The Degree of Stress in Patients With Empty Nose Syndrome, Compared With Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Allergic Rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a mental health disease of growing public health concern because depressive mood affects the sufferer's daily life and is also associated with productivity decline. Depression that is caused by other diseases or substances is referred to as secondary depression, which is an important distinction because curing the underlying cause could subsequently regulate depressive mood. Empty nose syndrome (ENS), also known as "paradoxical obstruction of the nose," is a condition in which the major symptom is difficulty breathing, despite having sufficient breathing space in the nose. Empty nose syndrome has been increasing in prevalence in Korea. We found that patients with this ENS have a tendency toward depressive mood, which can escalate so far as to lead to suicide attempts. Thus, herein, we aimed to investigate the psychological burden on patients with ENS. METHODS: We divided patients into 4 groups: ENS (group A), chronic rhinosinusitis with polyp (CRS c polyp, group B), chronic rhinosinusitis without polyp (CRS s polyp, group C), and allergic rhinitis (AR, group D). We estimated and compared Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores among the 4 groups, and we investigated the relationship between depression index and nasal cavity area in patients with ENS. RESULTS: The ENS group (A) had depression prevalence of 71% with varying severity, which was much higher than group B (19%), group C (15%), and group D (27%). The correlation between nasal cavity volume and BDI score for the ENS group was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The degree and severity of depression in patients with ENS was higher than in patients with CRS or AR. Furthermore, there was no relationship between depression severity and nasal cavity volume in the patients with ENS. Thus, physicians should be careful not to dismiss the accompanying mental health problems of patients with ENS.

The impact of asthma on quality of life and symptoms in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Objective: The study aims to evaluate how asthma influences on clinical symptoms, imaging scores and HRQL in CRS patients.Methods: The study enrolled CRS patients and collected data about asthma status, clinical symptoms, allergic sensitization, computed tomography (CT) and 22-item SinoNasal Outcome questionnaire (SNOT-22). Matching pairs of asthmatic and non-asthmatic CRS patients were defined based on age, gender and nasal polyp presence. The difference between pairs in clinical symptoms, CT and SNOT-22 was then analyzed. The study enrolled mild to moderate asthma patients.Results: From 250 CRS patients 65 (26%) had asthma. We found 60 CRS asthma and CRS non-asthma pairs based on age, gender and nasal polyp presence. There was no difference in total SNOT-22 score between asthma (46.5) and non-asthma (43.5) CRS groups (p < .357). There were more patients with allergy positive medical history in asthma group (66.1%) when we stratified for CRS phenotypes, gender and age. Comparing visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for clinical symptoms, smell (p < .013) was the only symptom significantly worse in CRS asthma group. Although there was no difference in Lund-Mackay score, there was a slightly higher osteitis score in CRS asthma group (5.21 vs. 3.45; p = .059).Conclusion: CRS patients with asthma have significantly worse impairment of smell and taste when compared to non-asthmatic CRS patients. This is the only significant difference which is independent of nasal polyp presence, gender, age and allergy.

[A study on the quality of life and mental health of sinusitis patients with olfactory disorders].

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of dysosmia in patients with and without nasal polyps, and the impact of dysosmia on the quality of life and mental health in patients with Sinusitis. Method:A total of 105 randomly selected patients with Sinusitis were divided into two groups based on the results of the Sniffin's Sticks olfactory examination: The dysosmia group and the non dysosmia group, the quality of life （Qol） of olfaction quality of life scale and SCL-90 symptom checklist-90（SCL-90） were scored respectively. Result:The incidence of olfactory disorders in chronic sinusitis patients with nasal polyps was significantly higher than those without nasal polyps（χ²=37.133, P<0.001）. The quality of life score of the olfactory disturbance scale the quality of life score of the olfactory disturbance group（26.5±5.9） was significantly higher than that of the non olfactory disturbance group（11.76±3.58）（t=14.30, P<0.0001）. Life quality score（30.2±4.9） of female patients with olfactory dysfunction was significantly higher than that of male patients（22.3±4.0）（P<0.001）, The score of SCL-90 of chronic sinusitis patients with olfactory dysfunction（n=64） is 6.6（6.0-8.0）, while the score of SCL-90 of chronic sinusitis patients without olfactory dysfunction（n=41） is 7.0（6.2-7.6）, and there was no significant difference between the two groups（P>0.05）. Conclusion:The risk of dysosmia in patients with Sinusitis polyps was significantly higher than that in patients without nasal polyps, and the quality of life in patients with Sinusitis was significantly lower than that in patients without sinusitis, women also had a greater impact on their quality of life than men, and Sinusitis patients with dysosmia had no significant impact on their mental health.

Efficacy and safety of dupilumab in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (LIBERTY NP SINUS-24 and LIBERTY NP SINUS-52): results from two multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group phase 3 trials.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) generally have a high symptom burden and poor health-related quality of life, often requiring recurring systemic corticosteroid use and repeated sinus surgery. Dupilumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits signalling of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, key drivers of type 2 inflammation, and has been approved for use in atopic dermatitis and asthma. In these two studies, we aimed to assess efficacy and safety of dupilumab in patients with CRSwNP despite previous treatment with systemic corticosteroids, surgery, or both. METHODS: LIBERTY NP SINUS-24 and LIBERTY NP SINUS-52 were two multinational, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group studies assessing dupilumab added to standard of care in adults with severe CRSwNP. SINUS-24 was done in 67 centres in 13 countries, and SINUS-52 was done in 117 centres in 14 countries. Eligible patients were 18 years or older with bilateral CRSwNP and symptoms despite intranasal corticosteroid use, receiving systemic corticosteroids in the preceding 2 years, or having had sinonasal surgery. Patients in SINUS-24 were randomly assigned (1:1) to subcutaneous dupilumab 300 mg or placebo every 2 weeks for 24 weeks. Patients in SINUS-52 were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to dupilumab 300 mg every 2 weeks for 52 weeks, dupilumab every 2 weeks for 24 weeks and then every 4 weeks for the remaining 28 weeks, or placebo every 2 weeks for 52 weeks. All patients were randomly assigned centrally with a permuted block randomisation schedule. Randomisation was stratified by asthma or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease status at screening, previous surgery at screening, and country. Patients with or without comorbid asthma were included. Coprimary endpoints were changes from baseline to week 24 in nasal polyp score (NPS), nasal congestion or obstruction, and sinus Lund-Mackay CT scores (a coprimary endpoint in Japan), done in an intention-to-treat population. Safety was assessed in a pooled population of both dupilumab groups in SINUS-52 up to week 24 and the dupilumab group in SINUS-24 and the placebo groups in both studies until week 24. The trials are complete and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02912468 and NCT02898454. FINDINGS: Between Dec 5, 2016, and Aug 3, 2017, 276 patients were enrolled in SINUS-24, with 143 in the dupilumab group and 133 in the placebo group receiving at least one study drug dose. Between Nov 28, 2016, and Aug 28, 2017, 448 patients were enrolled in SINUS-52, with 150 receiving at least one dose of dupilumab every 2 weeks, 145 receiving at least one dose of dupilumab every 2 weeks for 24 weeks and every 4 weeks until week 52, and 153 receiving at least one dose of placebo. Dupilumab significantly improved the coprimary endpoints in both studies. At 24 weeks, least squares mean difference in NPS of dupilumab treatment versus placebo was -2·06 (95% CI -2·43 to -1·69; p<0·0001) in SINUS-24 and -1·80 (-2·10 to -1·51; p<0·0001) in SINUS-52; difference in nasal congestion or obstruction score was -0·89 (-1·07 to -0·71; p<0·0001) in SINUS-24 and -0·87 (-1·03 to -0·71; p<0·0001) in SINUS-52; and difference in Lund-Mackay CT scores was -7·44 (-8·35 to -6·53; p<0·0001) in SINUS-24 and -5·13 (-5·80 to -4·46; p<0·0001) in SINUS-52. The most common adverse events (nasopharyngitis, worsening of nasal polyps and asthma, headache, epistaxis, and injection-site erythema) were more frequent with placebo. INTERPRETATION: In adult patients with severe CRSwNP, dupilumab reduced polyp size, sinus opacification, and severity of symptoms and was well tolerated. These results support the benefits of adding dupilumab to daily standard of care for patients with severe CRSwNP who otherwise have few therapeutic options. FUNDING: Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.

Association of Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Depression and Anxiety in a Nationwide Insurance Population.

Importance: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is associated with a decreased quality of life, affecting physical and emotional aspects of daily function, the latter of which could manifest as depression and anxiety. Objective: To evaluate the risk of depression and anxiety in CRS, depending on the CRS phenotype (CRS without nasal polyps [CRSsNP] and CRS with nasal polyps [CRSwNP]). Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective nationwide cohort study used population-based insurance data (consisting of data from approximately 1 million patients). The study population included 16 224 patients with CRS and 32 448 individuals without CRS, with propensity score matching between groups according to sociodemographic factors and enrollment year. Data were collected from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2013, and analyzed from July 1 through November 15, 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures: Survival analysis, the log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate the incidence, survival rate, and hazard ratio (HR) of depression and anxiety for each group. Results: Among the 48 672 individuals included in the study population (58.8% female), the overall incidence of depression during the 11-year follow-up was 1.51-fold higher in the CRS group than in the non-CRS group (24.2 vs 16.0 per 1000 person-years; adjusted HR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.48-1.61). The incidence of anxiety was also higher in the CRS group than in the comparison group (42.2 vs 27.8 per 1000 person-years; adjusted HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.52-1.62). Moreover, the adjusted HRs of developing depression (CRSsNP, 1.61 [95% CI, 1.54-1.69]; CRSwNP, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.32-1.50]) and anxiety (CRSsNP, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.57-1.69]; CRSwNP, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.38-1.52]) were greater in patients with CRSsNP than in those with CRSwNP. Conclusions and Relevance: This observational study suggests that CRS is associated with an increased incidence of depression and anxiety. Specifically, findings from this study found that patients without nasal polyps showed a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety than those with nasal polyps.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of SNOT-22 Outcomes after Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis.

Objective Wide variation exists regarding reported outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). This study seeks to combine data across studies to generate a summary measure and explore factors that might lead to variation. Data Sources OVID Medline, Scopus, EbscoHost, Database of Abstracts and Reviews of Effects, Health Technology Assessment, and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database. Review Methods A search was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. Two independent researchers conducted a search using the mentioned data sources. Studies published before August 29, 2016, that involved ESS to treat CRSwNP were included. Mean changes in Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) scores were determined through metaregression of the following independent variables: publication year, sex, age, allergy status, asthma, tobacco use, prior surgery, follow-up length, and preoperative SNOT-22. Results Fifteen articles with 3048 patients treated with ESS met inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses of SNOT-22 scores revealed a mean change of 23.0 points (95% CI, 20.2-25.8; P < .001). A metaregression of patient factor effects on the mean change of SNOT-22 scores demonstrated that age ( r = 0.71, P = .01), asthma ( r = 0.21, P = .01), prior ESS ( r = 0.29, P = .01), and preoperative SNOT-22 score ( r = 0.4, P < .01) correlated with greater improvement in SNOT-22 scores. Tobacco use ( r = -0.91, P = .01) and longer lengths of follow-up ( r = -0.45, P < .01) were associated with less improvement in SNOT-22 scores. Conclusions Quality-of-life outcomes are significantly improved after ESS among patients with CRSwNP. Patient-specific factors may affect the degree of SNOT-22 change after surgery.

A case-control study of medical, psychological and socio-economic factors influencing the severity of chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common and debilitating disorder. Little is known about the epidemiology of this disease. The aims of the study were to identify differences in socio-economic variables and quality of life between patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and healthy controls, to identify any significant associations between CRS and other medical co-morbidities, psychiatric disease or environmental exposure and to explore the experience of CRS from the perspective of CRS sufferers. METHODS: Participants were recruited from ENT clinics from 30 centres across the UK. They completed a study-specific questionnaire considering environmental, medical and socio-economic factors, and SF-36 and SNOT-22 scores. All participants with CRS were diagnosed by a clinician and categorised as having CRS (with polyposis, without polyposis or allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS)). Controls included family and friends of those attending ENT outpatient clinics and hospital staff who had no diagnosis of nose or sinus problems and had not been admitted to hospital in the previous 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 1470 study participants (1249 patients and 221 controls) were included in the final analysis. Highly significant differences were seen in generic and disease-specific quality of life scores between CRS sufferers and controls; mean SNOT-22 score 45.0 for CRS compared with 12.1 amongst controls. There were no clear differences in socioeconomic variables including social class, index of multiple deprivation and educational attainment between cases and controls. Common comorbidities with a clear association included respiratory and psychiatric disorders, with a higher frequency of reported upper respiratory tract infections. CONCLUSIONS: CRS is associated with significant impairment in quality of life and with certain medical co-morbidities. In contrast to other common ENT disorders, no socioeconomic differences were found between patients and controls in this study.

Outcomes in endoscopic sinus surgery: olfaction, nose scale and quality of life in a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on olfactory function in chronic rhinosinusitis patients with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) and to compare the nasal obstruction and symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale before and after surgery. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study SETTING: Royal National Throat and Nose and Ear Hospital, London UK. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and thirteen patients with CRS; 60 CRSwNP and 53 CRSsNP. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Olfaction was measured using both the University of Pennsylvania Smell Investigation Test (UPSIT) and the 'sense of smell' visual analogue scale (VAS). The NOSE scale, the sinonasal outcome test (SNOT 22) and the Lund-Kennedy (LK) surgeon reported scores were also measured pre- and postoperatively at 6 months. RESULTS: The UPSIT psychophysical measurement significantly improved following ESS in the CRSwNP subgroup as did the patients perceived VAS sense of smell. However, in the CRSsNP subgroup, the improved VAS and UPSIT measurements were not significant. The NOSE, SNOT 22 and LK scores all improved significantly. The olfactory improvement as measured by the UPSIT correlated to the SNOT-22, but a correlation between the NOSE score and UPSIT was not found. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic sinus surgery significantly improved the patient's perceived and measured sense of smell in the CRSwNP subgroup which is the most surgically responsive CRS subgroup. Additionally, improved olfaction in the CRSwNP subgroup is most likely to improve the patient's quality of life. Endoscopic sinus surgery significantly improved the NOSE scale in both CRS subgroups at 6 months following surgery.

Evaluation of the improvement of quality of life with Azithromycin in the treatment of eosinophilic nasal polyposis / Avaliação da melhora da qualidade de vida com o uso de Azitromicina no tratamento da polipose nasossinusal eosinofílica

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) is an important tool in assessing the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with a validated version in Brazil. The eosinophilic nasal polyposis (ENP) represents most of the cases of nasal polyposis (85-90%) and belongs to the group of chronic rhinosinusitis. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that impacts the QoL of patients, not only causing localized symptoms, but also resulting in a general malaise. The standard treatments (corticosteroids and nasal endoscopic surgery) lead to partial control of symptoms, but relapses are frequent. Macrolide acting as an immunomodulator is a promising tool for more effective control of this disease. Studies are still lacking to assess the real impact on the QoL in patients treated with macrolides. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the improvement of QL, evaluated using SNOT-22, in patients with PNSE treated with immunomodulatory dose azithromycin. METHODS: This is a paired experimental study in patients with ENP. Comparison of pre-treatment and post-treatment with azithromycin was performed. Patients completed the SNOT-22 questionnaire before the start of treatment and returned for evaluation after eight weeks of treatment. Azithromycin was prescribed at a dose of 500 mg, orally, three times a week, for 8 weeks. RESULTS: SNOT-22 score decreased 20.3 points on average. There was a significant decrease in the SNOT-22 (difference greater than 14 points) in 19 patients (57.6%). There was no significant difference in improvement in SNOT in subgroups with or without asthma/aspirin intolerance. CONCLUSION: Azithromycin resulted in significant improvement of QoL, assessed by SNOT-22, in the studied population.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: O Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) está entre os principais instrumentos na avaliação da qualidade de vida dos pacientes com rinossinusite crônica, com versão validada no Brasil. A polipose nasossinusal eosinofílica (PNSE) representa a maioria dos casos de polipose nasossinusal (85% a 90%) e pertence ao grande grupo das rinossinusites crônicas. É uma doença inflamatória crônica que impacta sobremaneira a qualidade de vida (QV) dos pacientes, não só pelos sintomas locais, mas também por resultarem em um quadro de mal-estar geral. Os tratamentos padronizados (corticosteroides e cirurgia endoscópica nasal) levam ao controle parcial dos sintomas e as recidivas são frequentes. Os macrolídeos usados como imunomoduladores são uma promissora ferramenta para um controle mais eficaz dessa doença. Ainda faltam estudos para avaliar o real impacto na QV dos pacientes tratados com macrolídeos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a melhora da QV do paciente portador de PNSE tratado com azitromicina em dose imunomoduladora baseando-se questionário SNOT-22. MÉTODO: Trata-se de estudo experimental autopareado em pacientes com PNSE. Foi realizada a comparação dos pacientes pré-tratamento e pós-tratamento com azitromicina. Os pacientes preencheram o questionário SNOT-22 antes do início do tratamento e no retorno após as oito semanas de tratamento. Foi prescrita azitromicina na dose de 500 mg, VO, três vezes por semana, durante 8 semanas. RESULTADOS: O valor do índice SNOT-22 dos pacientes reduziu 20,3 pontos, em média. Houve diminuição significativa do SNOT-22 (diferença maior que 14 pontos) em 19 pacientes (57,6%). Não houve uma diferença significativa na melhora do SNOT nos subgrupos com ou sem asma/intolerância à aspirina. CONCLUSÃO: A azitromicina resultou em melhora significativa da QV, avaliada pelo questionário SNOT-22, na população estudada.

Evaluation of the improvement of quality of life with Azithromycin in the treatment of eosinophilic nasal polyposis.

INTRODUCTION: The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) is an important tool in assessing the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with a validated version in Brazil. The eosinophilic nasal polyposis (ENP) represents most of the cases of nasal polyposis (85-90%) and belongs to the group of chronic rhinosinusitis. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that impacts the QoL of patients, not only causing localized symptoms, but also resulting in a general malaise. The standard treatments (corticosteroids and nasal endoscopic surgery) lead to partial control of symptoms, but relapses are frequent. Macrolide acting as an immunomodulator is a promising tool for more effective control of this disease. Studies are still lacking to assess the real impact on the QoL in patients treated with macrolides. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the improvement of QL, evaluated using SNOT-22, in patients with PNSE treated with immunomodulatory dose azithromycin. METHODS: This is a paired experimental study in patients with ENP. Comparison of pre-treatment and post-treatment with azithromycin was performed. Patients completed the SNOT-22 questionnaire before the start of treatment and returned for evaluation after eight weeks of treatment. Azithromycin was prescribed at a dose of 500 mg, orally, three times a week, for 8 weeks. RESULTS: SNOT-22 score decreased 20.3 points on average. There was a significant decrease in the SNOT-22 (difference greater than 14 points) in 19 patients (57.6%). There was no significant difference in improvement in SNOT in subgroups with or without asthma/aspirin intolerance. CONCLUSION: Azithromycin resulted in significant improvement of QoL, assessed by SNOT-22, in the studied population.

Altered Quality of Life and Psychological Health (SCL-90-R) in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of olfactory dysfunction on quality of life (QOL) and psychological status in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted from January 2011 to May 2012 with 130 patients with septal deviation (SD) (n = 59) and CRSwNP (n = 71). All patients underwent computed tomography (CT), allergy tests, and sniffin' stick olfactory test. Anosmia was defined by Threshold-Discrimination-Identification (TDI) scores less than 16. QOL and psychological symptoms were assessed with the Sinonasal Outcome Test-20 (SNOT-20) and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). RESULTS: Odor discrimination and identification scores were significantly lower in CRSwNP than in SD (P = .008 and P = .005, respectively). In CRSwNP, identification score decreased with higher CT score (r = -0.29, P = .014). CRSwNP with anosmia showed a decreased QOL (P = .044), and SNOT-20 negatively correlated with TDI in severe CRSwNP (CT score ≥15, r = -0.714, P = .001). Anosmia patients had higher anxiety and phobia scores of SCL-90-R in both SD and CRSwNP. However, depression score increased only in CRSwNP with anosmia (P = .025). CONCLUSION: Olfactory dysfunction may have significant effects on QOL and psychological health. CRSwNP with anosmia is a distinct phenotype having mixed type of olfactory loss that might have a detrimental effect on depression.

Clinical outcomes and quality of life in patients with nasal polyposis after functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

The majority of studies have shown that the use of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) leads to symptomatic improvement in 73-98.4 % of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis (NP). The aim of the study is to evaluate clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL) in patients with NP after FESS. The prospective study included 85 consecutive adult patients (≥18 years) with NP who were operated on using FESS after failure of the medicamentous treatment and in certain cases of surgical treatment. QoL was assessed by Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire, and the symptom intensity was presented using visual analogue scale (VAS). The objective finding was presented as endoscopic and computerized tomography (CT) score. The intensity of each symptom, the values of symptom scores (major, minor and total), the values of dimension scales and summary scales of the QoL, as well as the values of endoscopic score through three periods of time (pre-surgery, 6 and 12 months after the surgery) were analyzed. Following the FESS, mean intensity values of all individual symptoms and symptom scores were significantly lower and the values of all dimension scales and summary scales of QoL were significantly higher (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in symptom intensity and QoL after 6 and 12 months of surgical treatment (p > 0.05). Endoscopic score was on average significantly lower after 6 and 12 months of FESS (p < 0.05), but the mean score value after 12 months of operation was significantly higher in relation to that after 6 months of surgery (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, the recurrence of NP was observed in 28 patients (32.9 %) in the follow-up period. In conclusion, FESS in NP patients results in significant improvement of symptom intensity, QoL and endoscopic score. While the intensity of symptoms and QoL showed a tendency to maintain between 6 and 12 months after surgery, endoscopic score showed a tendency of exacerbation in the same period.

Assessment of quality-of-life outcomes after surgery for nasal polyposis with the DyNaChron questionnaire.

This prospective study assesses outcomes at 6 weeks and 7 months after radical ethmoid surgery in 65 patients with nasal polyposis using a new and detailed instrument, the DyNaChron questionnaire, which was filled in the day prior to surgery and at 6 weeks and 7 months after surgery at follow-up visits. Before surgery, the leading bothersome symptoms were olfactory disturbances (7.74 ± 2.81) and nasal obstruction (6.66 ± 2.28). After surgery (6th week and 7th month), there was a clear improvement of all symptoms including nasal obstruction, olfactory disturbances, anterior rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, facial pain/headache and cough in comparison to baseline (p < 0.0001). Nasal obstruction was the most improved symptom (effect size of 2.24). At 7th post-operative month, the sense of smell continued to improve slightly. By contrast, the postnasal discharge score that was significantly improved at 6th post-operative week tended to worsen at 7 months (p = 0.0045). Before surgery, strong psychosocial impacts were observed in association with nasal obstruction and anterior rhinorrhea. The physical impacts of each symptom were proportionally correlated to the symptom score before and after surgery. The quality of life (QOL) related to each symptom was clearly better at 6 weeks and remained steady at 7 months after surgery. In conclusion, olfactory disorders and postnasal rhinorrhea were the main remaining symptoms after sinus surgery despite a global improvement of symptoms and quality of life. The earlier time point to stabilize QOL outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery could be suggested at 6 weeks after surgery.

Quality of life improvement from sinus surgery in chronic rhinosinusitis patients with asthma and nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients with both nasal polyps and asthma have different quality of life (QOL) improvement after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). We aimed to determine whether CRS patients with asthma and nasal polyps had a greater QOL improvement after FESS compared to patients without asthma or polyps. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included adult CRS patients who underwent FESS between 2007 and 2011. QOL was measured using the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). Variables collected included baseline demographics, clinical factors, SNOT-22 scores before FESS, and 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-FESS. Groups tested were asthma alone, polyps alone, asthma and polyps, and no asthma or polyps. Linear mixed-effects regression model was performed to calculate ß-coefficients, which represent the adjusted mean QOL differences. RESULTS: Among the 376 patients included, 40.16% had both asthma and polyps (n = 151), 14.36% had asthma alone (n = 54), 19.45% had polyps alone (n = 75), and 25.53% had no asthma or polyps (n = 96). After adjusting for all factors, there were significantly more QOL improvements in patients with both asthma and nasal polyps from baseline to 1-month (ß-coefficient = -10.05; 95% CI, -15.86 to -4.23; p = 0.001) and 3-month follow-up (ß-coefficient = -8.27; 95% CI, -14.98 to -1.56; p = 0.016), and patients with asthma alone from baseline to 6-month follow-up (ß-coefficient = -8.78; 95% CI, -17.45 to -0.11; p = 0.047), when compared to patients without asthma or nasal polyps. CONCLUSION: CRS patients with both asthma and nasal polyps or asthma alone experience a larger QOL benefit from FESS immediately after FESS compared to CRS patients without asthma or polyps.

Preoperative concerns of patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery.

BACKGROUND: Patient-centered care is recognized as being fundamental to successful medical practice. The effectiveness of patient-centered care has classically been measured by posttreatment outcomes, such as patient compliance and psychosocial responses. Systematic assessment of patient concerns prior to treatment has been limited, to date. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is an elective procedure for chronic rhinosinusitis that carries a clear, defined set of risks. The objective of this prospective observational study was to determine the concerns of patients undergoing ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis. METHODS: A total of 180 patients undergoing ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyposis were recruited at 2 Canadian tertiary care centers. They completed a validated survey assessing their concerns regarding the risks and outcomes of surgery. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Patients had a low degree of concern prior to undergoing surgery (overall score 2.8/9), though individual variability existed. Subjects felt the greatest level of concern regarding potential need for revision surgery as well as the wait time for surgery. Patients were least concerned about psychological factors (mean = 1.8/9). No differences with respect to age or gender were identified. Mean scores for cerebrospinal fluid leak and orbital injury were 3 and 3.2, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients' level of concern prior to undergoing elective surgery is generally low. Patients' areas of greatest concern may not align with those perceived by the physician. This study provides insight into patient concerns prior to undergoing elective sinus surgery and emphasizes the importance of the patient-centered approach to care.

Impact of endoscopic sinus surgery on the quality of life of patients with nasal polyposis.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic sinusitis with polyposis (CSWP) is associated with high direct and indirect annual costs. This condition affects several aspects of daily life, and CSWP patients usually suffer from decreased quality of life (QOL). Treatment with functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is reported to improve the QOL of patients with CS. Here we evaluated the factors that affected QOL improvement in CSWP patients who were candidates for FESS. METHODS: All patients with CSWP who were treated at the Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex in Tehan, Iran that were candidates for FESS were recruited. Patients with systemic or neurologic diseases that could affect their QOL were excluded. Clinical signs were recorded before and after FESS using the sinonasal outcome test (SNOT-22) and QOL questionnaires. The patient's history of allergic rhinitis, aspirin sensitivity, asthma and smoking was recorded. QOL and associations with clinical features were evaluated within twelve months after FESS. RESULTS: The study included 47 patients with a mean age of 39.5 +/- 15.4 years (61.7% women). FESS resulted in significant improvements in QOL based on the SNOT-22 and QOL questionnaires (p = 0.0001 for both). Septal deviation was the only single characteristic that was significantly associated with QOL improvements. CONCLUSION: FESS significantly improved the QOL of patients with CSWP. However, patients with septal deviation benefited the most from FESS.

Effects of systemic steroids on life quality in sinonasal polyposis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of short-term glucocorticoid therapy on nasal polyposis. METHODOLOGY: A total of 60 patients with sinonasal polyposis were given oral glucocorticoid therapy (1 mg/kg) for 20 days. Patient symptoms were evaluated with the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 20 (SNOT-20). Computerized tomography (CT) images of the paranasal sinus were acquired before and after treatment and were evaluated with the Kennedy scoring system. RESULTS: Evaluation of paranasal CTs showed complete disease resolution in 15 patients and partial disease resolution in 25 patients. Patients with complete and partial resolutions,based on CT images, exhibited significant decreases in disease stages. Statistical analysis revealed a significant change in the SNOT-20 results (P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences among the evaluations based on the paranasal sinus CTs, the SNOT-20, and the SNOT-20 combined with a subjective selection of the five most disturbing symptoms (SNOT-20(+5)) (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results showed a strong correlation between radiological changes and improvements in quality of life, assessed with the SNOT-20 or the SNOT-20(+5).

Influence of asthma on quality of life and clinical characteristics of patients with nasal polyposis.

Recent studies have evidenced that nasal polyposis (NP) may lead to significant limitations in physical, emotional and social aspects of life of the affected patients. The study is aimed to investigate the influence of asthma on quality of life (QoL), intensity of symptoms, endoscopic and computerized tomography (CT) sinus findings in patients with NP. The cross-sectional study included 88 adult patients with NP out of whom 35 (39.8 %) were asthmatic while 53 (60.2 %) were non-asthmatic. QoL is assessed based on Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire, while symptom intensity was presented using visual analogue scale (VAS). The objective finding is presented as endoscopic and CT score. Comparison of individual symptom intensity, total score and major symptom score failed to evidence any statistically significant difference between the groups. Minor symptom score which include intensity of headache, fetor ex ore, fatigue/malaise, dental pain, cough, pressure/fullness in the ears and fever was higher in the group with asthma (p < 0.05). Comparison of scores according to SF-36 domains, as well as summary scores for physical and mental health did not reveal statistically significant difference between the observed groups. Mean value of the endoscopic score in the group with asthma was 8.57 ± 2.22, being 8.38 ± 1.93 in the group without asthma (p > 0.05). Mean value of the CT score in the groups with and without asthma was 20.37 ± 4.34 and 17.47 ± 4.75, respectively (p < 0.01). Asthma has no influence on QoL and endoscopic findings of patients with NP, however it influences minor symptom score and CT findings.

Interrater agreement of nasal endoscopy in patients with a prior history of endoscopic sinus surgery.

BACKGROUND: Nasal endoscopy is an important part of the clinical evaluation of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. However, the objectivity and interrater agreement of the procedure related findings have not been well studied, especially in patients who have previously had sinus surgery. METHODS: Patients with a history of endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis were prospectively enrolled from a tertiary rhinology practice. Fourteen endoscopic nasal examinations were recorded using digital video capture software. Each patient also underwent computed tomography (CT) and completed the Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). Blinded review of inflammatory and anatomic findings for each video was independently performed by 5 academic rhinologists at separate institutions. Comparisons were performed using the unweighted Fleiss' kappa statistic (K(f) ) and the prevalence- and bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK). RESULTS: There were no significant correlations between age, Lund-Mackay score, or SNOT-22 score. Interrater agreement was variable across the characteristics studied. Mean PABAK was excellent for the assessment of polyps (K(f) = 0.886); moderate for the assessments of middle turbinate (MT) integrity (K(f) = 0.543), MT position (K(f) = 0.443), maxillary sinus patency (K(f) = 0.593), and ethmoid sinus patency (K(f) = 0.429); fair for discharge (K(f) = 0.314), synechiae (K(f) = 0.257), and middle meatus patency (K(f) = 0.229); and poor for MT mucosal changes (K(f) = 0.148) and uncinate process (K(f) = 0.126). CONCLUSION: This study was notable for variability in the interrater agreement among the inflammatory and anatomic attributes that were examined. Further standardization of nasal endoscopy with regard to interpretation may improve the reliability of this procedure in clinical practice.