Comparison of Collecting Methods of Nasal Fluids Using Albumin after Nasal Provocation in Allergic Patients / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although different methods of collecting nasal fluid exist and can influence the result of the study, there have not been any studies made yet to compare the different methods. The authors aimed to evaluate the usefulness of these methods by comparing the albumin concentration of nasal fluid after nasal provocation in patients with allergic rhinitis. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: In 22 patients with allergic rhinitis, we measured the change of nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea after nasal provocation using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In Group A (n=10), the nasal lavage and direct suction method were used and in Group B (n=12), nasal lavage and filter paper method were used. Nasal fluids were obtained before, 20 min after and 8 hours after provocation. The concentration of albumin was calculated using rate nephelometry. RESULTS: Patients' nasal symptoms were aggravated in early allergic reaction but subsided in late reaction. There was meaningful increase of albumin concentration with the use of direct suction and filter paper methods. In contrast, there was no significant increase of concentration with the use of lavage method. CONCLUSION: The filter paper method is superior in the quantitative analysis of mediators in nasal fluid after nasal provocation in allergic patients. The lavage method, however, is considered inappropriate because of its dilution effect.