of severity of septal angulation and the VAS of rhinosinusitis (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Severity of nasal septum angulation may be significantly associated with severity of rhinosinusitis based on symptom score and VAS. These findings could be used in tailored management of patient with rhinosinusitis especially during functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Illness perception in people with primary and secondary chronic headache in the general population

BACKGROUND

Chronic headache (headache ≥15 days/month) is a leading cause of disability. Illness perception, beliefs and cognitive models are likely central for patient understanding of their chronic pain condition and are associated with treatment outcome. However, these factors are insufficiently described in chronic headache.

OBJECTIVE

To describe illness perception, and to explore the effect of background variables and headache characteristics on illness perceptions in primary and secondary chronic headaches in the general population.

METHODS

30,000 persons aged 3044 from the general population were screened for chronic headache by a mailed questionnaire. Those with self-reported chronic headache were interviewed by headache specialists. The questionnaire response rate was 71%, and the interview participation rate was 74%. The International Classification of Headache Disorders III was applied. Illness perception was assessed by the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R). The statistical approach was exploratory.

RESULTS

405 of the 516 eligible participants (78%) completed the IPQ-R. Confirmatory factor analysis showed good internal validity in chronic headache. People believed their chronic headache to be long-lasting, with negative life consequences including emotional distress. Severe headache-related disability was associated with more perception of chronicity, more perceived consequences, emotional load and illness identity and less illness coherence. People with secondary chronic headache scored significantly higher on chronicity and life consequences, and had less personal control than those with primary chronic headache.

CONCLUSION

Chronic primary and secondary headache is associated with a high symptom burden and chronicity with large perceived negative consequences for daily living, suggesting multidisciplinary management may be necessary.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of Elemental Zinc Add-on Therapy on Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis (CRSwNP)

Recent studies suggest a relationship between zinc deficiency and inflammation. In the present study, we studied the effect of oral zinc supplementation on clinical improvement of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis. In this single-blind randomized controlled trial, 44 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis referring to ENT clinic of the Loghman Hakim hospital during 2013-2014 were randomly allocated in two groups. The treatment group (n = 28) was treated with a four-drug fixed-dose regimen (FD_FDR) consisting of oral dexamethasone (0.02 mg/kg), fluticasone nasal spray, fexophenadine 60 mg daily, montelukast 10 mg daily plus 220mg zinc sulfate capsules containing 55 mg elemental zinc, b.d., and the control group (n = 16) received the FD_FDR without supplemental zinc, for six weeks. After sixth week, two groups were compared regarding clinical outcomes based on theSNOT20 (Sinonasal outcome test) questionnaire, the general health questionnaire (SF12), the Lund-Mackay, and the Lund-Kennedy scoring systems. In the treatment group, serum zinc levels were significantly increased compared to those at the baseline (1.33 fold-increase; p = 0.0002). Within groups analysis revealed a significant reduction (p < 0.01) in LM and LK in both treatment (55% LM; 50% LK) and control groups (45% LM; 53% LK). Incontrast, between groups analysis revealed no significant differences in the LM and LK. The treatment group showed a mild superiority in general health improvement compared to that of the control group. Add-on therapy with supplemental zinc sulfate was not associated with significant improvement in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). The advantage of zinc supplementation on the general health improvement of the patients with CRSwNP requires further assessments.