Amphotericin B nasal spray has no effect on nasal polyps

Nasal polyps and chronic rhinosinusitis are the products of an inflammatory process. Recently, fungal involvement has been thought to stimulate the development of polyps, and administration of antifungal agents was therefore considered a potential treatment. Several studies have been published indicating amphotericin B as an effective treatment for nasal polyps and chronic rhinosinusitis. The aim of our investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of intranasal applied amphotericin B on the growth of nasal polyps in a three-month, prospective, open trial. Our results show that nasal amphotericin B spray is not effective for nasal polyps and may even cause deterioration.     

Effects of topical amphotericin B on expression of cytokines in nasal polyps

OBJECTIVE: Although chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most frequently reported chronic diseases its etiology is not well understood. Recently, fungi have been proposed to influence the chronicity of rhinosinusitis. If fungi do play an important role then topical antifungal treatment may improve the inflammatory process of CRS. Therefore, in this study we measured inflammatory cytokine levels in nasal polyps after intranasal antifungal irrigation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nasal polyps were collected before and 4 weeks after treatment with 100 mg/l topical amphotericin B (n = 16), 50 mg/l topical amphotericin B (n = 14) or normal saline (n = 11). The cytokine--IL-5, IL-8, interferon-gamma, RANTES--protein content of polyp homogenates were determined by means of ELISA. RESULTS: Nasal polyps were found to contain large amounts of cytokines (IL-5, IL-8 and RANTES) compared with normal inferior turbinates. After 4 weeks of treatment with topical agents, IL-5 levels tended to decrease in comparison with those of the other cytokines, but this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Topical amphotericin B treatment and nasal saline irrigation both influence the expression of nasal polyp cytokines. Topical nasal irrigation may influence the inflammatory process of CRS.     

Effects of topical Amphotericin B on expression of cytokines in nasal polyps

Objective—Although chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most frequently reported chronic diseases its etiology is not well understood. Recently, fungi have been proposed to influence the chronicity of rhinosinusitis. If fungi do play an important role then topical antifungal treatment may improve the inflammatory process of CRS. Therefore, in this study we measured inflammatory cytokine levels in nasal polyps after intranasal antifungal irrigation.

Material and Methods—Nasal polyps were collected before and 4 weeks after treatment with 100 mg/l topical amphotericin B (n=16), 50 mg/l topical amphotericin B (n=14) or normal saline (n=11). The cytokine—IL-5, IL-8, interferon-γ, RANTES—protein content of polyp homogenates were determined by means of ELISA.

Results—Nasal polyps were found to contain large amounts of cytokines (IL-5, IL-8 and RANTES) compared with normal inferior turbinates. After 4 weeks of treatment with topical agents, IL-5 levels tended to decrease in comparison with those of the other cytokines, but this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions—Topical amphotericin B treatment and nasal saline irrigation both influence the expression of nasal polyp cytokines. Topical nasal irrigation may influence the inflammatory process of CRS.     

Macrolide treatment decreased the size of nasal polyps and IL-8 levels in nasal lavage

Recently, epidemiologic and experimental studies have been reported that long-term macrolides are effective for the treatment of chronic airway inflammatory diseases including diffuse panbronchiolitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and cystic fibrosis (Jaffe A, Francis J, Rosenthal M, et al. Long-term azithromycin may improve lung function in children with cystic fibrosis. Lancet 351:420, 1998), and that macrolides can directly reduce the production of IL-8 by nasal epithelial cells (Suzuki H, Shimomura A, Ikeda K, et al. Inhibitory effect of macrolides on interleukin-8 secretion from cultured human nasal epithelial cells. Laryngoscope 107:1661-1666, 1997). In this study we administered macrolides with 14-membered rings to patients with nasal polyps due to chronic rhinosinusitis for at least 3 months and measured the IL-8 level in nasal lavage from those patients. The IL-8 levels in nasal lavage from patients with nasal polyps were reduced during macrolide treatment. There was significant correlation between decreased IL-8 levels in nasal lavage and the clinical effect of macrolides on the size of the nasal polyps. In the group whose polyps were reduced in size, the IL-8 levels dramatically decreased from 231.2 pg/mL to 44.0 pg/mL (p < 0.05), and were significantly higher before macrolide treatment than those in the group whose polyps showed no change (p < 0.005). This reduction in IL-8 may be an important aspect of the effect of macrolide treatment on nasal polyps in chronic rhinosinusitis.     

Eosinophilic cationic protein as a marker of nasal inflammation in patients with cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation was made of eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) in nasal secretion for measuring the degree of nasal inflammation and monitoring response to therapy in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Symptoms and findings in regard to ECP levels before and after treatment were described. STUDY DESIGN: Study was prospective, with 21 CF patients aged 4 to 19 years; 20 healthy volunteers served as controls. Collection of nasal secretion by a sponge was performed, and blood samples were obtained for serum. Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients were classified according to nasal symptoms and findings. METHODS: ECP was measured by fluoroimmunoassay. Age, sex, nasal symptoms, and endoscopic and histological findings were obtained, and examinations were conducted before and after treatment; recurrences were recorded. RESULTS: In CF patients with chronic nasal inflammation, increased nasal levels of ECP were detected when compared with asymptomatic CF patients or healthy nonatopic subjects. ECP concentrations were strongly related to the extent of nasal disease; patients with nasal polyps had higher levels than those without. Checked at 1 and 4 months after treatment, ECP levels declined with regression of symptoms, and in patients with exacerbation of nasal disease, ECP levels rose. CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, there is a relationship between levels of ECP in nasal secretions and the degrees of nasal inflammation. In addition, the measurement of ECP could be useful in monitoring nasal disease in CF patients.     

Eosinophils and mast cells: a comparison of nasal mucosa histology and cytology to markers in nasal discharge in patients with chronic sino-nasal diseases

Allergic rhinitis (AR), nasal polyps (NP) as well as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are all known to be associated with eosinophilic infiltration and elevated numbers of mast cells (MC) within the mucosa. Both cell types and their markers eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) and tryptase are utilized in the diagnosis and management of chronic sino-nasal diseases. Mucosal cytology samples were gathered by cytobrush, histological samples were obtained from the inferior turbinate. In both sample sets, the number of eosinophils and MC was determined. Their corresponding markers ECP and tryptase were quantified from nasal discharge. Patients were grouped with reference to their main diagnosis: AR (n = 34), NP (n = 25), CRS (n = 27) and controls (n = 34). Eosinophil counts from cytobrush and ECP levels were significantly elevated in NP compared to all other groups—31- and 13-fold over control, respectively. However, histologic review did not reveal any difference in eosinophil count among groups. Tryptase was significantly elevated threefold in AR versus CRS and controls. No correlation to cytological and histological MC counts could be found. ECP levels in nasal discharge as well as eosinophil counts can provide useful information with regard to the diagnosis. Likewise, tryptase concentrations can do. The presented data show that the measurement of markers in nasal discharge is superior in differentiating among diagnosis groups. Given that the collection of nasal secretions is more comfortable for patients than the more invasive techniques, we recommend first line ECP and tryptase testing performed on nasal secretions.     

慢性鼻窦炎手术前后ECP、EGF、IL-6的水平变化及临床意义

目的 探究慢性鼻窦炎(CRS)鼻息肉患者鼻内镜手术(ESS)前后患者鼻腔分泌物中嗜酸性粒细胞阳离子蛋白(ECP)、表皮生长因子(EGF)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)的变化,分析它们在术腔创伤愈合中的意义。 方法 选取行ESS的163例CRS鼻息肉患者作为研究对象,另选同期健康体检者50例作为对照组。所有患者术前及术后1、6、12周行鼻内镜检查并采集鼻腔分泌物,采用酶联免疫荧光分析技术检测鼻腔分泌物中ECP、EGF、IL-6的浓度。 结果 与对照组相比,术前ECP、EGF、IL-6含量显著升高(P<0.05)。术后1周ECP、EGF、IL-6含量显著低于对照组、术前(P<0.05)。术后6周ECP、EGF、IL-6含量显著高于对照组、术前、术后1周(P<0.05)。术后12周ECP、EGF、IL-6含量显著低于术前及术后6周(P<0.05),显著高于术后1周(P<0.05),与术前相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。线性回归分析结果表明,术前ECP、EGF、IL-6含量影响术后6周和术后12周患者术腔创伤愈合情况(P<0.05)。 结论 CRS鼻息肉患者术前ECP、EEG、IL-6含量显著升高,且在术后创伤愈合过程中的动态变化与术后上皮修复过程可能有相关性,术前ECP、EEG、IL-6含量是影响鼻黏膜术后上皮修复的指标。     

Clinical significance of eosinophilic cationic protein levels in nasal secretions of patients with nasal polyposis

Nasal polyps are characterized by eosinophilic infiltration, and frequently coexist with asthma, aspirin intolerance and allergy. Eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) is a specific eosinophil granule protein released upon activation of eosinophils. We investigated the ECP levels in nasal secretions of patients with nasal polyposis (NP) in order to correlate them with disease severity and associated diseases and to compare ECP levels between patients with and without recurrence of NP after surgical treatment. A total of 78 patients who had surgery for NP were followed up for a minimum of 18 months. The presence of asthma, allergies or aspirin intolerance was noted. Nasal secretions were obtained 1 day before the surgery and during the follow-up period after surgery. Immunoassays were used to quantify ECP in nasal secretions and serum and interleukin (IL)-5 in nasal secretions. ECP levels in nasal secretions were higher in patients with asthma or aspirin intolerance than in patients without asthma or aspirin intolerance, while no significant differences were found between allergic and non-allergic patients. ECP levels in nasal secretions correlated significantly with IL-5 levels in nasal secretions, the degree of tissue eosinophilia and computed tomographic (CT) scores. In total, 30 patients (38%) developed recurrent NP during the follow-up period. Preoperative ECP and IL-5 levels in nasal secretions were significantly higher in patients with recurrence compared to patients without recurrence. During the follow-up period, patients without recurrence demonstrated a significant reduction in the ECP levels in nasal secretions, whereas there was no significant reduction in the ECP levels of patients with recurrence. The results of this study provide evidence that ECP levels in nasal secretions of patients with NP correlate with the presence of asthma or aspirin intolerance and severity of NP determined by CT scores.     

Vascular endothelial growth factor produced in nasal glands of perennial allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a pleiotropic polypeptide that mediates endothelial cell-specific responses such as induction of angiogenesis and vascular leakage, is hyperproduced in a variety of inflammatory disorders. In asthma, VEGF hyperproduction promotes mucosal edema by enhancing vascular leakage. However, in allergic rhinitis, details of the pathophysiological importance remain unclear. This study was designed to investigate and discuss the pathophysiological significance of VEGF in nasal secretions from perennial allergic rhinitis sufferers. METHODS: Seven allergic rhinitis patients sensitized with house-dust mites and 12 chronic rhinosinusitis patients were enrolled. Nasal secretion VEGF was quantified and compared between groups. In allergic rhinitis cases, nasal lavage VEGF was estimated before and after the antigen provocation. Nasal gland VEGF was immunohistochemically investigated. VEGF messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in serous and mucous acini were analyzed by laser microdissection and light cycler-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: VEGF levels in nasal secretions and nasal lavage from allergic rhinitis were higher than in nonallergic rhinosinusitis, after rather than before antigen provocation. VEGF mRNA expression was higher in serous versus mucous acini. These results are consistent with the immunohistochemistry results. CONCLUSION: In allergic rhinitis, there was significant VEGF production in serous acini, which was hypersecreted after antigen provocation. VEGF may play an important role in pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis.     

Role of local immunoglobulin E specific for Alternaria alternata in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: The role of fungal pathogens in the etiology of nasal polyposis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a correlation between the presence of Alternaria-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibodies, eosinophilic inflammation, and the development of nasal polyps. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. METHODS: Serum and nasal tissue homogenates from 21 patients with manifestations of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps were compared with specimens from 13 chronic sinusitis patients without polyps and 8 healthy controls. The Phadia ImmunoCAP and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to quantify levels of total IgE and Alternaria-specific (IgE, IgG, and IgA) antibodies. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and tryptase levels were measured in tissue homogenates, whereas the inflammatory response was evaluated using tissue eosinophil counts in tissue samples. RESULTS: Serum analysis revealed no difference in the levels of total IgE and Alternaria-specific IgE, IgG, and IgA antibodies between the study groups. In contrast, the levels of Alternaria-specific IgE in tissue with polyps were significantly higher than in nonpolyp tissue. Increases in total tissue IgE paralleled increased levels of Alternaria-specific IgG and IgA antibodies in chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps as compared with control groups. A positive correlation was found between Alternaria-specific IgE and ECP in tissue. Increased mean levels of ECP corresponded to increased eosinophil counts in the group of patients with polyps. CONCLUSIONS: Alternaria-specific IgE and eosinophilic inflammation in nasal tissue correlates with the incidence of nasal polyps irrespective of specific IgE antibodies in serum. Together, the correlation between the local immune responses and the eosinophilic inflammation in nasal polyps suggests a possible role of Alternaria in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis.     

Effect of endosinusal treatment on cellular markers in mild and moderate asthmatics

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of topical endosinusal treatment in terms of reduction in activation of inflammatory cells and asthma/rhinosinusitis symptoms in patients with asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen mild-to-moderate asthmatics with CRS were subjected to antral sinoscopy and endosinusal treatment with 2 mg of dexamethasone and 40 mg of gentamicin per maxillary sinus for 7 days. Sinus lavage and serum samples were taken before and after the treatment and bacteriological swabs from the sinuses were taken at the time of inclusion in the study. Subjective scores for CRS symptoms and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were tested at inclusion and after 30 days. Levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), tryptase and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were analyzed in serum and sinus fluid before and after the treatment. RESULTS: ECP and tryptase levels were significantly reduced in both serum and sinus fluid, but serum MPO did not show significant changes after the treatment. MPO in sinus lavage was reduced only in moderate asthmatics. Subjective scores for CRS and FEV1 were significantly improved for the whole group. ECP, usually used as a parameter for asthma staging, was mostly affected at the systemic level, whilst tryptase was more markedly reduced at the local level. CONCLUSION: The topical endosinusal treatment used in this clinical study significantly reduced activation of eosinophils and mastocytes, improved FEV1 and reduced symptoms of CRS in mild-to-moderate asthmatics.     

Nasal conditioning after endonasal surgery in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a frequently performed operation for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The aim of this study was to investigate nasal conditioning after ESS with/without septoplasty and turbinoplasty in patients with CRS with nasal polyps and to determine its relation to nasal patency and geometry. METHODS: Twenty-one patients were enrolled into this study. Nasal conditioning, AAR, and acoustic rhinometry were measured before and 4-8 months after endonasal surgery. RESULTS: The temperature and humidity gradient across the nose increased significantly after operation. High nasal volumes and patency were positively correlated with elevated nasal conditioning. No correlation between preoperative and postoperative changes in nasal geometry and nasal airflow with changes in conditioning values was found. CONCLUSION: Patients with CRS with nasal polyps seem to profit from ESS with/without septoplasty and turbinoplasty because nasal conditioning is improved postoperatively. Properly performed ESS has its importance within the variety of nasal surgical procedures ensuring improved nasal function.     

Endoscopic sinus surgery in chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis: a comparative study

Nasal polyposis are common presentations in patients of chronic rhinosinusitis and are considered to be associated with more severe forms of disease with poor treatment outcome. The presentation and treatment outcome after endoscopic sinus surgery in patients of chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis have been analysed in this study. A prospective analysis of 90 patients of chronic rhinosinusitis who were classified into two groups depending on presence and absence of nasal polyps was performed in the study. The two groups were evaluated using subjective (patient complaints) and objective (computed tomography scan and endoscopy scores) criteria. Preoperative data were compared with data obtained 12?months post endoscopic sinus surgery. The study included 38 patients of chronic rhinosinusitis and 52 patients of nasal polyps. The patients of nasal polyp group presented with increased severity of symptoms of nasal blockage, nasal discharge and reduced sense of smell as compared to the chronic rhinosinusitis group who had significantly higher presentation of headache and facial pain. The preoperative CT scan revealed significantly higher bilateral disease with increased involvement of multiple sinuses in nasal polyp group. Post endoscopic sinus surgery both the groups showed significant improvement in their symptoms with the nasal polyp group demonstrating reduction in improvement on 1?year follow up. In our study we have found the patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyp have varied severity of symptoms with the nasal polyp group having higher nasal symptoms and increased severity as compared to chronic rhinosinusitis group. Though the universal rationale of management by adequate drainage and ventilation of sinus is similar in both groups, there is a reduction in both objective and subjective scores during 1?year follow up in the nasal polyp group.     

转化生长因子β受体Ⅰ型及Ⅱ型在慢性鼻-鼻窦炎和鼻息肉组织中的表达

目的:探讨转化生长因子β受体(TGFβR)Ⅰ型及Ⅱ型在慢性鼻-鼻窦炎、鼻息肉及正常下鼻甲组织中表达的差异性,以及Ⅰ、Ⅱ型受体在慢性鼻窦炎、鼻息肉发病机制中可能的作用。方法:采用免疫组织化学方法检测TGFβRⅠ、TGFβRⅡ在25例慢性鼻-鼻窦炎、21例鼻息肉、17例下鼻甲组织中的表达,并比较TGFβRⅠ、TGFβRⅡ在慢性鼻-鼻窦炎、鼻息肉、正常下鼻甲组织中表达的差异。结果:TGFβRⅠ、TGFβRⅡ表达的平均灰度值在正常下鼻甲黏膜分别为175.78±7.06、165.00±1.79;在慢性鼻-鼻窦炎组织中分别为147.33±8.15、147.77±4.62;而在鼻息肉组织中分别为125.91±11.26、129.82±1.46。慢性鼻-鼻窦炎及鼻息肉组织中TGFβRⅠ、TGFβRⅡ的表达均比正常下鼻甲黏膜中的表达高,均差异有统计学意义(均P<0.01);且TGFβRⅠ、TGFβRⅡ在鼻息肉组织中的表达比在慢性鼻-鼻窦炎病变黏膜中的表达高,均差异有统计学意义(均P<0.01)。结论:TGFβRⅠ、TGFβRⅡ在慢性鼻-鼻窦炎、鼻息肉组织中具有不同的表达水平及分布特点,提示其可能在慢性鼻-鼻窦炎、鼻息肉的发生发展过程中发挥不同的作用。     

Changes in nasal resonance after functional endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND: Hyponasality may be present in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis because of decreased resonance of nasal cavities. Nasalance is a parameter of nasality measured by a nasometer. This study investigated the influence of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) on nasalance and determined the correlation of the nasalance change with nasal volume change. METHODS: When patients with chronic rhinosinusitis underwent FESS, nasalance was measured by nasometry and nasal volume was measured by acoustic rhinometry before and at least 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: There were 81 eligible patients enrolled in the study. Nasalance scores and nasal volumes were significantly increased after FESS. The increased nasalance value was moderately correlated with the increased midnasal and postnasal volumes. The correlation between postoperative changes in nasalance scores and nasal volumes was more remarkable in patients without nasal polyps than in those with nasal polyps and it was also higher in patients with allergic rhinitis than in those without allergic rhinitis. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the FESS effectively increased nasalance scores and nasal volumes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, but the increase in nasalance scores did not appear to be achieved largely through the increased nasal volumes.     

Expression of ecalectin, a novel eosinophil chemoattractant, in nasal polyps

CONCLUSION: Ecalectin, which is produced in the mucosa of nasal polyps, seems to play an important role in the accumulation and activation of eosinophils in nasal polyps, regardless of the presence or absence of atopic predisposition. OBJECTIVE: Ecalectin is a recently discovered eosinophil chemoattractant which elongs to the galectin family. We investigated the expression of ecalectin in nasal polyp tissues associated with various nasal and paranasal diseases in order to clarify the pathogenesis of eosinophilia in nasal polyposis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nasal polyps were taken from 56 patients diagnosed as having chronic sinusitis with nasal polyposis. The surgically resected polyps and nasal turbinates were immunohistochemically stained using antibodies against EG2, human mast cell tryptase, CD3 and ecalectin. RESULTS: The number of EG2- and ecalectin-positive cells was significantly higher in nasal polyps than control turbinates. Ecalectin-positive cells were observed in the subepithelial layer, where many EG2-positive cells were present. The number of ecalectin-positive cells correlated significantly with the number of EG2-positive cells in nasal polyps. Many ecalectin mRNA-positive cells were also observed in nasal polyps with an accumulation of EG2-positive cells.     

EPOS 2012: European position paper on rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps 2012. A summary for otorhinolaryngologists

The European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2012 is the update of similar evidence based position papers published in 2005 and 2007. The document contains chapters on definitions and classification, we now also proposed definitions for difficult to treat rhinosinusitis, control of disease and better definitions for rhinosinusitis in children. More emphasis is placed on the diagnosis and treatment of acute rhinosinusitis. Throughout the document the terms chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) are used to further point out differences in pathophysiology and treatment of these two entities. There are extensive chapters on epidemiology and predisposing factors, inflammatory mechanisms, (differential) diagnosis of facial pain, genetics, cystic fibrosis, aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease, immunodeficiencies, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis and the relationship between upper and lower airways. The chapters on paediatric acute and chronic rhinosinusitis are totally rewritten. Last but not least all available evidence for management of acute rhinosinusitis and chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps in adults and children is analyzed and presented and management schemes based on the evidence are proposed. This executive summary for otorhinolaryngologists focuses on the most important changes and issues for otorhinolaryngologists. The full document can be downloaded for free on the website of this journal: http://www.rhinologyjournal.com.     

Activity of nasal amphotericin B irrigation against fungal organisms in vitro

BACKGROUND: The role of fungi in chronic rhinosinusitis has been described in recent reports. Controversy exists on the use of topical amphotericin B therapy as a treatment modality for this condition. The effect of various concentrations of amphotericin B nasal irrigation on actively growing fungi was studied in vitro. METHODS: Ten species of fungi commonly found in the nasal cavity were grown on growth media plates. Each fungi was exposed to 20 mL of amphotericin B nasal irrigation at concentrations of either 100, 200, or 300 microg/mL or sterile water two times daily for 6 weeks. Each plate was subcultured on a weekly basis to examine for any viable fungi. RESULTS: Fungi growth was not arrested in the 100-microg/mL amphotericin B and sterile water groups at the end of 6 weeks. Use of the 300-and 200-microg/mL amphotericin B solutions showed failure of the subcultured fungi to grow at 5 and 6 weeks, respectively. CONCLUSION: Nasal amphotericin B irrigation is ineffective in killing fungi in vitro at a concentration of 100 microg/mL over a 6-week period. Concentrations of 200 and 300 lig/mL successfully prevented fungi growth at the conclusion of the study. The current concentration of commercially available topical amphotericin B (100 microg/mL) seems ineffective in eradicating fungi in vitro.     

Nasal complaints and signs of disease in farmers--a methodological study

CONCLUSION: The methods used in this study are suitable for field studies that involve examinations of groups of workers. For individual examinations, there is no gold standard method that can discriminate work-related discomfort from other causes of rhinitis. OBJECTIVES: Studies of the effects of occupation on farmers' health have mainly focused on lower airways; few studies have examined effects on upper airways. This study investigated nasal functions in three groups of farmers (swine, milk and grain producers) and a control group using different methods, suitable for field studies. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Health-related complaints were examined and several functional tests, such as expirogram, olfactory threshold test, acoustic rhinometry, nasal lavage with biomarkers of inflammation (eosinophilic cationic proteins (ECP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), tryptase, albumin) and allergy tests were performed. The different tests were correlated to nasal complaints and to each other. RESULTS: Nasal blockage complaints were more common among farmers; overall, nasal polyps were more frequent in grain producers. Objective parameters showed more pronounced mucosal swelling in farmers and higher concentrations of ECP in nasal lavage compared with controls. Lung function, olfactory threshold, atopy frequency and allergen-specific IgE to the storage mite Lepidoglyphus destructor did not differ between farmers and controls. Mucosal swelling measured with acoustic rhinometry was more pronounced in subjects with nasal complaints, hypersensitivity, nasal polyps and symptoms from lower airways. There was a correlation between biomarkers in nasal lavage (MPO, albumin and ECP).