ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To find predicting symptom(s) in patients with a positive skin test, and identify patient characteristics according to ARIA classification. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Four hundred and thirty four rhinologic patients were retrospectively studied. Nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, itching, sneezing, and smell dysfunction were assessed. Patients were also classified according to the ARIA guideline. RESULTS: Of 434 patients, 277 (63.8%) were skin prick test positive. There was no statistical difference in sex, but the mean age of the positive skin test group was lower than that in the negative group (p < 0.05). Intermittent or persistent symptoms and total symptom score were not significantly different. Severe nasal itching was more common in the positive group (p = 0.04). The impact of symptoms was similar between the two groups, except for self-reported comorbidity, which was higher in the negative group (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: There were no predicting symptoms and no difference in the symptom characteristics for the patients with positive skin test.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of dexpanthenol spray and saline irrigation in the postoperative care of sinusitis patients following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). MATERIAL AND METHOD: One hundred twenty eight sinusitis patients undergoing ESS were randomly allocated to receive dexpanthenol spray (Mar plus) or saline irrigation twice a day for 4 weeks after the operation. Total nasal symptom score, crusting, infection, compliance, and patient satisfaction were evaluated at 1, 2-3, 4-6, and 12 weeks. Mucociliary clearance was assessed with the saccharin test before ESS and at the last visit. One hundred ten patients remained at the present study termination. Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were employed. RESULTS: Total nasal symptom score, mucociliary clearance, and infection improved in both groups after the operation. The dexpanthenol group resulted in a better mucociliary clearance than saline irrigation (9.93 +/- 6.04 vs. 12.38 +/- 9.32 min, p = 0.43). Saline irrigation resulted in a greater reduction of post nasal drip than dexpanthenol at the first visit (74% vs. 87%, p = 0.04). Compliance and patient satisfaction were comparable. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of dexpanthenol was comparable to nasal saline irrigation in the postoperative care of sinusitis patients following endoscopic sinus surgery. Dexpanthenol is an alternative treatment, which may be useful in young children and complicated cases.