Efficacy of EDS-FLU for Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Two Randomized Controlled Trials (ReOpen1 and ReOpen2)

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent inflammatory disease. No medications are Food and Drug Administration-approved for the most common form, CRS without nasal polyps (also called "chronic sinusitis"). Novel biomechanics of the exhalation delivery system deliver fluticasone (EDS-FLU; XHANCE) to sinonasal areas above the inferior turbinate, especially sinus drainage pathways not reached by standard-delivery nasal sprays.

OBJECTIVE

Assess EDS-FLU efficacy for CRS (irrespective of nasal polyps).

METHODS

Two randomized, EDS-placebo-controlled trials in adults with CRS irrespective of polyps (ReOpen1) or exclusively without polyps (ReOpen2) were conducted at 120 sites in 13 countries. Patients received EDS-FLU 1 or 2 sprays/nostril, or EDS-placebo, twice daily for 24 weeks. Coprimary measures were composite symptom score through week 4 and ethmoid/maxillary sinus percent opacification by computed tomography at week 24.

RESULTS

ReOpen1 (N = 332) composite symptom score least-squares mean change for EDS-FLU 1 or 2 sprays/nostril versus EDS-placebo was -1.58 and -1.60 versus -0.62 (P < .001, P < .001); ReOpen2 (N = 223), -1.54 and -1.74 versus -0.81 (P = .011, P = .001). In ReOpen1, sinus opacification least-squares mean change for EDS-FLU 1 or 2 sprays/nostril versus EDS-placebo was -5.58 and -6.20 versus -1.60 (P = .045, P = .018), and in ReOpen2, -7.00 and -5.14 versus +1.19 (P < .001, P = .009). Acute disease exacerbations were reduced by 56% to 66% with EDS-FLU versus EDS-placebo (P = .001). There were significant, and similar magnitude, symptom reductions in patients using standard-delivery nasal steroid products just before entering the study (P < .001). Adverse events were similar to standard-delivery intranasal steroids.

CONCLUSIONS

EDS-FLU is the first nonsurgical treatment demonstrated to reduce symptoms, intrasinus opacification, and exacerbations in replicate randomized clinical trials in CRS, regardless of polyp status.

Utility of Environmental Exposure Unit Challenge Protocols for the Study of Allergic Rhinitis Therapies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This paper explores how the Environmental Exposure Unit (EEU) experimental model can be used to further our understanding of pharmacotherapies and immunotherapies for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR).

RECENT FINDINGS

EEUs are used increasingly for the study of combination therapies, immunotherapies, and novel AR treatments. A combined antihistamine/corticosteroid nasal spray formulation was seen to have a faster onset of action relative to the therapies individually in the Environmental Exposure Chamber. House dust mite sublingual immunotherapy tablets are both safe and efficacious as evaluated by the Vienna Challenge Chamber. The Kingston EEU found that a novel peptide-based immunotherapy approach to be effective in reducing grass pollen-induced AR. Lastly, nasal filters were determined to reduce seasonal AR symptoms, given out-of-season in the Denmark Environmental Exposure Unit. EEUs are controlled, replicable models that provide valuable insight into the efficacy, onset and duration of action, and dose-related impacts of AR therapeutics, with direct clinical relevance.

Add-On Omalizumab for Inadequately Controlled Severe Pollinosis Despite Standard-of-Care: A Randomized Study

BACKGROUND

Cedar pollinosis (CP), a common form of seasonal allergic rhinitis (AR), is a substantial medical problem in Japan due to its high prevalence and severe symptoms. Omalizumab (anti-IgE therapy) has previously proven to be effective in CP/AR, but no studies for inadequately controlled severe CP/AR despite standard-of-care (SoC) have been conducted.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of omalizumab added to SoC in patients with inadequately controlled severe CP in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase III study.

METHODS

Adult/adolescent patients with severe CP whose symptoms were inadequately controlled despite nasal corticosteroids plus 1 or more oral medications in the previous 2 seasons were randomized to receive omalizumab (n = 162) or placebo (n = 175). All patients received concomitant antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids as SoC. The primary endpoint was the mean nasal symptom score during the severe symptom period. Secondary endpoints included mean ocular symptom score, quality of life (QoL), and safety.

RESULTS

The SoC + omalizumab treatment had statistically significantly and clinically important lower nasal (least squares mean difference, -1.03, P < .001) and ocular (-0.87, P < .001) symptom scores compared with SoC + placebo, respectively. Differences in scores for individual components of nasal and ocular symptoms were also statistically and clinically significant. SoC + omalizumab also improved QoL scores as overall and in all domains. No unexpected safety signals were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with severe CP, omalizumab added to SoC demonstrated consistent efficacy in improving symptoms and QoL, and was well tolerated. These results indicate that omalizumab could be a promising therapeutic option for severe CP/AR.

Approach to Patients with Allergic Rhinitis: Testing and Treatment

This article evaluates the role of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). AIT has been shown to be effective in treating AR symptoms with resultant improvements in overall quality of life, comorbid illnesses, and medication requirements. Persistent clinical benefits have been shown years after AIT treatment discontinuation. AIT may prevent the progression of AR to asthma. AIT may more cost-effective than pharmacotherapy. Multiple individual studies and systematic reviews provide strong evidence for the clinical effectiveness of AIT in the treatment of AR. Cost-effectiveness and disease modification of AIT compared with standard drug treatment are additional advantages.

Conchal contractility after inferior turbinate hypertrophy treatment:A prospective, randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of these two methods (Nasal corticosteroids (NCS) and radiofrequency (RF) application) on conchal contractility utilizing objective rhinologic measurement parameters.

METHODS

82 patients were presented with the complaint of nasal obstruction and diagnosed with inferior turbinate hypertrophy and were included in the study. Patients in Group 1 received NCS for 12weeks. Patients in Group 2 were administered RF to their inferior turbinates. Acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry tests with and without decongestant were performed.

RESULTS

In the evaluation of the contractility difference of rhinometry parameters, there was not a significant difference among pre and postoperative acoustic rhinometric parameters in Group 1. Whereas in Group 2, postoperative contractility difference was significantly decreased compared to preoperative values. In the evaluation of the contractility difference of rhinomanometric parameters, no significant difference was found between pre and postoperative values in Group 1. However, postoperative contractility difference was significantly decreased compared to preoperative values in Group 2 in terms.

CONCLUSION

Because the RF procedure produces fibrosis in the vascular tissues, inferior turbinates do not have a shrinking response to decongestant administration. Administration of NCS administration maintains the contractility function compared to RF application.

Adverse Effects of Nonsystemic Steroids (Inhaled, Intranasal, and Cutaneous): a Review of the Literature and Suggested Monitoring Tool

Inhaled, intranasal, and cutaneous steroids are prescribed by physicians for a plethora of disease processes including asthma and rhinitis. While the high efficacy of this class of medication is well known, the wide range of adverse effects, both local and systemic, is not well elucidated. It is imperative to monitor total steroid burden in its varied forms as well as tracking for possible side effects that may be caused by a high cumulative dose of steroids. This review article highlights the adverse effects of different steroid modalities as well as suggests a monitoring tool to determine steroid totality and side effects.

Assessment of nasal obstruction with rhinomanometry and subjective scales and outcomes of surgical and medical treatment

INTRODUCTION

Prospective study of patients with nasal obstruction (NO) in order to measure therapeutic success by anterior active rhinomanometry (AAR), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and to establish the correlation between these tests.

METHODS

Patients with NO, on whom we performed an AAR, NOSE and VAS scales at baseline and after medical treatment (topical nasal steroid) or surgery (septoplasty, turbinoplasty or septoplasty and turbinoplasty). The nasal flow obtained by the AAR and the score of both subjective scales (NOSE and VAS) were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 102 patients were included in the study. Surgical treatment resulted in statistically significant differences with the AAR and the subjective scales. While in patients with medical treatment there was an increase in the AAR nasal flow but without statistical significance (P=.1363). The correlation between the AAR, the NOSE and VAS scales was measured finding a strong correlation between the NOSE and VAS scales only (r=.83327).

CONCLUSIONS

The patients with NO treated surgically have better results when these are evaluated by AAR or with subjective scales. There is no significant correlation between AAR, NOSE and VAS scales, this is considered to be because the AAR and subjective scales are complementary and measure different aspects of NO. The AAR and subjective scales are useful tools to be used together for the follow up of patients with NO.

Determinants of Incomplete Asthma Control in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma

BACKGROUND

Characterizing associations between the upper and lower airways is important for asthma management.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the determinants of incomplete asthma control in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma.

METHODS

Multiple factors including age, sex, atopy, smoking history, medication use, Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) score, FEV₁, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (Feno), and rhinitis questionnaire score were examined. AR was defined by rhinitis symptoms and the sensitization to inhaled allergens. ACQ was used to dichotomize the subjects into the incompletely controlled group (ACQ score ≥0.75) and the well-controlled group. The factors that contribute to incomplete asthma control were assessed by a multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 260 patients with AR and asthma were enrolled and 108 patients (42%) were classified as incomplete asthma control. The incompletely controlled group was older (P < .05), and had more airflow limitation, more airway inflammation, and more severe rhinitis symptoms (all P < .001). In contrast, the well-controlled group was more likely to be taking nasal corticosteroids (NCSs) (P < .01). In a multivariate model adjusted by age, asthma treatment, airflow limitation, and Feno, persistence and severity of rhinitis (odds ratio [OR], 2.57; 95% CI, 1.41-4.70, and OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.10-3.65) and nonuse of NCSs (OR, 3.83; 95% CI, 1.50-9.81) were independently associated with incomplete asthma control.

CONCLUSIONS

The persistence and severity of AR and the use of NCSs were associated with the level of asthma control in patients with AR and asthma. Further studies are required to determine whether appropriate treatment of rhinitis would improve asthma control.

Efficacy of nasal corticosteroid in preventing regrowth after adenoidectomy

OBJECTIVE

One of the most frequent reasons of nasal obstruction and sleep apnea in pediatrics is adenoid hypertrophy. Remaining adenoid tissue can reoccur following hypertrophied adenoid removal and a second operation may be needed. Nasal corticosteroids are utilized in order to reduce adenoid hypertrophy and eliminate adenoidectomy operation. The purpose of our study is to assess the effect of nasal corticosteroid administration after adenoidectomy on adenoid regrowth and symptom scores.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Seventy patients who had adenoidectomy were enrolled in our study. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I (35 patients) received Mometasone furoate (40mcg/day per nostril) intranasal spray for 6 months, starting at postoperative week 3 after wound healing. As for Group II (35 patients), they received intranasal saline spray. Patients were followed up for one year. Every patient had flexible nasal endoscopy at postoperative week 3 and one year after the operation. Choana was scored according to its occlusion level by the adenoid tissue. Additionally, nasal obstruction symptoms (nasal congestion, dry mouth, snoring, nasal speaking, apnea and night coughing) were scored.

RESULTS

Remaining adenoid tissue in the nasopharynx was comparable in flexible endoscopic assessment and no significant difference was seen between postoperative week 3 nasal obstruction scores. In the flexible endoscopic assessment completed in the twelfth month of the study, significant reduction was found in Group 1 compared to Group 2 in terms of adenoid size. When patients in both groups were compared, statistically significant reduction was observed in nasal obstruction symptom scores at the twelfth month.

CONCLUSION

This study has demonstrated that the use of steroid nasal spray following adenoidectomy significantly prevents regrowth and reduces nasal obstruction symptoms in the early period.

Ongoing allergic rhinitis impairs asthma control by enhancing the lower airway inflammation

BACKGROUND

The relationship between allergic rhinitis and asthma is well accepted; however, little is known about the mechanism that underlies the interactions between the upper and lower airways.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the symptomatic and inflammatory linkages between allergic rhinitis and asthma in patients with atopy.

METHODS

We enrolled 520 patients with asthma who were taking inhaled corticosteroids, and examined them by using the Asthma Control Questionnaire, spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FENO), visual analog scale for nasal symptoms, allergic rhinitis questionnaire, and serum specific IgE (study 1). The symptomatic and inflammatory marker responses to nasal corticosteroids in patients with incompletely controlled asthma (Asthma Control Questionnaire > 0.75) and moderate-to-severe persistent allergic rhinitis were also observed (study 2).

RESULTS

A total of 348 patients (66.9%) had atopy and allergic rhinitis. There was a striking difference in the proportion of patients with incomplete asthma control, depending on the presence as well as the activity of rhinitis (no rhinitis, 11.0%; mild intermittent, 20.4%; moderate-to-severe intermittent, 44.6%; mild persistent, 53.1%; moderate-to-severe persistent, 65.7%). The FENO levels were increased with the activity of rhinitis, and the nasal visual analog scale was positively correlated with the FENO levels (r = 0.31; P < .0001). The additive treatment with nasal corticosteroids improved the nasal visual analog scale, Asthma Control Questionnaire, and FENO levels, and the changes in these variables were correlated with each other in all parameters (all P < .001).

CONCLUSION

This observational study of patients with atopy indicates that the ongoing allergic rhinitis is related to worsening of asthma by enhancing the lower airway inflammation.

Newer treatment modalities for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea

The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is common and its prevalence is expected to increase with the current obesity epidemic. If left untreated, it is associated with important morbidity such as growth failure, neurocognitive impairment, systemic and pulmonary hypertension, and endothelial dysfunction. Recent research has shown that many children, especially the obese or those with other underlying medical conditions, have residual obstructive sleep apnea after adenotonsillectomy (the primary treatment for childhood obstructive sleep apnea). These children could be effectively treated with continuous positive airway pressure but poor adherence is a significant limitation of this therapy. Therefore, new treatment modalities for the pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome are needed. Current research has focused on newer therapies for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, such as anti-inflammatories, dental treatments, high-flow nasal cannula, and weight loss. However, there are few randomized controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of these therapies. Further research is warranted.

The role of inhaled and/or nasal corticosteroids on the bronchodilator response

PURPOSE

To compare the profiles of the bronchodilator response (BDR) among children with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis (AR) and to determine whether BDR in these children is reduced by treatment with inhaled and/or nasal corticosteroid.

METHODS

Sixty-eight children with asthma (mean age, 10.9 years), 45 children with comorbid asthma and AR (mean age, 10.5 years), and 44 children with AR alone (mean age, 10.2 years) were investigated. After a 2-week baseline period, all children were treated with inhaled fluticasone propionate (either 100 or 250 µg b.i.d., tailored to asthma severity) or nasal fluticasone propionate (one spray b.i.d. in each nostril) or both, according to the condition. Before and 2 weeks after starting treatment, all children were evaluated with spirometry and bronchodilator testing. BDR was calculated as a percent change from the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) at baseline.

RESULTS

The mean BDR was 10.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 8.3-12.4%] in children with asthma, 9.0% (95% CI 7.3-10.9%) in subjects with asthma and AR, and 5.0% (95% CI 4.1-5.9%) in children with AR alone (P<0.001). After treatment, the mean BDR was reduced to 5.2% (95% CI 4.2-6.3%) (P<0.001) in children with asthma and to 4.5% (95% CI 3.5-5.5%) (P<0.001) in children with asthma and AR. However, children with rhinitis showed no significant change in BDR after treatment, with the mean value being 4.7% (95% CI 3.7-5.8%) (P=0.597).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study imply that an elevated BDR in children with AR cannot be attributed to nasal inflammation alone and highlights the close relationship between the upper and lower airways.