Aspirin hypersensitivity in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis: frequency and contributing factors

Immune endotyping and gene expression profile of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in the aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) and the non-AERD subgroups

BACKGROUND

Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a paranasal sinus inflammatory disease and is divided into two subgroups defined as CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). CRSwNP displays a T helper (Th)2 biased phenotype, and based on sensitivity or tolerance to aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), is further subdivided into Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) and non-AERD groups. Considering the challenge of diagnosis and treatment in patients with CRSwNP, particularly the AERD subtype, and the significance of endotyping in these patients, we examined the immune profile and endotyping based on gene expression analysis in the AERD and the non-AERD groups of patients with CRSwNP.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

In this study, 21 patients were enrolled and were categorized into AERD (N = 10) and non-AERD (N = 11) groups based on their sensitivity to aspirin. After the special washing period, nasal polyps were biopsied in both groups, and the infiltration of eosinophils, neutrophils, plasma cells, and lymphocytes was compared between the AERD and the non-AERD groups. Also, gene expression levels of transcription factors including Tbet, GATA3, RoRγt, and FoxP3 and inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)1β, IL1RAP (IL1 receptor accessory protein), IL2, IL4, IL5, IL10, IL13, IL17, TNFα, and IFNγ were investigated by quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Statistical analyses were performed using analytical tests including Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney, and T-test. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD age of the studied groups was 37 ± 8.7 years old (21-50) for the AERD, and 40.4 ± 7.7 years old (31-52) for the non-AERD. LMS/EPOS/SNOT scores and pulmonary function tests showed no difference between the two groups. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were found to be higher in patients with AERD (p = 0.04), however, the peripheral blood counts of eosinophils were comparable in the two groups. In the histopathologic analysis, the AERD group showed higher percentages of eosinophils (p = 0.04), neutrophils (p = 0.04), and plasma cells (p = 0.04) than the non-AERD group. Additionally, the gene expression levels of GATA3 (p = 0.001), IL4 (p = 0.04), IL5 (p = 0.007), and IL17 (p = 0.03) were significantly higher in the AERD than the non-AERD groups.

CONCLUSION

Higher gene expression levels of GATA3, IL4, IL5, and IL17 were observed in the AERD group compared with the non-AERD group. These findings point to distinct patterns of inflammation in patients with AERD, with a predominance of Th2 inflammation.

Relationship Between Alcohol Intolerance and Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD): Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have suggested that patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) have a high likelihood of alcohol intolerance. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify if there is sufficient evidence to confirm this correlation and the impact of medical therapy on subsequent alcohol tolerance.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, EBSCO, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Grey literature. We also performed snowballing on the identified observational studies (OS) for additional data.

REVIEW METHODS

A systematic review was conducted from 1968 to 2022 to identify those studies describing AERD symptomatology triggered by alcohol intake. The primary outcome was to analyze the current literature for the association between alcohol intolerance and AERD symptoms. The secondary outcome looked for improvement in alcohol tolerance after aspirin desensitization or biological therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 775 studies were identified and 40 abstracts were evaluated. From these, 5 studies met the inclusion criteria. Of the 5 manuscripts, there was 1 case-control, 2 cohort, and 2 cross-sectional studies. A total of 522 participants with AERD and a history of alcohol consumption were included, with 52.8% reporting at least 1 sinopulmonary exacerbation after alcohol intake. One of 3 studies noted improvement in alcohol tolerance after medical therapy with aspirin desensitization.

CONCLUSION

The current literature suggests that patients with AERD have a high risk of alcohol intolerance. Additionally, aspirin desensitization may improve alcohol tolerance in this patient population.

Complete endoscopic sinus surgery followed by aspirin desensitization is associated with decreased overall corticosteroid use

BACKGROUND

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is an aggressive respiratory tract inflammatory disorder manifesting as asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, and a respiratory sensitivity to aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Corticosteroids, both systemic and topical/inhaled, are used to treat inflammation of the upper and lower airways. Our objective was to examine the potential impact of complete endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and aspirin desensitization (AD) on short-term and long-term corticosteroid use.

METHODS

For this pilot study, a retrospective chart review of all patients with AERD who underwent ESS followed by AD was performed. Daily prednisone use, average daily prednisone dose, and inhaled corticosteroid use were analyzed at the following time points: preoperative, postoperative/pre-AD, and 2 to 3 months, 4 to 6 months, 7 to 12 months, and 13 to 24 months following AD.

RESULTS

A total of 125 patients underwent ESS followed by AD. Compared to preoperatively, patients who underwent ESS and AD were less likely to be on daily prednisone at all time points and upon long-term follow-up (32% preoperatively vs 10% at 13 to 24 months, McNemar's test = 9.00, p = 0.009). Average daily prednisone dose decreased from 10.6 ± 7.9 mg preoperatively to 3.8 ± 2.6 mg at 13 to 24 months following AD (Mann-Whitney U; W = 122, p = 0.01). Similarly, high-dose and medium-dose inhaled corticosteroid use decreased from 18% to 7% and from 36% to 22% respectively (Pearson's chi-square = 8.06, p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In our AERD cohort who underwent ESS followed by AD, there was an observed decrease in overall systemic and topical/inhaled corticosteroid use. These findings can have implications for treatment given the potentially hazardous side effects of corticosteroid use.

In Vivo Biofilm Formation, Gram-Negative Infections and TAS2R38 Polymorphisms in CRSw NP Patients

OBJECTIVES

Among the predisposing factors implicated in the immune response to airway bacterial infections, genetic variations of the bitter taste receptor TAS2R38, which is expressed in the cilia of the human sinonasal epithelial cells, seem to be associated with susceptibility to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and in vitro biofilm formation. Polymorphisms in TAS2R38 generate two common haplotypes: the nonfunctional AVI (Alanine, Valine, Isoleucine) and the functional PAV (Proline, Alanine, Valine) alleles, with the latter protecting against gram-negative sinonasal infections. The aim of this study is to investigate for the first time the relevance of TAS2R38 genetic variants in the susceptibility to bacterial infections associated with in vivo biofilm formation in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective study on 100 adult patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for CRSwNP.

METHODS

Propylthiouracile (PROP) testing and TAS2R38 genotyping were applied to characterize patients for receptor functionality. Sinonasal mucosa samples were processed for microbiological examination and biofilm detection.

RESULTS

The nonfunctional genotype is more frequent among CRS patients than in the general population (25% vs. 18.4%, P = 0.034). Airway gram-negative infections are primarily associated with the AVI haplotype (88.9% vs. 11.1% PAV/PAV-functional genotype, P = 0.023). Biofilm formation is prevalent in CRS patients with the AVI nontaster phenotype (62.5% vs. 33.3% PAV taster or supertaster phenotype, P = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings confirm an inverse correlation between TAS2R38 functionality and gram-negative infections in Italian patients with CRSwNP. In addition, for the first time we demonstrated a relationship between in vivo microbial biofilm and TAS2R38 receptor variants.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2b. Laryngoscope, 128:E339-E345, 2018.

Current Knowledge and Management of Hypersensitivity to Aspirin and NSAIDs

Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are some of the most common culprits of drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions, and can lead to a wide array of adverse effects. The accurate and timely diagnosis of aspirin and NSAID-induced hypersensitivity reactions is important for both patient safety and for the initiation of appropriate disease-specific management and treatment. Because there are no reliably validated in vitro tests available, aspirin and NSAID challenges are considered to be the criterion standard for the diagnosis of these hypersensitivity reactions, though in some patients the diagnosis can be made on the basis of a clear clinical history.

Aspirin or Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug-Exacerbated Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Aspirin (ASA)-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is characterized by upper airway congestion due to eosinophilic inflammation of the nasal and sinus membranes and nasal polyposis, associated with increased leukotriene production that is further accentuated by ASA or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ingestion. It occurs in 5% to 10% of subjects with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and in 15% to 40% of those with nasal polyposis. Although AERD with CRS is usually associated with asthma, this is not always the case. The eosinophilic airway inflammation and symptoms precede clinical reactions to ASA or other NSAIDs, but ultimately affected subjects experience worsening of symptoms with ingestion of ASA/NSAIDs. The endotypic mechanism for this worsening is related to a chronic increase in leukotriene and a decrease in prostaglandin production, particularly prostaglandin E2, that is further aggravated by the inhibition of cycloxgenase I. IgE does not likely play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease although nasal and sinus staphylococcal infection increases local IgE level and may increase total IgE and specific IgE levels. Genetic studies suggest that multiple genes may be involved, but the genetic abnormalities may differ in affected subjects from different ethnicities and candidate genes have not been confirmed in multiple studies. Genome-wide association studies have not been revealing. The phenotype is recognized by the mucosal inflammation and worsening of symptoms acutely with ASA/NSAID. There is clinical improvement with ASA desensitization followed by regular ingestion of ASA or other NSAIDs. Further understanding of this unique phenotype and endotype of CRS will likely improve the understanding of other eosinophilic airway diseases.

Identification of phenotypic clusters of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs exacerbated respiratory disease

BACKGROUND

Clinical presentation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) is found to be heterogeneous. This study classified phenotypic clusters to determine NERD subtypes.

METHODS

We performed two-step cluster analysis using urticaria, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and atopy, in a NERD cohort comprising 302 patients. Asthma exacerbation was defined as receiving at least one burst of intravenous steroid treatment and/or at least two bursts of oral steroid use (≥ 45 mg/3 days) per year. The possession rate of anti-asthmatic medications was estimated during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

There were four subtypes: subtype 1 (NERD with CRS/atopy and no urticaria), subtype 2 (NERD with CRS and no urticaria/atopy), subtype 3 (NERD without CRS/urticaria), and subtype 4 (NERD with urticaria). Significant differences were found between the four subtypes in the female proportion, baseline FEV1%, serum total IgE level, and sputum/peripheral eosinophil count. A higher frequency of asthma exacerbations was noted in subtype 1 compared to subtype 3. The possession rates of medium- to high-dose inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting beta₂ -agonists showed significant differences among the four subtypes. Metabolomic analysis showed that the four subtypes of NERD had a higher serum leukotriene E4 (LTE4) level than those with aspirin-tolerant asthma. The patients with subtypes 1 and 3 had a higher urine LTE4 level than those with subtype 2.

CONCLUSION

We found four distinct subtypes with different clinical/biochemical findings and asthma exacerbations in a NERD cohort. These findings suggest that stratified strategies by applying subtype classification may help achieve better outcomes in the management of NERD.

Contemporary management of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease: an evidence-based review with recommendations

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) represents a recalcitrant form of sinonasal inflammation for which a multidisciplinary consensus on patient management has not been reached. Several medical interventions have been investigated, but a formal comprehensive evaluation of the evidence has never been performed. The purpose of this article is to provide an evidence-based approach for the multidisciplinary management of CRS in AERD.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed and the guidelines for development of an evidence-based review with recommendations were followed. Study inclusion criteria included: adult population >18 years old; CRS based on published diagnostic criteria, and a presumptive diagnosis of AERD. We focused on reporting higher-quality studies (level 2 or higher) when available, but reported lower-quality studies if the topic contained insufficient evidence. Treatment recommendations were based on American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) guidelines, with defined grades of evidence and evaluation of research quality and risk/benefits associated with each treatment.

RESULTS

This review identified and evaluated the literature on 3 treatment strategies for CRS in AERD: dietary salicylate avoidance, leukotriene modification, and desensitization with daily aspirin therapy.

CONCLUSION

Based on the available evidence, dietary salicylate avoidance and leukotriene-modifying drugs are options following appropriate treatment with nasal corticosteroids and saline irrigation. Desensitization with daily aspirin therapy is recommended following revision endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Predictive value of a negative oral provocation test in patients with hypersensitivity to analgesics

INTRODUCTION

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) take first or second place as the cause of drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions. The oral provocation test (OPT) is a gold standard for the diagnosis of NSAID hypersensitivity. We investigated which analgesics patients took after a negative OPT and determined the proportion of patients that experienced a hypersensitivity reaction despite a negative OPT.

METHODS

We selected 115 patients (67.8% female, age 54.9 ± 16.7 years) with a negative aspirin OPT and a convincing history of immediate hypersensitivity to aspirin or NSAIDs. In a telephone survey, we identified the analgesics taken after the OPT and possible adverse events.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time was 5.1 ± 2.0 years. All subjects needed at least one analgesic drug. Despite the negative outcome of the aspirin OPT, only 33.9% of subjects took aspirin and 0.9% had a hypersensitivity reaction. The negative predictive value (NPV) of the aspirin OPT was 97.4%. Overall, 16 (13.9%) subjects experienced a hypersensitivity reaction, 12 of which occurred after taking a drug not tested with the OPT. The NPV of the OPT for all NSAIDs was 96.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the available data that most subjects do not re-take the tested drug regardless of the high NPV of the OPT.

HLA-DRB and HLA-DQ genetic variability in patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

BACKGROUND

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II is involved in T-cell activation, cytokine secretion, and induction of immune responses. Cytokines, staphylococcus super antigens, and eosinophil activation are proposed to play important roles in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).

OBJECTIVES

This study is aimed at investigating the association of HLA-DRB and DQ genetic variabilities in patients with AERD.

METHODS

A genetic association analysis in three different groups, including 33 patients with AERD, 17 patients with aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA), and 100 healthy controls was performed. Oral aspirin challenge (OAC) test was performed to identify aspirin hypersensitivity. Pulmonary function test (PFT) was performed for all patients. Eosinophil percentage in nasal smear and peripheral blood and serum immunoglobin (Ig)E were investigated. HLA-DRB, HLA-DQA1, and HLA-DQB1 were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

HLA-DQB1*0302 (OR, 5.49, 95% confidence interval [CI],(2.40-12.59)), HLA-DQA1*0301 (OR, 2.90, 95% CI, (1.49-5.67)), HLA-DRB4 (OR, 2.94, 95% CI, (1.61-5.36)), and HLA-DRB1*04 (OR, 3.19, 95% CI, (1.57-6.47)) were higher in patients with AERD compared with controls. In patients with AERD, HLA-DQB1*0301 (OR,0.22, 95% CI, (0.09-0.54)), HLA-DQA1*0501 (OR, 0.42, 95% CI, (0.21-0.81)), HLA-DRB1*11 (OR, 0.30, 95% CI, (0.12-0.73)), and HLA-DRB3 (OR, 0.38, 95% CI, (0.21-0.70)) were significantly lower compared with healthy controls. Patients with AERD had lower frequencies of HLA-DQB1*0301 (OR, 0.27, 95% CI, (0.08-0.86)), and HLA-DRB1*011 (OR, 0.27, 95% CI, (0.08-0.86)) compared with ATA. Haplotypes of HLA-DRB1*04/ DQA1*0301/ DQB1*0302 (OR, 4.25, 95% CI, (1.94-9.29)) and HLA-DRB1*07 /DQA1*0201/ DQB1*0201 (OR, 3.52, 95% CI, (1.54-8.06)) were higher in patients with AERD compared with controls (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this study suggest that HLA-DQB1*0302 and HLA-DRB1*04 and their related haplotypes are genes involved in predisposing patients to AERD, whereas HLA-DQB1*0301 and HLA-DRB1*011 have negative association with AERD.

Epidemiology of chronic rhinosinusitis, selected risk factors, comorbidities, and economic burden

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a relevant and prevalent medical condition in Germany, Europe and the world. If analysed in detail, the prevalence of CRS shows regional and temporary variety. In this review, currently available data regarding the prevalence of CRS is therefore sorted by country and/or region, time point of data collection and the CRS-definition employed. Risk factors like smoking and gastroesophageal reflux are discussed regarding their influence on CRS prevalence. Moreover, comorbidities of CRS, like asthma, conditions of the cardiovascular system and depression are listed and their influence on CRS is discussed. Furthermore, data on CRS prevalence in special cohorts, like immunocompromised patients, are presented. To estimate the economic burden of CRS, current data e.g. from Germany and the USA are included in this review.

Pharmacogenetic tests to predict the efficacy of aspirin desensitization in patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory diseases; HLA-DQB302

This study is aimed at investigating the association of HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQA1, and HLA-DQB1 variability with the response to aspirin desensitization (AD). A total of 16 patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory diseases (AERD, 81.3% were female) with median age of 29 ± 4.3 years were included in this study. Following 6 months, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22), medication, symptom scores, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (all p < 0.001) improved significantly. However, only seven patients (43.7%) had clinically significant improvement in all of the medication and symptom scores and FEV1, who were considered responders to AD. Responders to AD had significantly higher symptom scores compared with non-responders at baseline (20 ± 1.18 vs 10 ± 1.27; p = 0.003). HLADQB1*0302 was significantly lower in non-responders than in responders to AD (0.12 [0.02-0.76]; p = 0.022). Sensitivity and specificity of HLA-DQB1*0302 to predict response to AD was 71.4% (95% CI: 35.8-91.7) and 81.8% (95% CI: 52.3-94.8). This study introduces HLA-DQB1*0302 as a genetic marker for favorable response to AD.

Aspirin desensitization for patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

The effect of aspirin desensitization (AD) on immunologic profile of patients with AERD has been poorly understood. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of AD on clinical and immunological markers of patients with AERD. This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial comprised 34 adult patients (67.6% female) with chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps, and aspirin-intolerant asthma. The active group underwent AD over a 2-day period with increasing doses of aspirin (60, 125, 325, and 625 mg), followed by receiving aspirin 625 mg twice daily for 6 months. Symptom scores and medication needs of patients with AERD who have undergone AD were significantly lower compared to the placebo group after 6 months (7.5 ± 3.5 vs. 10.6 ± 3.8 and 9.3 ± 2.0 vs. 11.0 ± 3.1, respectively, all p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in serum concentration of IL-10, IFN-γ, and TGF-β between two groups neither at baseline nor at the end of study.