Efficacy of hypertonic (2.3%) sea water in patients with aspirin-induced chronic rhinosinusitis following endoscopic sinus surgery

The effect of nasal douching by hypertonic 2.3 per cent sea water with algae extracts on the concentration of epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-α and interleukin-8 in nasal secretions of patients with nasal polyposis following endoscopic surgical treatment

OBJECTIVE

To investigate epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-α and interleukin-8 production in nasal mucosa irrigated with hypertonic 2.3 per cent solution with algae extracts, in comparison to 0.9 per cent NaCl during the first two weeks after surgery for nasal polyposis, in relation to symptoms and local findings.

METHODS

This prospective study included 20 nasal polyposis patients postoperatively irrigated with hypertonic solution and 20 nasal polyposis patients postoperatively irrigated with isotonic solution. We evaluated nasal symptom score, endoscopic score and mediator levels in nasal secretions before and after irrigation.

RESULTS

Following treatment, nasal symptom score and endoscopic score were significantly lower in the hypertonic solution group (p = 0.023; p < 0.001, respectively). The increase in the epidermal growth factor and the decrease in the transforming growth factor-α and interleukin-8 concentration were higher in the hypertonic group (p < 0.001 for all mediators).

CONCLUSION

Irrigation with a hypertonic solution was found to be more effective than an isotonic solution in nasal mucosa reparation.

Evaluating the efficacy of nasal irrigation in postoperative functional endoscopic sinus surgery patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a mainstay surgical intervention for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). Nasal irrigation, particularly with normal saline, is a widely recommended postoperative care modality. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of various nasal irrigation solutions in postoperative FESS patients.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted in multiple databases for randomized controlled trials investigating normal saline and various substances for nasal irrigation post-FESS. The systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines, and the meta-analysis used R software for data synthesis. Outcome measures included SNOT-22 and LKES scores. The Cochrane tool was employed to evaluate the potential for bias.

RESULTS

Results from 14 studies, focusing on six each for SNOT-22 and LKES, revealed a significant reduction in symptoms and endoscopic scores with various solutions compared to normal saline. The meta-analysis using the random-effects model indicated a negative standardized mean difference (SMD) of - 0.69(95% CI [- 1.64; 0.27], p = 0.157) for symptoms and endoscopic scores (SMD = - 0.48, 95% CI [- 1.32; 0.36], z = - 1.12, p = 0.264). Subgroup analyses highlighted budesonide's efficacy over normal saline, but substantial heterogeneity and potential publication bias were noted.

CONCLUSION

Nasal irrigation with various solutions postoperative FESS patients demonstrated significant improvements in patient-reported symptoms and endoscopic scores compared to normal saline. Budesonide appeared particularly effective. However, high heterogeneity and potential publication bias warrant cautious interpretation. Standardized outcome measures and further research are needed to strengthen the evidence.

Therapeutic Strategies to Prevent the Recurrence of Nasal Polyps after Surgical Treatment: An Update and In Vitro Study on Growth Inhibition of Fibroblasts

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is the most bothersome phenotype of chronic rhinosinusitis, which is typically characterized by a Type 2 inflammatory reaction, comorbidities and high rates of nasal polyp recurrence, causing severe impact on quality of life. Nasal polyp recurrence rates, defined as the number of patients undergoing revision endoscopic sinus surgery, are 20% within a 5 year period after surgery. The cornerstone of CRSwNP management consists of anti-inflammatory treatment with local corticosteroids. We performed a literature review regarding the therapeutic strategies used to prevent nasal polyp recurrence after surgical treatment. Finally, we report an in vitro study evaluating the efficacy of lysine-acetylsalicylic acid and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ketoprofen and diclofenac) on the proliferation of fibroblasts, obtained from nasal polyp tissue samples. Our study demonstrates that diclofenac, even more so than lysine-acetylsalicylic acid, significantly inhibits fibroblast proliferation and could be considered a valid therapeutic strategy in preventing CRSwNP recurrence.

The Role of Seawater and Saline Solutions in Treatment of Upper Respiratory Conditions

The history of saline nasal irrigation (SNI) is indeed a long one, beginning from the ancient Ayurvedic practices and gaining a foothold in the west at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, there is a growing number of papers covering the effects of SNI, from in vitro studies to randomized clinical trials and literature overviews. Based on the recommendations of most of the European and American professional associations, seawater, alone or in combination with other preparations, has its place in the treatment of numerous conditions of the upper respiratory tract (URT), primarily chronic (rhino)sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, acute URT infections and postoperative recovery. Additionally, taking into account its multiple mechanisms of action and mounting evidence from recent studies, locally applied seawater preparations may have an important role in the prevention of viral and bacterial infections of the URT. In this review we discuss results published in the past years focusing on seawater preparations and their use in clinical and everyday conditions, since such products provide the benefits of additional ions vs. saline, have an excellent safety profile and are recommended by most professional associations in the field of otorhinolaryngology.

Optimal Device and Regimen of Nasal Saline Treatment for Sinonasal Diseases: Systematic Review

Objective

This review aimed to systematically determine the optimal nasal saline regimen for different types of sinonasal diseases.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov. The last search was on December 6, 2021.

Review Methods

Study selection was done by 2 independent authors. Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses were included. The effects of nasal saline treatment through various devices, saline tonicities, and buffer statuses were evaluated in patients with allergic and nonallergic rhinitis, acute and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), CRS with cystic fibrosis, and postoperative care, including septoplasty/turbinoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery.

Results

Sixty-nine studies were included: 10 meta-analyses and 59 randomized controlled trials. For allergic rhinitis, large-volume devices (≥60 mL) were effective for treating adults, while low-volume devices (5-59 mL) were effective for children. Isotonic saline was preferred over hypertonic saline due to fewer adverse events. For acute rhinosinusitis, saline irrigation was beneficial in children, but it was an option for adults. Large-volume devices were more effective, especially in the common cold subgroup. For CRS, large-volume devices were effective for adults, but saline drop was the only regimen that had available data in children. Buffered isotonic saline was more tolerable than nonbuffered or hypertonic saline. The data for CRS with cystic fibrosis and nonallergic rhinitis were limited. For postoperative care, buffered isotonic saline delivered by large-volume devices was effective.

Conclusion

Nasal saline treatment is recommended for treating most sinonasal diseases. Optimal delivery methods for each condition should be considered to achieve therapeutic effects of saline treatment.

[Improving of the nasal cavity mucous membrane restoration efficiency of the after rhinosurgical interventions]

The article discusses aspects of the use of irrigation therapy after surgical interventions on intranasal structures, in particular, the features of using the Aqua Maris Leyka device in comparison with traditional methods of nasal cavity care in this group of patients. The use of the Adriatic Sea salt solution for nasal lavage Aqua Maris using a special device in the postoperative period leads to an earlier subsidence of reactive postoperative changes in the nasal cavity, a decrease in edema, an increase of reparative processes. This is evidenced by the dynamics of clinical signs and the results of cytological examination of smears-prints from the nasal cavity. During the irrigation of the nasal cavity using the Aqua Maris Leyka device, the liquid is supplied by gravity, without additional pressure, ensuring safety and uniform irrigation of all parts of the nasal cavity with saline solution, which is especially important in the presence of reactive changes in the postoperative period.

Yardstick for the medical management of chronic rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory condition of the paranasal sinuses defined by classic symptoms, imaging findings, or endoscopic findings. There are a growing number of emerging pharmacologic therapies being evaluated to treat patients with CRS, some of which have gained indication status in the United States. There have not been updated treatment guidelines published in the United States however since 2014. This document is meant to serve as an updated expert consensus document for the pharmacologic management of patients with CRS. We review available data focusing on prospective clinical trials on oral and intranasal corticosteroids, nasal irrigation, biologics, antibiotics, and allergy immunotherapy for CRS both with and without nasal polyposis, including specific therapies for aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease-associated CRS and allergic fungal CRS. There are multiple options to treat CRS, and clinicians should be knowledgeable on the efficacy and risks of these available therapies. Allergists-immunologists now have various therapies available to treat patients with CRS.

Effect of Silver Nitrate Cauterisation of Nasal Mucosa on Quality-of-Life and Histology in Patients with Intractable Chronic Rhinitis

Patients with chronic rhinitis causing intractable sneezing which is non-responsive to conventional medication require alternative therapies. The aim of the study was to ascertain the effect of topical 10% silver nitrate solution on the inferior turbinate mucosa as well as quality of life in such patients. Patients with severe chronic rhinitis who failed conventional therapy had application of 10% silver nitrate solution to inferior turbinate mucosa. The number of sneezes/day and mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) score was noted before and 8 to 16 weeks after treatment. Pre- and post treatment turbinate biopsies were performed to assess histological changes. At baseline, 67 patients had a mean of 36.6 sneezes/day and mean mini RQLQ score of 4.0 ± 0.7. Pre-treatment biopsies showed epithelial denudation and hyalinization of basement membrane. Following 10% silver nitrate application, 64/67 (95.5%) patients showed significant reduction in number of sneezes both at 1 week (p < 0.001) and 8-16 weeks (mean = 5.5 ± 7.8; p < 0.001). Post- treatment mean global mini RQLQ score was also significantly reduced (mean = 1.3 ± 1.1; p < 0.001). A single application was sufficient in 70.1% patients. There were no complications. Squamous metaplasia (p = 0.005) and epithelial hyperplasia (p = 0.013) as well as epithelial and basement membrane restoration occurred following therapy. 10% silver nitrate solution application is an effective and safe office- based procedure which significantly reduces sneezing improves QoL with corresponding histological changes.

Rehabilitation of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis after functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Introduction. In the case of many patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), antibiotic and steroid therapies fail, and surgery is required. The recovery of patients after surgery equally depends on the postoperative behavior of each individual patient. The paper presents the outcomes of recovery after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in a group of 74 patients. Methods. The study was conducted in patients undergoing surgical treatment by FESS, performed by the same surgeon. For the development of the statistical database, the clinical records were collected by the same investigator. Results. On the day of surgery and on the first postoperative day, 72.9% of patients reported facial pain, 41.8% nausea, 9.4% nasal bleeding, 8.8% vomiting. At 6 months postoperatively, 71.6% of patients estimated that they had a better quality of life than before surgery, 64.8% mentioned an improvement of olfaction as an effect, and 6.7% developed septal turbinate synechiae. Conclusions. No major complications were identified in the recovery of CRS patients after FESS. Postoperative facial pain was less well tolerated by young patients (18-35 years old). The improvement of smell and the increase of disease-specific quality of life are the most relevant results of recovery after FESS mentioned by the patients included in our study. The otorhinolaryngologist and the family doctor play an important role in the education of patients regarding the importance of treatment with mineral and thermal waters in post-FESS recovery. Keywords: chronic rhinosinusitis, endoscopic sinus surgery, FESS, rehabilitation, ERAS protocols,

International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: rhinosinusitis 2021

I.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

BACKGROUND: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR-RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR-RS-2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence-based findings of the document.

METHODS

ICAR-RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence-based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence-based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary.

RESULTS

ICAR-RS-2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence-based management algorithm is provided.

CONCLUSION

This ICAR-RS-2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence-based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS.

Current Perspective on Nasal Delivery Systems for Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis is an upper respiratory disease during which topical drug treatment via the nasal cavity is the most actively utilized therapeutic strategy. In addition to steroids, antibiotics, and antifungal agents, which are widely used in clinical practice, research on novel topical agents to improve the bacterial biofilm or mucociliary clearance remains ongoing. Moreover, owing to the complex structure of the nasal cavity, the effects of nasal drug delivery vary depending on factors related to delivery fluid dynamics, including device, volume, and compounds. In this article, we review methods and compounds that have been applied to chronic rhinosinusitis management and introduce recent advances and future perspectives in nasal drug delivery for upper respiratory diseases.

Appropriate extent of surgery for aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

The current literature lacks strong guidelines regarding surgical management of patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), who present with the clinical triad of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), bronchial asthma, and aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug intolerance. To further define the effectiveness of sinus surgery in treating AERD patients, this review article discusses current evidence regarding outcomes associated with more extensive surgery, the benefits of frontal sinus surgery on polyposis, and the role of Draf III intervention. Numerous studies suggest that Draf III frontal sinusotomy may be an efficacious early intervention due to increased neo-ostial patency and subsequent distribution of topical therapies. Future studies that further investigate the efficacy and safety of extensive surgery in AERD patients are warranted.

Efficacy of buffered hypertonic seawater in different phenotypes of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps after endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized double-blind study

PURPOSE

Nasal douching is commonly used as a postoperative management strategy for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Few studies to date have compared the effectiveness of nasal douching in CRSwNP phenotypes after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). We evaluated the efficacy of seawater types in eosinophilic CRSwNP (ECRSwNP) and noneosinophilic CRSwNP (nonECRSwNP) after ESS.

METHODS

Patients with bilateral CRSwNP who had undergone ESS were blindly randomized to receive buffered hypertonic seawater (BHS) (n = 48) or physiological seawater (PS) (n = 45). CRSwNP patients were stratified by phenotypes (ECRSwNP and nonECRSwNP) retrospectively according to whether tissue eosinophils exceeded 10%. Follow-up evaluations were conducted at 2, 8, 16, and 24 weeks after surgery. Evaluations included the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), visual analog scale (VAS), Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score (LKES), saccharine clearance time (SCT), and adverse events.

RESULTS

All of the patients experienced significant improvements in SNOT-22 scores, VAS scores, and LKES over time. BHS resulted in better improvement of LEKS and SCT relative to PS at 8 weeks postoperatively. Mucosal edema formation was significantly reduced with less crusting among HBS recipients at 8 weeks. After stratification, only patients in the nonECRSwNP + BHS subgroup showed a significant improvement in LEKS and SCT at 8 weeks postoperatively. Side effect profiles were not significantly different among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

BHS has a better inhibitory effect on mucosal edema and crusting during the early postoperative care period of CRSwNP. Among all of the patients, nonECRSwNP patients showed a significant improvement in LEKS and SCT at 8 weeks.