Effectiveness of Dupilumab in the Treatment of Adult and Older Adult Patients with Severe, Uncontrolled CRSwNP

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a multifactorial disease that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. New therapeutic strategies and in particular biologic treatments are now available for these patients. It has been demonstrated that Dupilumab (an anti IL-4/IL-13 biologic drug) is effective in reducing the size of nasal polyps and in improving patients' symptoms and thus, quality of life. No real-world studies examining Dupilamab's efficacy in the elderly with respect to other adult age groups have as yet been carried out. The aim of this multicentric study was to evaluate Dupilumab's efficacy in young-middle adults as opposed to an older adult population affected by severe, uncontrolled CRSwNP. Of the 96 patients included in the study, 22 were 65 years old or older. Significant improvements were observed in all the parameters considered in both age groups after treatment was begun (T0 mean values for SNOT-22 = 58.5 ± 20.3, VAS NO = 7.6 ± 2.2, VAS smell = 8.6 ± 2.1, NPS = 5.6 ± 1.4, PNIF = 101.6 ± 59.4, S'S = 5.1 ± 3.1), T4 mean values for SNOT-22 = 15.1 ± 12.7, VAS NO = 1.7 ± 1.8, VAS smell = 2.4 ± 3, NPS = 1.7 ± 1.7, PNIF = 162.4 ± 43.2, S'S = 10.4 ± 3.7) (p < 0.0001). No differences in the variables considered were observed between the two age groups during the study, with the exception of the Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF), which was marginally higher; this was also the case according to multivariate analyses (p = 0.008) in the young-middle adult group with respect to the elderly one (p = 0.07). At multivariate analyses, asthma and the female sex negatively influenced the PNIF values (p = 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively). Age negatively influenced the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for nasal obstruction (p = 0.0032) and Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) negatively influenced the patents' olfactory performance (p = 0.028) to the same degree in both groups. Dupilumab was found to be effective to the same degree in both age groups. It can be considered a safe and reliable option for the treatment of elderly patients with severe, uncontrolled CRSwNP.

Measuring Nasal Patency and the Sense of Smell in CRSwNP Patients Treated with Dupilumab

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in the most severe forms is associated with a poor quality of life. Dupilumab has been suggested as an add-on treatment option for severe CRSwNP. Severe CRSwNP patients treated with dupilumab in different rhinological units were followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months from the first administration and were considered for this study. At baseline (T0) and at each follow-up, patients underwent nasal endoscopy and completed the sinonasal outcome test (SNOT)-22, a visual analogue scale (VAS) for smell/nasal obstruction, peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and the Sniffin' Sticks identification test (SSIT). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dupilumab in patients with severe uncontrolled CRSwNP on recovering nasal obstruction and smell impairment. Moreover, the method between PNIF and SSIT with the highest correlation with patients' response to dupilumab was evaluated. One hundred forty-seven patients were included. All parameters improved during treatment (p < 0.001). At T0, no correlations were found between PNIF and nasal symptoms. Nevertheless, during the following evaluations significant correlations between PNIF changes and both nasal symptoms and NPS were observed (p < 0.05). At T0, SSIT did not correlate with SNOT-22. Similarly to PNIF, during the follow-up SSIT changes significantly correlated with nasal symptom and NPS (p < 0.05). Comparing PNIF and SSIT correlations with SNOT-22 and NPS, PNIF showed a higher correlation with both. Dupilumab improves nasal obstruction and the sense of smell. PNIF and SSIT are effective tools in monitoring patients' response to dupilumab.

Effects of cleaning spray use on eyes, airways, and ergonomic load

BACKGROUND

Cleaning workers are exposed to chemicals and high physical workload, commonly resulting in airway problems and pain. In this study the response in the upper airways and the physical workload following airborne and ergonomic exposure of cleaning spray was investigated.

METHODS

A survey was answered by professional cleaning workers to investigate their use of cleaning sprays and the perceived effects on eyes, airways and musculoskeletal pain. A human chamber exposure study was then conducted with 11 professional cleaning workers and 8 non-professional cleaning workers to investigate the airborne exposure, acute effects on eyes and airways, and physical load during cleaning with sprays, foam application and microfiber cloths premoistened with water. All cleaning products used were bleach, chlorine, and ammonia free. The medical assessment included eye and airway parameters, inflammatory markers in blood and nasal lavage, as well as technical recordings of the physical workload.

RESULTS

A high frequency of spray use (77%) was found among the 225 professional cleaning workers that answered the survey. Based on the survey, there was an eight times higher risk (p < 0.001) of self-experienced symptoms (including symptoms in the nose, eyes and throat, coughing or difficulty breathing) when they used sprays compared to when they cleaned with other methods. During the chamber study, when switching from spray to foam, the airborne particle and volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations showed a decrease by 7 and 2.5 times, respectively. For the whole group, the peak nasal inspiratory flow decreased (-10.9 L/min, p = 0.01) during spray use compared to using only water-premoistened microfiber cloths. These effects were lower during foam use (-4.7 L/min, p = 0.19). The technical recordings showed a high physical workload regardless of cleaning with spray or with water.

CONCLUSION

Switching from a spraying to a foaming nozzle decreases the exposure of both airborne particles and VOCs, and thereby reduces eye and airway effects, and does not increase the ergonomic load. If the use of cleaning products tested in this study, i.e. bleach, chlorine, and ammonia free, cannot be avoided, foam application is preferable to spray application to improve the occupational environment.

Effectiveness of Dupilumab in the Treatment of Patients with Uncontrolled Severe CRSwNP: A "Real-Life" Observational Study in Naïve and Post-Surgical Patients

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) represents 25−30% of all CRS cases, and in the most severe forms it is associated with a poor quality of life and a high rate of nasal polyps’ recurrence after surgery. Dupilumab has been suggested as a treatment option for severe CRSwNP. Methods: Patients with severe CRSwNP receiving dupilumab from January 2021 were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months from the first administration and were considered for this study. At baseline and at each follow-up, patients underwent nasal endoscopy and completed the Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-22, a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for smell/nasal obstruction, the Nasal Congestion Score and the Asthma Control Test. Peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), a smell test, nasal cytology and blood eosinophilia were also evaluated. Results: Forty-seven patients were included in the study. Of these, 33 patients had a history of previous surgery (ESS) and had recurrent nasal polyps, while 14 patients were naïve to nasal surgery. Both subjective and objective parameters improved after biological treatment and were correlated with each other (p < 0.05), except for the SNOT-22 and the nasal polyp’s score. No correlations were found between nasal and blood eosinophilia. No differences were observed when comparing the post-surgical and the naïve groups. Conclusions: Dupilumab improves nasal obstruction and the sense of smell and reduces the level of local inflammation in severe CRSwNP patients in a similar way in both naïve and post-surgical patients.

Correlations between Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow, Acoustic Rhinometry, 4-Phase Rhinomanometry and Reported Nasal Symptoms

Background: Rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry (AR) and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) are popular methods for nasal patency evaluation. The aim of the present study was to compare these three methods with the reported nasal symptoms to determine the best diagnostic tool to assess nasal obstruction. Methods: 101 subjects were evaluated using PNIF, 4-phase rhinomanometry (4PR), AR, Visual Analogue Scale for nasal obstruction (VAS-NO) and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). Correlations among PNIF, 4PR, AR, VAS-NO and SNOT-22 were obtained. Results: VAS-NO and SNOT-22 were moderately correlated with each other (r = 0.54, p < 0.001). 4PR was moderately correlated with PNIF (r = −0.31, p = 0.0016) and AR (r = −0.5, p < 0.001). VAS-NO was mildly correlated with PNIF (r = −0.29, p = 0.0034). SNOT-22 was moderately correlated with PNIF (r = −0.31, p = 0.0017). After dividing the population into symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects, based on their VAS-NO score, the former showed significantly lower PNIF values (p = 0.009) and higher 4PR values (p = 0.013) compared to the latter ones. Conclusion: PNIF and 4PR showed a significant moderate correlation with each other, but PNIF showed a significant correlation (weak-moderate) with the reported nasal symptom scores.

Upper and Lower Respiratory Signs and Symptoms in Workers Occupationally Exposed to Flour Dust

A group of 142 bakers was studied in order to investigate the relationship between higher/lower respiratory signs/symptoms and inflammation biomarkers and occupational exposure to flour dust. A complete upper and lower respiratory tract evaluation was performed. Seven percent of bakers complained of lower respiratory symptoms, while 22% of them complained of upper respiratory symptoms. Fifty five percent of the bakers were allergic, and 37.1% showed sensitization to occupational allergens. Abnormal spirometries were found in 15% of bakers, while fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was above the normal reference in 24.5% of them. Moreover, 23.8% of bakers were found to be hyposmic. Population mean peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) was in the normal range even if almost all the workers suffered from neutrophilic rhinitis at nasal cytology with the number of nasal neutrophils increasing with the increase of the duration of exposure to flour dust (p = 0.03). PNIF and FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in the 1st second) showed a positive correlation (p = 0.03; r = 0.19). The Tiffeneau index decreased with the increase of dust (p = 0.017). A similar result was obtained once we divided our population into smokers and non-smokers (p = 0.021). Long-term exposure to bakery dusts can lead to a status of minimal nasal inflammation and allergy.

Effectiveness of micronized nasal irrigations with hyaluronic acid/isotonic saline solution in non-polipoid chronic rhinosinusitis: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study

BACKGROUND

Sodium hyaluronate has been proposed as a treatment for improving the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. The present study evaluated the effect of the intranasal administration of hyaluronic acid in a group of patients affected by chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty subjects aged 18-65 years affected by CRSsNP were enrolled. The subjects were randomly administered hyaluronic acid or isotonic saline solution by nasal nebulizer twice per day for 30 days. They were evaluated before (T0) and after the treatment (T1) with Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22, visual analogue scale for rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, facial pain and hyposmia/hypogeusia, nasal endoscopy, active anterior rhinomanometry, peak nasal inspiratory flow and nasal cytology.

RESULTS

Comparing the study and the control group, at T1 no significant differences were observed in both objective and subjective parameters. Being included in the study group rather than in the control group did not have a significant effect on the variation of the considered parameters between T0 and T1. Considering the effects of the micronized douches independently from the type of solution used (either hyaluronic acid or isotonic saline solution), although no difference emerged between study and control group for any of the objective parameters, there was an improvement of Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 scores (p = .0005), visual analogue scale for nasal obstruction (p = .0006) and for hyposmia/hypogeusia (p = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment with micronized nasal douches can improve the sino-nasal symptoms of CRSsNP, in particular nasal obstruction and olfactory ability. No advantage of the use of hyaluronic acid over isotonic saline solution emerged.

Nasal Function Changes at High Altitude

BACKGROUND

An ever-increasing number of people are involved in sport activities at high altitude.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the pulmonary and nasal functions, including nasal cytology, in healthy volunteers moving for 1 week from an altitude of 2000 m to another of 3400 m.

METHODS

Peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), pulmonary function, including peak expiratory flow (PEF), mucociliary transport time (MCTt), nasal cytology, and oxygen saturation (O₂ sat) were studied in 5 different occasions-T1: at base camp (2000 m); T2: at the mountain refuge (3400 m); T3: after 7 days at 3400 m; T4: after the return at the base camp (2000 m); and T5: at the base camp (2000 m) after 15 days.

RESULTS

With respect to T1, PEF values decreased at T2 (P = .004), T3 (P = .004), T4 (P = .000), and T5 (P = .001). Forced expiratory volume in the first second and forced vital capacity did not differ among the 5 different times of measurements. In regard to T1, PNIF values increased at T2 (P = .003) and T3 (P = .001). MCTt and O₂ sat showed similar but opposite changes with MCTt increased at T2 and T3 in respect to T1 (P = .000 for both), while O₂ sat decreased at T2 and T3 in respect to T1 (P = .000 for both). At nasal cytology, the number of neutrophils increased at T2 in respect to T1 (P = .008). At multivariate analysis, PNIF changed with altitude from T1 to T4 even accounting for the effect of all the other variables (T1 vs T2 PNIF, P = .009; T1 vs T3 PNIF, P = .007; T1 vs T4 PNIF, P = .021).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the study has some limitations, being conducted on a small cohort and at no controlled environmental conditions, data seem to support the utility of MCTt for studying nasal mucosa damage induced by high altitude. Nasal cytology seems to be able to identify the inflammation of the nasal mucosa exposed to hypoxia. Further investigations on larger series and possibly conducted in hypobaric chamber at controlled standardized conditions are necessary in order to confirm these results and, most importantly, the improvement of PNIF at high altitude.

Effect of the external nasal dilator on adolescent athleteswith and without allergic rhinitis

OBJECTIVES

The ability to effectively breathe through the nose is an important component of physical exercise. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of the external nasal dilator (END) on healthy adolescent athletes and those with allergic rhinitis.

METHODS

Clinical trial, double-blind, crossover, in which we evaluated healthy adolescent athletes with allergic rhinitis, using experimental and placebo ENDs, submitted to a maximum cardio-respiratory test in randomized order. Predicted values for peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF%) and nasal resistance (NR) were obtained, and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was also assessed after the race test.

RESULTS

65 adolescents participated in the study, 30 of whom had allergic rhinitis. The use of experimental ENDs demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in peak nasal inspiratory flow values (predicted %), nasal resistance, maximal oxygen uptake value (VO₂Max.) and rating of perceived exertion, both in the healthy group and the one with allergic rhinitis.

CONCLUSION

Results suggested that END reduces nasal resistance, improves maximal oxygen uptake and rating of perceived exertion after a maximum cardio-respiratory test on healthy adolescents and those with allergic rhinitis.

Effect of steroids for nasal polyposis surgery: A placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Although medical intervention is the first option for treatment of nasal polyps, surgery is still a therapeutic option for symptomatic cases that do not respond or partially respond to medical intervention. However, there is a need for high-level evidence for the preoperative use of steroids in nasal polyposis surgery. We aimed to assess the perioperative effect of preoperative use of oral prednisolone for advanced-stage diffuse nasal polyposis.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

METHODS

A visual analog scale (VAS) was evaluated for smell, nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, facial pressure, headache, butanol smell threshold, and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) before and after the use of study drug. Perioperative bleeding volume, visibility of operative field, operative time, hospital stay, and complication rate were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The improvement in the corticosteroid group (CG) in the VAS scores, butanol thresholds, and PNIF values showed statistically significant differences compared to the placebo group (PG) (P < .05). The perioperative bleeding volume, visibility score, operative time, and hospital stay for CG/PG were 141 mL/384 mL, 2.4/3.4, 61 min/71.6 min, and 1.1 day/1.8 day, respectively (P < .05). The difference between the complication rates for the two groups did not show any statistically significant difference (P = .214).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative administration of systemic corticosteroids improves the perioperative visibility by reducing blood loss and shortens the operation time. We recommend the use of preoperative corticosteroid for the safety of the patients. The optimum dose and duration have not been established and require further studies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1b.

N-butanol olfactory threshold and nasal patency before and after palatal expansion in children. A preliminary study

OBJECTIVES

Olfaction is based on the function of the nasal olfactory receptors. Children can well detect and respond to odors in order to have information about food and environment. Rapid maxillary expansion seems to improve dental class and increase nasal patency correcting oral respiration in children. Nevertheless, there are no studies demonstrating that expansion in pediatric patients could influence olfactory sensitivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate olfactory threshold and nasal patency in children aged from 6 to 12 years before and after rapid maxillary expansion.

METHOD

N-butanol olfactory thresholds, anterior active rhinomanometry, and peak nasal inspiratory flow were measured in 12 children (6-12 years) before (T0), 20 days (T1), and 6 months after rapid maxillary expansion application (T2).

RESULTS

A significant lower olfactory threshold was found comparing T2 and T0 N-butanol olfactory threshold values (p=0.038). Peak nasal inspiratory flow showed a significant improvement both at T1 and T2, with respect to T0 values (p=0.043 and p=0.0001, respectively). T2 nasal resistances showed a trend towards a significant reduction when compared with T1 values (p=0.15).

CONCLUSION

This pilot study suggested that rapid maxillary expansion may lead to improved N-butanol olfactory thresholds, at least 6 months after palatal expansion. Furthermore, rapid maxillary expansion seems to improve peak nasal inspiratory flow values, and finally although with lower sensitivity, reduce nasal resistances as measured by rhinomanometry.