Measuring control of disease in Chronic Rhinosinusitis; assessing the correlation between SinoNasal Outcome Test-22 and Visual Analogue Scale item scores.

BACKGROUND: In chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), aim of treatment is control of disease. EPOS2020 suggests the use of visual analogue scale (VAS) measurements on several symptoms. We aim to determine if individual VAS items can be replaced by widely used SinoNasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) items when determining control of disease, to avoid using double measurements and to stimulate its use in clinical practice. METHODS: Analyses were made on correlations between individual SNOT-22 scores and symptom-specific questions from consecutive patients with CRS visiting our tertiary referral rhinologic clinic for the first time. RESULTS: 157 CRS patients were included. Correlations of individual items were strong (r greater than 0.8). Best parity in sensitivity, specificity, positive predicting value, negative predicting value, odds ratio and Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were found in individual item score of VAS greater than 5 and SNOT item-score. This cut off is valid for measuring control of disease, combining several nasal, facial pain and sleep symptoms (controlled, partially controlled and uncontrolled). CONCLUSION: There is strong correlation between individual items measured as SNOT or VAS. For the definition of CRS disease control, as proposed in EPOS2020, the use of symptoms specific SNOT 23 is predictive of VAS greater than 5.

Occupational exposure influences control of disease in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a frequent condition that is treated by endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) when medical treatment fails. Irritating or sensitizing airborne agents can contribute to uncontrolled CRS. A prior study showed a linear correlation between occupational exposure and the number of ESS. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study we tested the hypothesis that occupational exposure is a risk for undergoing ESS. We sent questionnaires enquiring occupational exposure in patients with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) or CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). An expert assessed blindly the reported work exposures to inhaled agents. The relationship between occupational exposure on undergoing ESS was analysed. RESULTS: Among all patients who underwent ESS (n=343), 30% reported a relevant occupational exposure, which is significantly higher than the 4.8% found among CRS patients that underwent no prior sinus surgery (n=21). Besides occupational exposure, self-reported doctor-diagnosed asthma were independent variables contributing to the chance of undergoing ESS. CONCLUSION: In our study we confirm occupational exposure as a risk factor for uncontrolled CRS, if defined by undergoing ESS. In CRS patients with uncontrolled symptoms, despite maximal conservative therapy, the clinician should explore the possible contribution of occupational exposure.

Early signs and symptoms of intracranial complications of otitis media in pediatric and adult patients: A different presentation?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to review the clinical presentation and early signs and symptoms of otogenic intracranial complications (OIC) in children and adults. METHODS: retrospective chart review. The medical records of all children and adults admitted in our center with OIC during the period 2008-2017 were reviewed. Data concerning clinical presentation, treatment and outcomes were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: We included 47 patients with OIC: 21 children (range 1-13 years) and 26 adults (range 22-71 years). We included more patients with acute otitis media than with chronic otitis media (children 5% adults 19%, all with cholesteatoma). In children; the most common OIC was central cerebral venous thrombosis. In both children and adults; otogenic symptoms such as otalgia and otorrhea were present. Children presented more frequently with headache and nausea. Adults presented more frequently with decreased consciousness. Hearing loss was the most common long-term sequel. Three adults died. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, we found that OIC in children present as 'mimicking meningitis' (e.g. nausea and vomiting). Adults on the other hand have a clinical presentation 'mimicking stroke' (e.g. neurological deficits and decreased level of consciousness). In children, sinus thrombosis was observed more frequently than in adults. Despite the low mortality rate, death still occurs. Long -term sequelae most frequently include hearing loss in children as well as in adults.