Sustained co-release of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone in rabbit maxillary sinus using polyvinyl alcohol-based hydrogel microparticle

Topical delivery to paranasal sinuses through sustained-release stents is one of the new horizons in treating chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This study aims to introduce and evaluate sustained co-release of encapsulated ciprofloxacin (CIP) and dexamethasone (DEX) in polyvinyl alcohol-based carriers within the maxillary sinus of rabbit animals. DEX and CIP were loaded in a tyramine-substituted polyvinyl alcohol microparticle (PVATyr MP). The mechanical stability, degradability, and sustained-release patterns of both drugs as well as cellular cytocompatibility were assessed in vitro. The PVATyr MPs were then injected into the maxillary sinus of rabbits and they were monitored weekly for 21 days. Nasal endoscopy, MRI imaging, and tissue microscopy were used to follow the changes and compared them with the control condition. Also, the concentrations of drugs were evaluated in the maxillary sinus and blood samples over the study period. Produced PVA-based MPs possessed a relatively narrow particle size distribution (CV 7.7%) with proper physical stability until 30 days of incubation. The uniform-sized PVATyr MPs and their surrounding hydrogel showed sustained-release profiles for DEX and CIP for up to 32 days in vitro. The injected drugs-loaded hydrogel showed complete clearance from the maxillary sinus of rabbits within 28 days. The concentrations of DEX and CIP in mucosal remained within the therapeutic window when measured on days 7, 14, and 21, which were well above the plasma concentrations without any pathological changes in endoscopy, MRI imaging, and histological examinations. DEX/CIP loaded PVATyr MPs provided an effective, controlled, and safe sustained-drug delivery in both in vitro and in vivo analyses at therapeutic concentrations with minimal systemic absorption, suggesting a promising treatment approach for CRS.

Staphylococcus aureus Phenol-Soluble Modulins Mediate Interspecies Competition with Upper Respiratory Commensal Bacteria

In chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) disease, microbial dysbiosis is considered a key contributor to inflammation and pathogenicity, with increased prevalence of upper respiratory tract (URT) pathogens concomitant with decreased abundance of commensal species. Staphylococcus aureus is a common URT pathobiont associated with higher carriage rates in CRS. S. aureus secreted toxins are implicated in CRS pathogenesis, and toxins and antibodies to S. aureus secreted factors have been observed in tissue from CRS subjects. CRS disease severity is positively correlated with immune reactivity to S. aureus proteins. Prior studies have examined polymicrobial interactions between S. aureus and URT commensals, however, no studies to date have described possible methods employed by S. aureus to outcompete commensals leading to a S. aureus- dominant microbiome as seen in CRS. This study addresses this gap in knowledge by characterizing how a CRS-associated secreted toxin from S. aureus can inhibit aggregation in commensal URT species. Using a model URT commensal, Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum , we identified a CRS-associated secreted protein from S. aureus , δ-toxin (Hld), that can inhibit C. pseudodiphtheriticum aggregation at biologically relevant concentrations. Furthermore, we observed recombinant δ-toxin reduces C. pseudodiphtheriticum adherence and aggregation on human nasal epithelial cells in an air-liquid interface cell culture model. These results define a novel mechanism by which S. aureus can disrupt URT commensal lifestyles of microbial competitors, contributing to the establishment of microbial dysbiosis.

IMPORTANCE

Microbial dysbiosis in the upper respiratory tract (URT) is associated with disease pathogenicity in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). There are significant links between Staphylococcus aureus and worse CRS outcomes, but no studies to date have demonstrated if S. aureus outcompetes other URT microbes through direct interactions. Here, we report that S. aureus δ-toxin, a secreted protein found in CRS patient tissue, can inhibit the ability of commensal bacteria to aggregate, adhere to, and grow in association with human nasal epithelial cells. These results suggest a potential mechanism for S. aureus to establish dominance in the URT microbiome through direct antagonism of commensals with a disease-associated toxin.

EDS-FLU efficacy in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with or without prior sinus surgery in ReOpen1 and ReOpen2 randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The inability of topical medications to reach sinus cavities is a potential reason for lack of efficacy in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). One purpose of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is to enable delivery of medications into the sinus cavities. The exhalation delivery system with fluticasone (EDS-FLU; XHANCE) creates unique biomechanics that enable deposition of intranasal corticosteroid into sinuses and sinus drainage pathways but may have differing efficacy in operated versus unoperated sinuses. Two 24-week randomized trials (ReOpen1/2) evaluated EDS-FLU versus EDS-placebo in patients with CRS, stratified by surgical status.

METHODS

Surgery-naive (n = 332) and prior-surgery (n = 215) patient groups were analyzed as pooled data from ReOpen1/2. Outcome measures (least-squares mean change from baseline) included combined symptom score (CSS) and congestion score at weeks 4, 8, and 12 and average of percentages of opacified volume (APOV) of ethmoid/maxillary sinuses on CT and Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) total score at week 24.

RESULTS

Baseline scores suggested moderate-severe disease: mean CSS = 5.8; APOV = 67.2%. EDS-FLU produced significant improvement versus placebo (p < 0.05): CSS (surgery-naive, -0.68 vs. -1.42; prior ESS, -0.70 vs. -1.87); congestion (surgery-naive, -0.24 vs. -0.59; prior ESS, -0.24 vs. -0.69); and SNOT-22 (surgery-naive, -7.56 vs. -18.30; prior ESS, -10.72 vs. -18.74). Similar results were observed for APOV (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed between surgery subgroups with either EDS-FLU dose.

CONCLUSION

EDS-FLU improved symptoms, sinus opacification, and quality of life in patients with CRS with or without prior ESS, suggesting a role for EDS-FLU in both populations.

Cost transparency in otolaryngology: Outpatient procedures cost information at New England hospitals

PURPOSE

Healthcare costs have dramatically increased, resulting in barriers to care for many Americans. To address this, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services implemented a price transparency mandate, requiring hospitals to provide cost-estimate tools. This study evaluates the accessibility and usability of these tools for common otolaryngology outpatient procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cost transparency was investigated using cost-estimate tools from websites of the seven New England hospitals ranked on the US News top 50 list. Ten common current procedural terminology codes were used to collect data on availability of cost information, cost comparison, and ease-of-use by six investigators acting as "patients" for each hospital and procedure.

RESULTS

All investigated hospitals had cost-estimate tools, with a 35.7 % mean success rate of generating an estimate. The mean times to cost-estimate tools and generated estimates were 35.69 and 34.15 s, respectively. Pre-insurance costs varied by hospital and procedure; creation of eardrum had the largest range. Seven out of ten procedures resulted in lower post-insurance costs. The mean ease-of-use rating was 5.76 out of ten.

CONCLUSION

All hospitals complied with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services price transparency policy. The information available is sparse, difficult to access, and frequently lacks specific estimates for common otolaryngology procedures. Although hospitals are following new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mandates, the estimators currently in existence are ineffective tools for financial decision-making.

Olfaction and Quality of Life in Patients with Eosinophilic CRS Undergoing Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Introduction  Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common inflammatory disease. This high prevalence leads to high direct and indirect public health costs, which include medical visits, laboratory tests and imaging, pharmacotherapy, hospitalizations, and surgical treatment. Furthermore, CRS has a substantial impact on patient quality of life, affecting productivity and being a common cause of absence from work CRS-associated olfactory dysfunction is highly prevalent, the actual effectiveness of surgical intervention remains inconsistent. Although there are studies evaluating the postoperative course of patients with eosinophilic Chronic rhinosinusitis (eCRS) treated with high-volume budesonide irrigation, there is little objective information regarding the impact of this intervention on olfactory status and quality of life. Objective  To conduct a pre- and postoperative analysis of olfaction and quality of life in patients with eCRS treated with surgical intervention followed by high-volume budesonide nasal irrigation. Methods  Prospective, descriptive, uncontrolled study of patients with eCRS. All patients underwent pre- and postoperative nasal endoscopy, SNOT-22 questionnaire, and the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Text (UPSIT), always by the same previously trained examiner. The SNOT-22 questionnaire and the UPSIT were readministered to all patients at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively, and scores compared with those obtained preoperatively. Results  Twenty patients were included in the study, 13 males and 7 females, between the ages of 23 and 65; 8 patients had comorbid asthma. Quantitative evaluation using the UPSIT test showed a significant improvement in olfaction 3 months after surgery, which remained 6 months and 1 year after surgery (p = 0.0063). There was no significant association between eosinophil concentrations in polypoid tissue and postoperative SNOT-22 and UPSIT results. Patients with tissue eosinophils >50 had a lower preoperative UPSIT score. As early as 3 months postoperatively, a significant improvement in quality of life was already noticeable, as represented by a decrease in SNOT-22 values, which persisted through the 1-year postoperative follow-up evaluation (p = 0.0005). Quantitative evaluation using the UPSIT test showed a significant improvement in olfaction 3 months after surgery, which remained 6 months and 1 year after surgery (p = 0.0063). Conclusion  Surgery effectively controlled eCRS in patients who adhered to high-volume budesonide nasal irrigation postoperatively. There were significant improvements in quality of life and olfaction, which persisted at least up to one year postoperatively.

Barosinusitis due to routine weather changes: A cross-sectional analysis of public websites

Background

Sinusitis is a common diagnosis that can be erroneously associated with routine weather-related barometric pressure changes. In actuality, these pressure changes likely exacerbate migraine headaches, which can cause facial pain and pressure rather than true sinus inflammation.

Objective

The present study sought to characterize the representation of both sinusitis and migraine in association with barometric pressure changes across websites on the Internet.

Methods

An Internet search for relevant terms was conducted, and content of the resulting pages was assessed for associations between weather-related pressure changes and either sinusitis or migraine. Variations in reported results across different subtypes of Internet sources were analyzed. The primary outcomes measured were (1) whether a given media source associated barometric weather changes with sinusitis, (2) whether that source associated barometric weather changes with migraine, and (3) treatment options offered by that source.

Results

Of the 116 included webpages, 36 (31.03%) associated sinusitis and routine barometric pressure changes. Of these, 10 (27.77%) were otolaryngology practice sites. Sixty-seven webpages (57.76%) associated migraine and routine barometric pressure changes. Of these, nonotolaryngology webpages were more likely to report this link.

Conclusions

Otolaryngology practice sites were observed to be the most frequent professional medical resource reporting the unsubstantiated claim that routine barometric pressure changes are associated with sinusitis. Nonotolaryngology sources were more likely to link weather-related pressure changes to migraine. These results suggest that opportunities exist for otolaryngology practice sites to educate patients about nonrhinogenic headache etiologies.

Temperature influences commensal-pathogen dynamics in a nasal epithelial cell co-culture model

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinuses, and microbial dysbiosis associated with CRS is thought to be a key driver of host inflammation that contributes to disease progression. Staphylococcus aureus is a common upper respiratory tract (URT) pathobiont associated with higher carriage rates in CRS populations, where S. aureus-secreted toxins can be identified in CRS tissues. Although many genera of bacteria colonize the URT, few account for the majority of sequencing reads. These include S. aureus and several species belonging to the genus Corynebacterium, including Corynebacterium propinquum and Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum, which are observed at high relative abundance in the healthy URT. Studies have examined bacterial interactions between major microbionts of the URT and S. aureus, but few have done so in the context of a healthy versus diseased URT environment. Here, we examine the role of temperature in commensal, pathogen, and epithelial dynamics using an air-liquid interface cell culture model mimicking the nasal epithelial environment. Healthy URT temperatures change from the nares to the nasopharynx and are increased during disease. Temperatures representative of the healthy URT increase persistence and aggregate formation of commensal C. propinquum and C. pseudodiphtheriticum, reduce S. aureus growth, and lower epithelial cytotoxicity compared to higher temperatures correlating with the diseased CRS sinus. Dual-species colonization revealed species-specific interactions between Corynebacterium species and S. aureus dependent on temperature. Our findings suggest URT mucosal temperature plays a significant role in mediating polymicrobial and host-bacterial interactions that may exacerbate microbial dysbiosis in chronic URT diseases.IMPORTANCEChronic rhinosinusitis is a complex inflammatory disease with a significant healthcare burden. Although presence of S. aureus and microbial dysbiosis are considered mediators of inflammation in CRS, no studies have examined the influence of temperature on S. aureus interactions with the nasal epithelium and the dominant genus of the healthy URT, Corynebacterium. Interactions between Corynebacterium species and S. aureus have been documented in several studies, but none to date have examined how environmental changes in the URT may alter their interactions with the epithelium or each other. This study utilizes a polarized epithelial cell culture model at air-liquid interface to study the colonization and spatial dynamics of S. aureus and clinical isolates of Corynebacterium from people with CRS to characterize the role temperature has in single- and dual-species dynamics on the nasal epithelium.

Host-microbe interactions in chronic rhinosinusitis biofilms and models for investigation

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a debilitating condition characterized by long-lasting inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. It affects a significant portion of the population, causing a considerable burden on individuals and healthcare systems. The pathogenesis of CRS is multifactorial, with bacterial infections playing a crucial role in CRS development and persistence. In recent years, the presence of biofilms has emerged as a key contributor to the chronicity of sinusitis, further complicating treatment and exacerbating symptoms. This review aims to explore the role of biofilms in CRS, focusing on the involvement of the bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, their interactions in chronic infections, and model systems for studying biofilms in CRS. These species serve as an example of how microbial interplay can influence disease progression and exemplify the need for continued investigation and innovation in CRS research.

Improvements after dry needling for craniofacial pain in a patient with chronic rhinosinusitis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Typically treated medically, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent condition characterized by multiple craniofacial symptoms, some of which may respond favorably to dry needling intervention.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the outcomes of a patient presenting with craniofacial pain and symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of CRS who was treated with dry needling. Case Description: A 41-year-old male, self-referred to physical therapy with a diagnosis of CRS, with a 20-year history of signs and symptoms associated with CRS, including craniofacial pain and headaches. The patient had been treated with multiple medication regimens over this time, including antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, decongestants, leukotriene inhibitors, and antibiotics; all of which provided only short-term relief. On initial examination, the patient was tender to palpation in multiple muscles of the head, neck, and face. Intervention consisted of dry needling to these muscular tender points once or twice weekly over 2 months.

OUTCOMES

After 2 months of dry needling, the patient demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in pain and quality of life, which included a decrease in both medication usage and the frequency of sinus infections.

CONCLUSION

Although CRS is generally managed medically, we observed areas of muscular tenderness in this case, which were effectively managed with dry needling. Rehabilitative providers may consider screening CRS patients for muscular impairments that may be modifiable with dry needling. Further research should be performed to determine whether dry needling has a role in the management of CRS.

Direct economic burden 1 year postoperation in Chinese adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) remains a common and challenging clinical entity, and its economic burden has not been well described in China thus far.

METHODS

A total of 101 CRSwNP patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery were included to investigate direct costs in the first year post-surgery. Costs for outpatient visits, medication use, and examination costs were obtained from the Hospital Information System, and differences were compared between subgroups. Multiple linear regression analysis was adopted to investigate the main influencing factors on annual total direct costs for CRSwNP patients.

RESULTS

Ninety-two subjects completed the study. The individual mean total direct cost for a CRSwNP patient 1 year post-surgery was $742.4. The largest contributors were pharmacy costs ($580.2), followed by examination costs ($108.1) and outpatient visits ($54.1). Total direct costs were higher in subgroups of patients with uncontrolled clinical status, asthma comorbidity, and eosinophilic CRSwNP compared to their counterparts. The main influencing factors were clinical control status (P = 0.016) and asthma comorbidity (P = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

The individual mean total direct cost of CRSwNP in 1-year post-surgery was $742.4. Clinical control status and asthma comorbidity influence these costs and are therefore important in guiding health resources allocation for CRSwNP management.

State of the Art Medical Management of Nasal Polyps

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) is an inflammatory disease with a treatment goal of controlling symptoms and limiting disease burden. While endoscopic sinus surgery is effective for removing polyps and aerating sinuses, proper medical management remains necessary for reducing inflammation and limiting polyp recurrence.

OBJECTIVE

This article aims to summarize the literature regarding medical treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, with a specific focus on developments in the past 5 years.

METHODOLOGY

We conducted a literature review using PubMed to identify studies assessing medical treatment strategies for patients with CRSwNP. Articles focusing on chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis were excluded unless specifically stated. Surgical treatment and biologic therapies for CRSwNP will be covered in subsequent chapters and are therefore not included.

RESULTS

Intranasal saline irrigations and topical steroids are mainstays of CRSwNP treatment in the pre-surgical, post-surgical, and maintenance phases of the disease. Alternative steroid delivery methods and adjunctive treatments with antibiotics, anti-leukotrienes, and other topical therapies have been investigated and may benefit certain patient populations, but convincing evidence does not exist to warrant addition of these treatments to the standard of care for CRSwNP.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical steroid therapy is clearly effective for CRSwNP, and recent studies demonstrate the safety and efficacy of high-dose nasal steroid rinses. Alternate delivery methods for local steroids may be useful for patients who are not responding to or who are noncompliant with conventional intranasal corticosteroid sprays and rinses. Future studies are needed to clarify if oral or topical antibiotics, oral anti-leukotrienes, or other novel therapies are significantly effective in decreasing symptoms and improving the quality of life in patients with CRSwNP.

Herbal Medicines for Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To analyze and compare the effects of herbal medicines (HMs) for treating different forms of rhinosinusitis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Forty-seven randomized controlled trials evaluating 18 HMs in six different rhinosinusitis populations were included in the network meta-analysis. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. For the common cold, Pelargonium sidoides offered the most beneficial effect on symptom improvement (moderate certainty of evidence). For acute post-viral rhinosinusitis, Cineole and Pelargonium sidoides were the most effective treatments for controlling symptoms (moderate certainty), while Spicae aetheroleum was most effective for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) improvement (moderate certainty). For chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), Origanum vulgare was the most beneficial treatment for improving symptoms and HRQoL (low certainty). Evidence of HMs for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and unclassified chronic rhinosinusitis was restricted to a limited number of studies. Adverse events should be of concern in some HMs, such as Spicae aetheroleum or Mytorl. Several HMs improved patient-important outcomes, above minimal clinically important differences, in treating common cold, acute post-viral rhinosinusitis, and CRSsNP. Further studies with adequate sample sizes and long-term follow-ups are warranted to support the current evidence.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER AND DATE OF REGISTRATION

PROSPERO ID: CRD42022328265 May 10, 2022.

Mepolizumab for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in adults

INTRODUCTION

The treatment paradigm for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is complex, consisting of a combination of conservative, medical and surgical management. High rates of recurrence despite current standard of care has led to the search for treatments that can improve outcomes and limit the treatment burden for patients living with this chronic condition.

AREAS COVERED

Eosinophils are granulocytic white blood cells that proliferate as part of the innate immune response. IL5 is an inflammatory cytokine implicated in the development of eosinophil-associated diseases that has emerged as a target for biologic therapy. Mepolizumab (NUCALA) is a humanized antiIL5 monoclonal antibody that represents a novel therapeutic approach to CRSwNP. The results of multiple clinical trials are encouraging but its real-world implementation requires a thorough cost-benefit analysis across a range of clinical situations.

EXPERT OPINION

: Mepolizumab is an emerging biologic therapy that shows promising potential for the treatment of CRSwNP. It appears to provide both objective and subjective improvement as an addon therapy to standard of care treatment. Its specific role in treatment algorithms remains a topic of discussion. Future research surrounding its efficacy and cost effectiveness as compared to alternative options is needed.

Interleukin-19 upregulates fibronectin and collagen I expression via the NF-κB-Smad2/3 pathway in fibroblasts of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

Tissue remodeling is a prominent characteristic of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Excess deposition of fibronectin (FN) and collagen (Col) I by fibroblasts is crucial for the pathologic tissue remodeling in CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). Increased interleukin (IL)-19 level in patients with CRS had been demonstrated in our previous studies. Here, we aimed to evaluate the role of IL-19 in mediating FN and Col I expression in CRS.

METHODS

Nasal mucosal tissue samples were collected from patients with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), CRSsNP, and controls. The expression of IL-19, vimentin, FN, and Col I were detected using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Primary human nasal fibroblasts were treated with IL-19, then the activation of Smad2/3, NF-κB and relevant pathways, and the expression of FN and Col I were measured.

RESULTS

Expression levels of vimentin, FN, and Col I were significantly increased in nasal tissues from patients with CRSsNP compared with CRSwNP and control subjects. Moreover, IL-19 co-localized with FN and Col Ι in nasal tissues. IL-19-treated fibroblasts had increased production of FN and Col I, which was associated with the activated Smad2/3 and NF-κB pathways. Moreover, Smad2/3 activation was mediated by the NF-κB pathway in IL-19-treated fibroblasts.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-19 promotes FN and Col I production via the activated NF-κB-Smad2/3 pathway in fibroblasts, leading to fibrosis and collagen deposition in patients with CRS.

Automated classification of nasal polyps in endoscopy video-frames using handcrafted and CNN features

Nasal polyps are edematous polypoid masses covered by smooth, gray, shiny, soft and gelatinous mucosa. They often pose a threat for the patients to result in allergic rhinitis, sinus infections and asthma. The aim of this paper is to design a reliable rhinology assistance system for recognizing the nasal polyps in endoscopic videos. We introduce NP-80, a novel dataset that contains high-quality endoscopy video-frames of 80 participants with and without nasal polyps (NP). We benchmark vanilla machine learning and deep learning-based classifiers on the proposed dataset with respect to robustness and accuracy. We conduct a series of classification experiments and an exhaustive empirical comparison on handcrafted features (texture features -Local Binary Patterns (LBP) and shape features- Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) features for recognizing nasal polyps automatically. The classification experiments are carried out by K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT) and CNN classifiers. The best obtained precision, recall, and accuracy rates are 99%, 98%, and 98.3%, respectively. The classifier methods built with handcrafted features have shown poor recognition performance (best accuracy of %96.3) from the proposed CNN classifier (best accuracy of %98.3). The empirical results of the proposed learning techniques on NP-80 dataset are promising to support clinical decision systems. We make our dataset publicly available to encourage further research on rhinology experiments. The major research objective accomplished in this study is the creation of a high-accuracy deep learning based nasal polyps classification model using easily obtainable portable rhino fiberoscope images to be integrated into an otolaryngologist decision support system. We conclude from the research that using appropriate image processing techniques along with suitable deep learning networks allow researchers to obtain high accuracy recommendations in identifying nasal polyps. Furthermore, the results from the study encourages us to develop deep learning models for various other medical conditions.

Biologicals and Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Severe Uncontrolled Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps: An Economic Perspective

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic disease with a high prevalence and high disease burden, and the lack of a cure. The socioeconomic burden of the disease is substantial and has been disproportionally increasing over past decades. Treatment is aimed at attaining disease control. Traditionally, topical corticosteroids, endoscopic sinus surgery, and oral corticosteroids are used to treat CRSwNP. The advent of biologics has revolutionized CRSwNP treatment, but these drugs are expensive. From an economic standpoint, it is worth debating whether biologics should be employed in patients with severe uncontrolled CRSwNP who fail to attain disease control with current therapies. This clinical commentary review provides an overview of the socioeconomic burden of chronic rhinosinusitis and treatment modalities, compares endoscopic sinus surgery versus biologics for severe CRSwNP, discusses management recommendations, and highlights future needs in this field. New ways to reduce costs of biologic treatments need to be explored to attain cost-effectiveness and provide patients who have severe CRSwNP with adequate treatment.

Evaluating a semi-nested PCR to support histopathology reports of fungal rhinosinusitis in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples

BACKGROUND

Fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) encompasses a various spectrum of diseases. Histopathology is the "reference method" for diagnosing FRS, but it cannot determine the genus and species. Moreover, in more than 50% of the histopathologically proven cases, the culture elicited no reliable results. This study was an attempt to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in FRS patients.

METHODS

One hundred ten specimens were subjected to DNA extraction and histopathology examination. The amplification of the β-globin gene by conventional PCR was used to confirm the quality of extracted DNA. The semi-nested PCR was performed using ITS1, ITS2, and ITS4 primers during two steps. Sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) to identify causative agents was performed on PCR products.

RESULTS

Sixty-four out of 110 samples were positive by histopathology evidence, of which 56 samples (87.5%) were positive by PCR. Out of 46 negative samples by histopathological methods, five samples (10.9%) yielded positive results by PCR. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the semi-nested PCR method were reported 87.5%, 89.2%, 92.7%, and 85.2%, respectively. The kappa factor between PCR and histopathological methods was 0.76, indicating substantial agreements between these two tests.

CONCLUSION

Due to the acceptable sensitivity and specificity of the present method, it might be used to diagnose fungal sinusitis infections along with microscopic techniques. This method is recommended to confirm the diagnose of suspected fungal sinusitis with negative histopathology results.

Real-time virtual intraoperative CT in endoscopic sinus surgery

PURPOSE

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is typically guided under preoperative computed tomography (CT), which increasingly diverges from actual patient anatomy as the surgery progresses. Studies have reported that the revision surgery rate in ESS ranges between 28 and 47%. This paper presents a method that can update the preoperative CT in real time to improve surgical completeness in ESS.

APPROACH

The work presents and compares three novel methods that use instrument motion data and anatomical structures to predict surgical modifications in real time. The methods use learning techniques, such as nonparametric filtering and Gaussian process regression, to correlate surgical modifications with instrument tip positions, tip trajectories, and instrument shapes. Preoperative CT image sets are updated with modification predictions to serve as a virtual intraoperative CT.

RESULTS

The three methods were compared in eight ESS cadaver cases, which were performed by five surgeons and included the following representative ESS operations: maxillary antrostomy, uncinectomy, anterior and posterior ethmoidectomy, and sphenoidotomy. Experimental results showed accuracy metrics that were clinically acceptable with dice similarity coefficients > 86%, with F-score > 92% and precision > 89.91% in surgical completeness evaluation. Among the three methods, the tip trajectory-based estimator had the highest precision of 96.87%.

CONCLUSIONS

This work demonstrated that virtually modified intraoperative CT scans improved the consistency between the actual surgical scene and the reference model, and could lead to improved surgical completeness in ESS. Compared to actual intraoperative CT scans, the proposed method has no impact on existing surgical protocols, does not require extra hardware, does not expose the patient to radiation, and does not lengthen time under anesthesia.

Economic Evaluation of Dupilumab versus Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

BACKGROUND

Dupilumab is a novel monoclonal antibody that recently received FDA approval for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has been the mainstay of treatment for patients refractory to initial medical therapy. Data comparing the cost-effectiveness of these treatments is scarce. The objective of this study is to compare the cost-effectiveness of dupilumab and ESS treatment for patients with CRSwNP refractory to medical therapy.

METHODS

A cohort-style Markov decision tree economic evaluation with 10-year time horizon was performed. The two comparative treatment strategies were dupilumab therapy or ESS followed by postoperative maintenance therapy. Patients with response to treatment continued with either maintenance or dupilumab therapy; patients with no response underwent ESS. The primary outcome measure was incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) calculated from sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22) scores. Sensitivity analyses were performed including discounting scenarios and a probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

The dupilumab strategy cost $195,164 and produced 1.779 QALYs. The ESS strategy cost $20,549 and produced 1.526 QALYs. This implies an incremental cost of $691,691 for dupilumab for every one-unit increase in QALY compared with ESS. Probability sensitivity analysis indicated that ESS was more cost-effective than dupilumab in all iterations.

CONCLUSIONS

While dupilumab and ESS may demonstrate similar clinical effectiveness, ESS remains the most cost-effective treatment option and should remain standard of care for CRSwNP patients refractory to medical therapy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of previous management against a developed clinical pathway for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center

The study aims to evaluate previous management of CRSwNP patients in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC) against a developed CP.Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) has high economic burden and impacts patient's quality of life. Implementation of clinical pathway (CP) can standardize care while optimizing resources.Analytical cross-sectionalThis study utilized medical records of 103 CRSwNP patients at UKMMC otorhinolaryngology clinic from 2010 to 2015. Patients were divided into groups who underwent or did not undergo surgery. Information was obtained regarding sociodemographic, follow-ups, pharmaceutical regimes, and treatment cost. Cost analysis was done using top-down analysis and activity-based costing and CP was formulated. Cost was calculated using year 2020 rates to adjust for inflation. (United States Dollars [USD]1 = Ringgit Malaysia [RM] 4.2015)Study showed non-CP patients were undertreated compared to CP. This affects clinical outcomes as optimal treatment demanded by CP was not achieved. Total cost for non-CP, non-surgery patients were lower (USD660) compared to CP (USD780) due to under treatment and shorter follow-ups. Meanwhile, total cost for non-CP surgery patients were higher (USD3600) compared to CP (USD2706) due to longer visit durations and hospital stays. Non-CP surgery group underwent lengthy follow-up duration (20.7 months) prior to operation compared to 12 months expected in CP.Study showed non-CP patients were undertreated compared to CP. We identified aspects which resulted in resource wastage and unnecessary burden to our healthcare system. This study enables development of a written CP by fine-tuning various aspects of CP which could be applied to our future practice.

Effects of Fluticasone Exhalation Delivery System in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Nasal sprays with corticosteroids deliver medication to the restricted areas including anterior and inferior parts of the nasal cavity. The fluticasone exhalation delivery system (EDS-FLU) has recently been proved to improve care by increasing superior/posterior intranasal corticosteroid deposition.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of EDS-FLU in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

METHODOLOGY

A systematic literature review using Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was conducted to identify studies assessing the effect of EDS-FLU on outcomes in patients with CRSwNP.

RESULTS

Of the initial 108 abstracts reviewed, 4 full-text articles were included. The 22-item sinonasal outcome test scores were significantly decreased in patients with CRSwNP after receiving EDS-FLU twice a day (93, 186, or 372 μg) for 16 weeks when compared with exhalation delivery system (EDS)-placebo (all P < .001). Patients with CRSwNP reported significant improvement of smell after receiving twice daily EDS-FLU twice a day (93, or 372 μg) for 4 weeks when compared with EDS-placebo (all P < .05). The proportions of patients achieving ≥1-point improvement in total polyp grade were significantly higher in EDS-FLU group and dose dependent, with the highest rates in the 372 μg group. The proportions of patients achieving polyp elimination were significantly higher in EDS-FLU group with the highest rates in the 372 μg group.

CONCLUSION

This is the first systematic review of the clinical outcomes in patients with CRSwNP treated with EDS-FLU. EDS-FLU produced significant improvements regarding the quality of life, smell, and endoscopic assessment of polyp grade.

Cost-Effectiveness of Open vs. Endoscopic Repair of Zenker's Diverticulum

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of open versus endoscopic surgical repair of Zenker's diverticulum.

METHODS

In this study, an economic decision tree was utilized to compare the cost-effectiveness of open surgery compared to endoscopic surgery. The primary outcome in this analysis was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) that was calculated based on the economic decision tree. The probability of post-operative esophageal perforation complications, revision rates, and effectiveness of each procedure along with associated costs were extracted to construct the decision tree. Univariate sensitivity analysis was then utilized to determine how changes in esophageal perforation rate affect the cost-effectiveness of each surgical approach.

RESULTS

The ICER of open surgery for Zenker's diverticulum was $67 877, above most acceptable willingness to pay (WTP) thresholds. Additionally, if the probability of esophageal perforation with endoscopic surgery is above 5%, then open surgery becomes a more cost-effective option. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulations also showed that at the WTP thresholds of $30 000 and $50 000, endoscopic surgery is the most cost-effective method with 83.9% and 67.6% certainty, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Open surgery and endoscopic surgery are 2 treatment strategies for Zenker's diverticulum that each have their own advantages and disadvantages that can complicate the decision-making process. With no previous cost-effectiveness analysis of open versus endoscopic surgery for Zenker's diverticulum, our results support the endoscopic approach at most common WTP thresholds. Particularly with the current focus on rising healthcare costs, our results can serve as an important adjunct to medical decision-making for patients undergoing treatment for Zenker's diverticulum.

Effects of implants with steroids after endoscopic sinus surgery: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis affects approximately 5%-2% of the general population worldwide. Steroid implants after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) have drawn considerable interest for their cost savings, but relevant guidelines indicate that evidence on this topic is of low quality with high heterogeneity. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of steroid implants after ESS by synthesizing relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

Two authors independently assessed the eligibility of potential references from five biomedical databases. They further extracted relevant data from the included studies, including (a) mean, standard deviation, or standard error for Lund-Kennedy endoscopic (LKE) score and Perioperative Sinus Endoscopy (POSE) score and (b) events and sample sizes of each group for further intervention. Data were pooled in a random-effects model, and results were presented as the weighted mean difference (WMD) or risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and I² .

RESULTS

Eleven RCTs (n = 853) were included and showed that the steroid implant group had lower LKE scores (WMD, -1.19; 95% CI, -1.75 to -0.62; I²  = 0%) and POSE scores (WMD, -1.62; 95% CI, -2.47 to -0.76; I²  = 48%) than the placebo implant group at postoperative week 2. Moreover, the reoperation rate in the steroid implant group was also lower than in the placebo implant group (RR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.80; I²  = 0%). However, no significant difference was observed in the postoperative oral steroid requirement between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, steroid implant decreases LKE and POSE among patients receiving ESS in the short term, but long-term effects remain unclear. Patient-based outcomes are worth further discussion in the future.

Geographic Variations in Healthcare Utilization and Expenditure for Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Population-Based Approach

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common and costly health problem in the United States. A better understanding of healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and healthcare expenditure (HCE) pertaining to CRS is required. The objective of this study is to investigate geographic variations in HCRU and HCE for CRS.

STUDY TYPE/DESIGN

Retrospective study of administrative database.

METHODS

Patients meeting pre-defined diagnostic criteria for CRS with continuous 1-year pre-index and 2-year post-index data were identified on IBM® Marketscan Research Databases over a 5-year period (2013-2017). Data pertaining to demographics, HCRU, and HCE were analyzed according to geographic region. Multivariable generalized linear models accounted for age, sex, baseline medication utilization, and co-morbidities.

RESULTS

About 237,969 patients were included. Antibiotics were the most commonly prescribed medication (95%). Surgery rate (11%), immunotherapy (9.2%), oral steroid use (66%), and antibiotic utilization (mean 6.3 prescriptions) were highest in the South. However, visits with an otolaryngologist were considerably higher in the Northeast (62%). The Northeast region had the highest mean HCE ($2,449), which was 13% greater than HCE for the North Central region ($2,172). HCRU and HCE were higher in urban areas across all metrics, with 2-year HCE being 18% greater in urban areas ($2,374 vs. $2,019). Significant geographic variation in HCE was observed even after adjusting for covariates.

CONCLUSION

Significant geographic variations in HCRU and HCE exist for CRS even after adjusting for covariates. Future studies are needed to help direct quality improvement and cost-saving efforts as well as efficient resource allocation in an era of value-based care.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Ancestry-based variation in maxillary sinus anatomy: Implications for health disparities in sinonasal disease

Paranasal sinus drainage is mediated by mucociliary transport and gravity. However, human orthograde posture, along with the superior positioning of the maxillary sinus (MS) ostium, increases reliance on the mucociliary system. Previous research has thus suggested that differences in MS size and shape may impede mucociliary clearance, potentially contributing to disparities in sinusitis susceptibility. To further investigate this hypothesis, this study collected 29 three-dimensional (3D) coordinate landmarks and seven linear measurements of MS morphology from 167 computed tomography (CT) scans of crania of European, East Asian, or Equatorial African ancestry. MANOVA results reveal the Asian-derived individuals are characterized by both a significantly taller MS (F = 14.15, p <  0.0001) and a significantly greater distance from the MS floor to the ostium (F = 17.22, p <  0.0001) compared to those of European and African ancestry. A canonical variate (CV) analysis conducted on 3D landmark data provides corroborative results, distinguishing Asian-derived individuals predominantly on the basis of a relatively lower MS floor. As a greater distance between the MS floor and ostium may impede mucociliary clearance, our results suggest MS anatomy may be a more prominent factor in chronic sinusitis among individuals of Asian ancestry compared to those of European and African ancestries. This provides tentative evidence of an anatomical etiology for chronic sinusitis even in the absence of anatomical variants/abnormalities (e.g., nasal polyps, concha bullosa, Haller's cells, and Agger nasi cells). Further research into the relationship between MS anatomy and sinusitis, in addition to socioeconomic inequalities of healthcare, is warranted to continue evaluating possible contributions to health disparities.

Adverse Events Associated With Corticosteroid-Eluting Sinus Stents: A MAUDE Database Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Corticosteroid-eluting stents (CESs) are increasingly used after endoscopic sinus surgery to reduce the need for revision surgery, but their use is not without risks. The objective of this study is to describe adverse events related to CESs.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

SETTING

The US Food and Drug Administration's MAUDE database (2011-2020; Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience).

METHODS

The MAUDE database was queried for reports of adverse events involving the use of CESs approved by the Food and Drug Administration, including Propel, Propel Mini, Propel Contour, and Sinuva (Intersect ENT).

RESULTS

There were 28 reported adverse events in total, with all events being related to the Propel family of stents and none related to Sinuva stents. Overall, 22 were categorized as patient-related adverse events and 6 as device-related events. The most common adverse event was related to postoperative infection, accounting for 39% (n = 11) of all complications. Four of these patients developed periorbital cellulitis, and 5 developed a fungal infection. The second-most common adverse event was migration of the stent, representing 21% of all complications (n = 6). Overall, 8 patients (29%) in our cohort required reintervention in the operating room, with subsequent removal of the CES.

CONCLUSION

The most commonly reported adverse events were postoperative infection, including multiple cases of fungal infection, followed by migration of the stent. An increased awareness of the complications associated with CESs can be used to better inform patients during the consenting process as well as surgeons in their surgical decision making.

Dupilumab for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis

Introduction: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) affects 1-2.5% of the population and is associated with significant adverse effects on quality of life (QoL). CRSwNP is strongly correlated with (late onset) asthma with 30-70% of the CRSwNP patients having asthma. Health-care spending in rhinosinusitis is high, especially because of indirect costs.Areas covered: In the last years, the recognition of endotyping as an essential presumption to precision medicine has significantly changed the integrated care pathways in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Dupilumab is the first biological available for the treatment of CRswNP, since late 2019. Treatment with dupilumab results in a significant improvement of QoL (measured as SNOT-22), rhinosinusitis disease severity, symptoms of rhinosinusitis, and especially sense of smell, nasal polyp score, Lund-Mackay CT score, and asthma outcomes (ACQ5 and FEV1) compared to placebo.Expert opinion: At this moment, the high cost of the treatment requires careful patient selection and within the EUFOREA and EPOS2020 context, experts have tried to give guidance based on today's data. We now need trials evaluating which patients benefit most from treatment with biologicals and in which patients the treatment is cost-effective.

IL-19 induced by IL-13/IL-17A in the nasal epithelium of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis upregulates MMP-9 expression via ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway

Background

Tissue remodeling is a crucial characteristic of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) is crucial for the pathologic tissue remodeling in CRS. Elevation of interleukin (IL)‐19 or MMP‐9 levels in patients with CRS had been proven in previous studies. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of IL‐19 in mediating MMP‐9 expression in CRS.

Methods

Nasal tissue samples were collected from 45 individuals having chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), 24 CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and 17 controls. Expression of IL‐19, its receptors (IL‐20R1/IL‐20R2), and MMP‐9 were investigated using RT‐qPCR and Immunofluorescence (IF). Human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) were stimulated by IL‐19; ERK phosphorylation, nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) pathway activation, and MMP‐9 level were detected by RT‐qPCR, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, western blot, and IF. We also explored the effect of type1/2/3 cytokines on IL‐19 production by RT‐qPCR, and western blot.

Results

Expression levels of IL‐19, its receptors (IL‐20R1/IL‐20R2), and MMP‐9 were increased in nasal tissues from individuals with CRSwNP compared to those with CRSsNP as well as the controls. IL‐19 significantly elevated the production of MMP‐9 in HNECs. Furthermore, IL‐19 could activate the ERK and NF‐κB pathways, accompanied by increased MMP‐9 production in HNECs. Conversely, both ERK and NF‐κB inhibitors significantly attenuated the role of IL‐19 in MMP‐9 production. siRNA knockdown of IL‐20R1 suppressed ERK and NF‐κB pathway activation, thereby decreasing MMP‐9 expression. IL‐13 and IL‐17A were found to stimulate IL‐19 production in HNECs.

Conclusion

IL‐19, promoted by IL‐13 and IL‐17A, contributes to the upregulation of secretion of the tissue remodeling factor MMP‐9 in patients with CRS.

A policy of day-case sinonasal surgery is safe, well tolerated and cost-effective

OBJECTIVE

Practices vary regarding the timing of discharge after sinonasal surgery. This study aimed to examine the cost-effectiveness of same-day discharge compared to next-day discharge after sinonasal surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective single-surgeon audit of sinonasal surgery over a 12-month period was performed. Demographic and clinical details, including distance travelled home, timing of discharge, hospital re-presentation, and complications, were collected and compared between the same-day discharge and next-day discharge groups. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 181 patients were identified; 117 underwent day-case surgery, of which 6 re-presented to the emergency department. Sixty-four patients stayed overnight after surgery, and six of those patients re-presented to the emergency department. The per patient cost was $3262 for day-case sinonasal surgery and $5050 for those admitted overnight after surgery (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Routine same-day discharge after sinonasal surgery is achievable, safe and cost-effective.

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.

Treatment Outcomes in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease Based on the 12-Item Short Form Survey

BACKGROUND

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is optimally managed by endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) followed by aspirin therapy after desensitization (ATAD). Most AERD quality of life (QOL) studies use the 22-item Sinonasal Outcomes Test (SNOT-22), which focuses predominantly on sinonasal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study seeks to assess QOL outcomes in AERD patients after ESS and ATAD via the 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12), a well-validated QOL measure for general health status of chronic conditions.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 112 AERD patients who underwent ESS followed by ATAD at our institution between 2016 and 2019. SF-12 was collected preoperatively, postoperatively/pre-AD, and serially post-AD (1-3, 4-6, 7-12, and >12 months). Optum® PRO CoRE software was used to compare data to national norms. ANOVA was performed comparing physical component summary (PCS), mental component summary (MCS) and eight health domains (physical functioning, role physical, general health, bodily pain, vitality, social functioning, role emotional, and mental health).

RESULTS

AERD patients showed improvement in PCS scores across all timepoints after ESS and ATAD (p = 0.004). When stratified by gender, women demonstrated an improvement in PCS scores (p = 0.004). Within the domains, there were significant improvements in social functioning (SF), role physical (RP), and bodily pain (BP) at all timepoints (SF: p = 0.006; RP: p = 0.005; BP: p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

AERD patients undergoing ESS and ATAD show improvement in physical QOL and 3 of the 8 health domains as measured by the SF-12. Future studies can use the SF-12 to study the impact of AERD treatment versus other chronic diseases and health demographics.

Local drug delivery systems for inflammatory diseases: Status quo, challenges, and opportunities

Inflammation that is not resolved in due course becomes a chronic disease. The treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases involves a long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often accompanied by dose-dependent side effects. Local drug delivery systems have been widely explored to reduce their off-target side effects and the medication frequency, with several products making to the market or in development over the years. However, numerous challenges remain, and drug delivery technology is underutilized in some applications. This review showcases local drug delivery systems in different inflammatory diseases, including the targets well-known to drug delivery scientists (e.g., joints, eyes, and teeth) and other applications with untapped opportunities (e.g., sinus, bladder, and colon). In each section, we start with a brief description of the disease and commonly used therapy, introduce local drug delivery systems currently on the market or in the development stage, focusing on polymeric systems, and discuss the remaining challenges and opportunities in future product development.

Adult chronic rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) occurs in >10% of the adult population in Europe and the USA and can be differentiated into CRS without nasal polyps and CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Both phenotypes are characterized by a high disease burden and an overlapping spectrum of symptoms, with facial pain and loss of smell being the most differentiating. Great progress has been made in the understanding of CRS pathophysiology: from the epithelium and epithelial-mesenchymal transition to innate and adaptive immunity pathways and, finally, on the role of eosinophils and Staphylococcus aureus in the persistence of disease. Although clinical manifestations and diagnostic tools (including nasal endoscopy and imaging) have undergone major changes over the past few years, management (including pharmacotherapy, surgery and biologics) has experienced enormous progress based on the growing knowledge of key mediators in severe CRSwNP. The introduction of endotyping has led to a differentiation of 'tailored' surgical approaches, focusing on the mucosal concept in those with severe CRSwNP and on the identification of patients eligible for extended surgery and possibly biologics in the future.

Implications of Obesity on Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Postoperative Complications: An Analysis of the NSQIP Database

Objective

To evaluate the influence of body mass index on postoperative adverse events in adult patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Database of the American College of Surgeons NSQIP (National Surgical Quality Improvement Program) from 2006 to 2018.

Methods

The NSQIP database was queried for adult patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery. The total sample (N = 1546) was stratified by nonobese (18.5 kg/m2≤ body mass index <30 kg/m2) and obese (≥30 kg/m2). Demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative variables, and postoperative adverse events were compared via chi-square analysis and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Obese patients accounted for 49.7% (n = 768) of the cohort. Obese patients had a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (class III, 45.1% vs 29.5%; P < .001), rate of diabetes (18.2% vs 7.2%, P < .001), and rate of hypertension requiring medication (43.1% vs 23.0%, P < .001). Nonobese patients were more likely to be >58 years of age (23.4% vs 29.0%, P = .02) and have disseminated cancer (<1% vs 3.2%, P < .001). The obese cohort had a lower frequency of surgical complications (3.0% vs 5.4%, P = .027), driven by frequency of perioperative bleeding (1.8% vs 3.7%, P = .022). There was no statistical difference in medical complications ( P = .775), unplanned readmissions ( P = .286), unplanned reoperations ( P = .053), or 30-day mortality ( P > .999). After multivariable adjustment, obese subjects had decreased odds of any surgical complication (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.567; 95% CI, 0.329-0.979), perioperative bleeding (aOR, 0.474; 95% CI, 0.239-0.942), and any adverse postoperative event (aOR, 0.740; 95% CI, 0.566-0.968).

Conclusion

Obesity does not increase the risk of 30-day adverse outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery and may even be protective against perioperative bleeding.

Optimum Degree of Head Elevation/Reverse Trendelenburg Position for Sinus Surgery: Systematic Review

Background

This review aims to evaluate the effect of Reverse Trendelenburg Position (RTP) on bleeding and Boezaart score and to determine the optimum degree of head elevation through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methodology: We conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines and a literature search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Dental and Oral Science, Google scholar and Clinicaltrials.gov and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in English language only. We extracted all relevant data and conducted quality assessment using Cochrane risk of Bias tool (Version 2). We also performed quality assessment of the outcomes using GRADE. Meta-analysis for all the outcomes using conducted on RevMan version 5.3.

Results

The search identified 629 articles and three RCTs that met our inclusion criteria. Two were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 124 patients were assessed for bleeding during sinus surgery and there was a significant reduction in total blood loss in RTP (10–15°) when compared to horizontal position by 134 ml (Mean Difference (MD): −134.23; 95% confidence interval (CI): −184.13 to −67.27). RTP also had a significant reduction in bleeding per minute by 1.07 ml/min (MD: −1.07; 95%CI: (−1.69 to −0.44), while the Boezaart score was significantly lower in the RTP group (MD: −0.69; 95%CI: −0.94 to −0.43) when compared to horizontal position.

Conclusion

Though with limited evidence RTP for ESS reduces total blood loss, blood loss per minute and improves visualization. Further studies are needed to assess the actual impact and optimal degree of head elevation.

Antibiotic eluting sinus stents

OBJECTIVES

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a multifactorial disease affecting up to 16% of the United States population and disproportionately affecting the cystic fibrosis (CF) patient population. Despite treating the underlying infection, the use of systemic antibiotics has shown little efficacy in alleviation of symptom burden. This review seeks to discuss recent research on novel antibiotic eluting stent therapy in vitro and within animal models as well as the factors that contribute to its efficacy.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed literature review.

REVIEW METHODS

A review of all published literature related to antibiotic eluting sinus stents was conducted to integrate and summarize this innovative approach to chronic sinus infections.

RESULTS

Placement of the ciprofloxacin sinus stent (CSS) and ciprofloxacin-ivacaftor sinus stent (CISS) exhibited improvement in endoscopic and radiographic findings in rabbit CRS models. While the CSS showed an overall trend toward improvement in microscopic findings and a reduction in biofilm mass, there remained a significant quantity of planktonic bacteria due to antibiotic depletion from an initial burst release in the first 48 hours of stent placement. The CISS and ciprofloxacin-azithromycin sinus stents (CASSs) exhibited controlled antibiotic release over the study period leading to greatly reduced planktonic bacterial load and biofilm mass. In vitro studies indicate that CASS may be just as efficacious at reducing biofilm mass.

CONCLUSION

Antibiotic eluting sinus stents show significant promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for CRS. The CISS may have particular promise for the CF patient population by addressing both the infectious and genetic components of disease. Animal studies demonstrate significant promise for translation into human studies. Human clinical trials are warranted to determine the efficacy of antibiotic sinus stents in human patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA.

γδT cells contribute to type 2 inflammatory profiles in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (ECRS) is a condition linked with type 2 inflammation, poor treatment outcomes, and high recurrence tendency. Although γδT cells have been reported to induce type 2 immune responses and eosinophilic infiltration in several diseases, their role in ECRS has not been fully explored. We aimed to evaluate the association of γδT cells with the type 2 inflammatory profiles in ECRS. Nasal tissue samples obtained from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) (51 eosinophilic and 48 non-eosinophilic), 50 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and 58 control subjects were examined for γδT cells, inflammatory markers and eosinophils using HE, RT-qPCR, ELISA, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. In parallel, studies were also conducted in an ECRS murine model induced by anti-γδT cells neutralizing antibody administration. γδT cells expression was significantly increased in tissues from patients with ECRS compared with non-ECRS, CRSsNP and control subjects. Moreover, inflammatory markers including type 2 proinflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), GATA3, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and eotaxin levels were also increased in nasal tissues of patients with ECRS, and Vγ1+ γδT cells mRNA expression was positively correlated with type 2 cytokines, GATA3, and ECP. In the ECRS murine model, anti-Vγ1+ γδT antibody treatment reduced the infiltration of eosinophils and expression of type 2 cytokines, GATA3, and ECP in nasal mucosae. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that γδT cells play a crucial role in the type 2 inflammatory profiles and nasal tissue eosinophilic infiltration in patients with ECRS.

Clinical Research Needs for the Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps in the New Era of Biologics: A National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Workshop

The development of biologics targeting various aspects of type 2 inflammation for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) will provide clinicians with powerful tools to help treat these patients. However, other therapies are also available, and positioning of biologics in a management algorithm will require comparative trials. In November 2019, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases convened a workshop to consider potential future trial designs. Workshop participants represented a wide spectrum of clinical specialties, including otolaryngology, allergy, and pulmonary medicine, as well as expertise in CRSwNP pathophysiology and in trial methodology and statistics. The workshop discussed the current state of knowledge in CRSwNP and considered the advantages and disadvantages of various clinical trial or observational study designs and various clinical outcomes. The output from this workshop, which is presented in this report, will hopefully provide investigators with adequate information and ideas to design future studies and answer critical clinical questions. It will also help clinicians understand the current state of the management of CRSwNP and its gaps and be more able to interpret the new information to come.

Cost Utility Analysis of Dupilumab Versus Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps

OBJECTIVE

Both endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and biologic therapies have shown effectiveness for medically-refractory chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) without severe asthma. The objective was to evaluate cost-effectiveness of dupilumab versus ESS for patients with CRSwNP.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort-style Markov decision-tree economic model with a 36-year time horizon.

METHODS

A cohort of 197 CRSwNP patients who underwent ESS were compared with a matched cohort of 293 CRSwNP patients from the SINUS-24 and SINUS-52 Phase 3 studies who underwent treatment with dupilumab 300 mg every 2 weeks. Utility scores were calculated from the SNOT-22 instrument in both cohorts. Decision-tree analysis and a 10-state Markov model utilized published event probabilities and primary data to calculate long-term costs and utility. The primary outcome measure was incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), which is expressed as an Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The ESS strategy cost $50,436.99 and produced 9.80 QALYs. The dupilumab treatment strategy cost $536,420.22 and produced 8.95 QALYs. Because dupilumab treatment was more costly and less effective than the ESS strategy, it is dominated by ESS in the base case. One-way sensitivity analyses showed ESS to be cost-effective versus dupilumab regardless of the frequency of revision surgery and at any yearly cost of dupilumab above $855.

CONCLUSIONS

The ESS treatment strategy is more cost effective than dupilumab for upfront treatment of CRSwNP. More studies are needed to isolate potential phenotypes or endotypes that will benefit most from dupilumab in a cost-effective manner.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2C Laryngoscope, 131:E26-E33, 2021.

Cost and operative time estimation itemized by component procedures of endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a variable combination of individual procedures. Cost estimates for ESS as a single entity have wide variation, likely influenced by variation in procedures performed. We sought to identify operative time, supply costs, and total procedure cost specific to the component procedure combinations comprising ESS.

METHODS

Bilateral ESS cases at 13 Intermountain Healthcare facilities (2008 to 2016) were identified from a database with corresponding cost and time data. Procedure details were obtained by chart review. Least-squares (LS) means of cost (in 2016 US dollars) and time for specific procedures were obtained by multivariable gamma regression models.

RESULTS

Among 1477 bilateral ESS cases with 19 different procedure combinations, operative time ranged from 59.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 48.6-73.0) minutes for total ethmoid to 147.1 (95% CI, 126.4-171.2) minutes for full ESS with maxillary and sphenoid tissue removal. Sphenoidotomy had lowest total and supply costs (in US dollars) of $2112 (95% CI, $1672-$2667) and $636 (95% CI, $389-$1040), respectively. Total cost was highest for full ESS with maxillary tissue removal at $4640 (95% CI, $4115-$5232). Supply cost was highest for full ESS with maxillary and sphenoid tissue removal at $2191 (95% CI, $1649-$2909).

CONCLUSION

Operative time and costs for ESS vary depending on the procedures performed, demonstrating the importance of procedure specificity in assessment of ESS time, cost, and, ultimately, value. These procedure-specific estimates of cost enable nonbinary valuation of ESS, appropriate for the multitude of procedure options intended to optimize individual outcomes.

Indications and Outcomes for Patients With Limited Symptoms Undergoing Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

BACKGROUND

Previous research have suggested that chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients with lower symptomatic scores, demonstrated by a 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) score <20, may not achieve meaningful quality of life improvement following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). However, indications for ESS are continuing to be defined and many low SNOT-22 scoring patients still undergo elective surgery for CRS and other benign sinonasal pathologies. The outcomes for these patients have not been previously studied.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to evaluate surgical indications and outcomes for those patients with limited symptoms undergoing ESS.

METHODS

We screened 2829 ESS procedures from 2010-2018 to identify patients with a preoperative SNOT-22 score <20. We reviewed disease characteristics, preoperative Lund-Mackay (LM) scores, and pre- and postoperative SNOT-22 scores in patients with at least 3 months' follow-up.

RESULTS

Of all surgical ESS patients screened, 114 had low preoperative SNOT-22 scores (4.0%). Indications for these surgeries included CRS (50.0%), odontogenic sinus disease (11.4%), mucocele (10.5%), recurrent acute sinusitis (7.0%), fungal ball (5.3%), and silent sinus syndrome (4.4%). Specifically, among CRS patients, 45.6% had pulmonary comorbidities and/or systemic immunodeficiencies. Moreover, 100% of CRS patients with nasal polyps and 73.1% of CRS without polyps had LM scores >5. Patients with preoperative SNOT-22 scores between 15 and 19 achieved an average 6.5 point reduction (P < .001) postoperatively, whereas those with scores between 10 and 14 had a 5.4 point reduction (P < .001), and preoperative scores <9 resulted in no significant decrease in postoperative symptom scores (P = .98). Overall, there was a 3.3 point SNOT-22 reduction among all patients at 3 months postoperatively (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Patients with limited sinonasal symptoms may benefit from surgical treatment despite asymptomatic clinical presentations. A case-by-case analysis of comorbidities or unique clinical features should inform surgical decision-making for patients with lower SNOT-22 scores.

Chinese Society of Allergy and Chinese Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Guideline for Chronic Rhinosinusitis

The current document is based on a consensus reached by a panel of experts from the Chinese Society of Allergy and the Chinese Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rhinology Group. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects approximately 8% of Chinese adults. The inflammatory and remodeling mechanisms of CRS in the Chinese population differ from those observed in the populations of European descent. Recently, precision medicine has been used to treat inflammation by targeting key biomarkers that are involved in the process. However, there are no CRS guidelines or a consensus available from China that can be shared with the international academia. The guidelines presented in this paper cover the epidemiology, economic burden, genetics and epigenetics, mechanisms, phenotypes and endotypes, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, management, and the current status of CRS in China. These guidelines-with a focus on China-will improve the abilities of clinical and medical staff during the treatment of CRS. Additionally, they will help international agencies in improving the verification of CRS endotypes, mapping of eosinophilic shifts, the identification of suitable biomarkers for endotyping, and predicting responses to therapies. In conclusion, these guidelines will help select therapies, such as pharmacotherapy, surgical approaches and innovative biotherapeutics, which are tailored to each of the individual CRS endotypes.

The comfort of patients with different nasal packings after endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis: A protocol for network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic sinusitis (CRS) is a high incidence disease and seriously affects the patients' quality of life, causes tremendous economic burden as well. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is one of the most common therapies for chronic sinusitis. While whether there is a need for nasal packing and which is the best one is still unclear.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

A systematic search will be performed using PubMed, EMBASE.com, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang database to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparing the efficacy and comfort in patients with nasal packings after ESS who is diagnosed as CRS. The risk of bias of the included RCTs will be assessed by the Cochrane Handbook version 5.1.0. A Bayesian network meta-analysis will be conducted using R-3.3.2 software.

RESULTS

This study is ongoing and the results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study will be sent to clinicians and healthcare providers in the National Health Service, which is expected to help clinicians make more informed choices on nasal packings.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval is not applicable since this study is a network meta-analysis based on published trials.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019119233.

In-office Placement of Mometasone Furoate Sinus Implants for Recurrent Nasal Polyps: A Pooled Analysis

Background

A mometasone furoate (MF) sinus implant (1350 mcg) was evaluated in 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in 400 adults with nasal polyps (NP) who were candidates for revision endoscopic sinus surgery (RESS). We conducted a pooled analysis to evaluate the efficacy of MF implant in specific subgroups of NP patients.

Methods

Pooled data from 2 RCTs for 375 patients were analyzed across prespecified subjective and objective end points through day 90.

Results

At day 90, patients receiving implants and MF nasal spray (MFNS) experienced significant improvements in nasal obstruction/congestion (NO/C) score ( P = .0095), bilateral polyp grade (BPG, P = .0008), and ethmoid sinus obstruction ( P < .0001) compared to control using MFNS alone. Fewer treatment than control patients remained candidates for RESS (41.0% vs 69.3%, P < .0001). All subgroups experienced significant treatment effects, except NO/C in smokers ( P = .0509) and patients without altered smell ( P = .1873). Subgroups without asthma and with only 1 prior ESS experienced largest treatment effect on NO/C, and those with recent surgery <24 months and BPG >5 showed largest effect on endoscopic end points and RESS. Control patients with ESS <24 months were at 7 times highest risk for RESS ( P < .0001). One (0.4%) patient experienced implant-related serious adverse event (epistaxis).

Conclusion

On pooled analysis, MF implants with MFNS showed more favorable results than MFNS alone across several subjective and objective end points at day 90 and may play an important role in management of NP patients, especially those who have allergic rhinitis, expanded polyposis, altered smell, or had most recent ESS < 24 months.

Sinus Infections, Inflammation, and Asthma

There is an important link between the upper and lower respiratory tracts whereby inflammation in one environment can influence the other. In acute rhinosinusitis, pathogen exposures are the primary driver for inflammation in the nose, which can exacerbate asthma. In chronic rhinosinusitis, a disease clinically associated with asthma, the inflammation observed is likely from a combination of an impaired epithelial barrier, dysregulated immune response, and potentially infection (or colonization) by specific pathogens. This review explores the associations between rhinosinusitis and asthma, with particular emphasis placed on the role of infections and inflammation.

Predictors of High Costs of Care among Otolaryngology Patients

Objectives

Identify predictors of high-cost otolaryngology care.

Study Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Tertiary academic multispecialty hospital.

Subjects/Methods

All patients undergoing ≥1 otolaryngologic procedures from 2011 to 2015. Encounter costs were standardized using previously described methods approximating Medicare reimbursement. Patients were stratified by adult/pediatric and inpatient/outpatient. “Outliers” were defined as total encounter costs ≥95th percentile. Logistic regression measured predictors of outlier status.

Results

In total, 2433 adult inpatient encounters (95th percentile $57,611), 10,031 adult outpatient encounters ($10,772), 346 pediatric inpatient encounters ($84,639), and 3027 pediatric outpatient encounters ($8978) were included. For adult inpatient and outpatient, isolated head and neck oncologic procedures were the reference group. Among adult inpatients, laryngology and facial plastics procedures predicted higher odds of outlier status (odds ratio [OR] = 4.1 and 7.2). Involvement of multiple otolaryngology subspecialties increased the odds (OR = 4.7). Neck dissection and reconstructive procedures were the most common primary operations for adult inpatient outliers. For adult outpatients, several subspecialties had lower odds than head and neck (OR ≤0.44). Increased comorbidities predicted outliers for adult inpatient care (OR = 1.5); sex, age, race, and ethnicity did not. Cochlear implant was the most common primary operation among adult and pediatric outpatient outliers. Greater subspecialty involvement and increasing age predicted pediatric outpatient outliers (OR = 8.0 and 1.1); younger age and female sex predicted pediatric inpatient outliers (OR = 0.8 and 3.5). Airway procedures dominated pediatric inpatient outliers.

Conclusion

This is the first large-scale study of high-cost otolaryngology care across multiple subspecialties. Specific procedures and subspecialties and increased comorbidities predicted high-cost care. Contrary to previous studies, patient sex, race, and ethnicity did not.

A Comprehensive Systematic Review of the Association Between Airway Mucins and Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Objective

Airway mucins are the major constituents of mucus and one of the first lines of host defense against inhaled pathogens. However, aberrant expression of mucins is associated with mucus hypersecretion resulting in chronic nasal drainage, a common complaint from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Our goal in this systematic review was to determine (1) expression profiles, (2) regulatory mechanisms, and (3) the pathologic roles of mucins associated with CRS.

Methods

MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for studies focused on the role of mucins in CRS. Quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The full text articles selected were then categorized into 3 study groups: (1) clinical, (2) animal, and (3) in vitro cultures. Data regarding study design, population/setting, methods, and bias were extracted and synthesized.

Results

Our initial search generated 392 titles/abstracts. After the primary review, 111 articles underwent secondary review. The final review included 53 articles, including 34 articles (64%) in the clinical study group, 3 articles (6%) in the animal study group, and 16 articles (30%) in the in vitro study group. In total, aberrant expression of 8 mucins—6 secreted-mucins (MUC2, -5AC, -5B, -6, -7, and -8) and 2 membrane-bound mucins (MUC1 and -4)—were identified in CRS tissues compared to healthy controls. Mucin expression was associated with bacterial sinusitis, inflammatory markers, and the response to steroid therapy in patients with CRS with nasal polyposis.

Conclusion

There is a strong correlation between alterations in mucin expression profiles and CRS. This systematic review highlights the most recent literature on the role of mucins in CRS. The analysis of these studies is limited by the heterogeneity in study designs, relatively few numbers of clinical samples, and lack of mechanistic studies in animal models and in vitro cultures.

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

Cost burden and resource utilization in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Establish treatment patterns and economic burden in US patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) versus without chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Determine comparative costs of subgroups with high clinical burden.

STUDY DESIGN

Observational, retrospective, case-control study.

METHODS

This study matched patients with CRSwNP to patients without CRS (1:1) using the Truven Health MarketScan US claims database. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using McNemar test and paired t test (normal distribution) or Wilcoxon signed rank tests (non-normal distribution). Within subgroups, χ² and Wilcoxon or t tests were used (normal distribution).

RESULTS

There were 10,841 patients with CRSwNP and 10,841 patients without CRS included. Mean age in the CRSwNP cohort was 45.8 years; 56.2% were male. During follow-up, patients with CRSwNP had an increased diagnosis of asthma versus patients without CRS (20.8% vs. 8.1%, respectively; P < .001). Annual incremental costs were $11,507 higher for patients with CRSwNP versus those without CRS. Costs were higher in subgroups of patients with CRSwNP undergoing functional endoscopy sinus surgery (FESS), with a comorbid diagnosis of asthma, receiving oral corticosteroids, or macrolides versus the overall CRSwNP group. Patients with CRSwNP undergoing FESS had the highest costs of the four subgroups ($26,724, $22,456, $20,695, and $20,990, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Annual incremental costs were higher among patients with CRSwNP versus without CRS. Patients with CRSwNP with high clinical burden had higher overall costs than CRSwNP patients without.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 129:1969-1975, 2019.