Long-term evaluation of nasal polyposis recurrence: A focus on multiple relapses and nasal cytology

PurposeRecurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is highly variable, reaching 55–60% of cases. Different results about clinical parameters as recurrence predictors has been reported. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate CRSwNP recurrence risk after a long-term follow-up (up to 20 years). Moreover, the role of nasal cytology was assessed.Materials and methodsSixty-one patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery for CRSwNP were enrolled. Clinical parameters were recorded. Nasal cytology was performed at follow-up examinations. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to obtain the recurrence-free survival curves. The median number of recurrences per year was evaluated.ResultsFive- and 10-year recurrence rates were 30.29% and 66.06%, respectively. Median recurrence-free survival was 106 months. Asthma and Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease represented predictors of multiple recurrences (p < 0.05). Intranasal steroids were the main treatment to prevent relapses (p < 0.05). Patients with normal cytology at follow-up evaluation had a lower probability to have first recurrence within 10 years (59% of cases), compared to neutrophil or eosinophil infiltrate (100% and 88% of cases, respectively) (p < 0.05).ConclusionsCRSwNP has a high recurrence risk, also more than 10 years after surgery. Nasal cytology may identify subjects with a higher risk of early recurrence.     

Evaluation of aspirin hypersensitivity in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

Conclusion The recurrence rates of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) were higher in the aspirin nasal provocation test (ANPT)-positive group, regardless of the presence of nasal polyps. Thus, a careful endoscopic examination is required during follow-up in ANPT-positive patients with CRS. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and prognosis after surgical treatment in patients with CRS and aspirin hypersensitivity. Methods In a prospective study, 100 patients were analyzed with CRS who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery at the hospital from October 2012 to March 2013. This study measured changes in nasal volume and symptoms before and after the ANPT and examined patient’s asthma history, allergy, Lund–Mackay score (LMS), total immunoglobulin E, percentage of peripheral eosinophils, and objectively measured relapse at 6 months. Results Patients wwith CRS and nasal polyps (CRSwNP) were more likely to have a positive ANPT test result compared to those without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) (21.4% vs 5.5%). The ANPT-positive group had a higher LMS and required more revision endoscopic sinus surgery than those in the ANPT-negative group. The results were that similar results were observed in CRSwNP and CRSsNP.     

Efficacy of buffered hypertonic seawater in different phenotypes of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps after endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized double-blind study

PurposeNasal douching is commonly used as a postoperative management strategy for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Few studies to date have compared the effectiveness of nasal douching in CRSwNP phenotypes after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). We evaluated the efficacy of seawater types in eosinophilic CRSwNP (ECRSwNP) and noneosinophilic CRSwNP (nonECRSwNP) after ESS.MethodsPatients with bilateral CRSwNP who had undergone ESS were blindly randomized to receive buffered hypertonic seawater (BHS) (n = 48) or physiological seawater (PS) (n = 45). CRSwNP patients were stratified by phenotypes (ECRSwNP and nonECRSwNP) retrospectively according to whether tissue eosinophils exceeded 10%. Follow-up evaluations were conducted at 2, 8, 16, and 24 weeks after surgery. Evaluations included the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), visual analog scale (VAS), Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score (LKES), saccharine clearance time (SCT), and adverse events.ResultsAll of the patients experienced significant improvements in SNOT-22 scores, VAS scores, and LKES over time. BHS resulted in better improvement of LEKS and SCT relative to PS at 8 weeks postoperatively. Mucosal edema formation was significantly reduced with less crusting among HBS recipients at 8 weeks. After stratification, only patients in the nonECRSwNP + BHS subgroup showed a significant improvement in LEKS and SCT at 8 weeks postoperatively. Side effect profiles were not significantly different among the groups.ConclusionsBHS has a better inhibitory effect on mucosal edema and crusting during the early postoperative care period of CRSwNP. Among all of the patients, nonECRSwNP patients showed a significant improvement in LEKS and SCT at 8 weeks.     

Sex and age-related differences in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps electing ESS

PurposeSex and age of patients are variables affecting across the board all chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) endotypes. The main aim of this investigation was to compare the clinical, laboratory, pathological and prognostic characteristics of CRSwNP in male vs female patients stratified according to age (young-adult [20 years ≤ age ≤ 40 years], and elderly [age ≥ 65 years]). This is the first study that analyzed the association of the above-mentioned features with age and sex combination in CRSwNP electing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).Materials and methodsOne hundred and five consecutive young-adult patients (62 males and 43 females) and 67 elderly patients (44 males and 23 females) with CRSwNP who had undergone ESS were enrolled.ResultsThe recurrence rate resulted associated with the age and sex combination (p = 0.0165). Young-adult males' recurrence rate (29.0%) was higher than young-adult females (11.6%) and elderly males (4.5%). Allergy resulted associated with age and sex combination (p = 0.0158). Young-adult males' allergy rate (50.0%) was higher than elderly males' (29.5%) and elderly females' (13%). Moreover, allergy rate was higher in young-adult females (41.9%) than in elderly females.ConclusionOur data suggest the possibility of an interaction between sex and age in the recurrence of nasal polyposis after ESS. More studies are needed to understand the role of sex hormones in pathogenesis and prognosis of CRSwNP.     

Impact of allergy on phenotypic and endotypic profiles of nasal polyposis

ObjectivesTo assess the impact of allergy on clinical presentations (phenotypes) and inflammatory patterns (endotypes) of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).MethodsA single-center prospective study was conducted over an 18-month period. Fifty-seven patients with refractory CRSwNP were included. The diagnosis of allergy was based on concordant skin prick tests and symptoms. Phenotypes were determined on symptom severity score, polyp size classification and Lund-Mackay CT staging. Inflammatory endotypes were determined on biomarker analysis (IgE, IgA, IL-5, IL-9, ECP, EDN) in blood and nasal secretions. Eosinophil counts were obtained in blood, nasal secretions and polyps.ResultsPhenotype and endotype profiles were comparable in patients with (n = 15) or without (n = 42) allergy. Only asthma with high total IgE blood concentration showed association with allergy.ConclusionsThe present results suggest that allergy is not directly involved in the clinical expression and specific inflammatory pathways of CRSwNP. New therapies target inflammation signaling pathways, and identifying accurate blood and tissue biomarkers will be the line of research most likely to improve treatment of CRSwNP.     

Nasal and paranasal sinus mucosal melanoma: Long-term survival outcomes and prognostic factors

ObjectiveTo determine prognostic factors and survival patterns for different treatment modalities for nasal cavity (NC) and paranasal sinus (PS) mucosal melanoma (MM).MethodsPatients from 1973 to 2013 were analyzed using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable cox proportional hazard modeling were used for survival analyses.ResultsOf 928 cases of mucosal melanoma (NC = 632, PS = 302), increasing age (Hazard Ratio [HR]:1.05/year, p < 0.001), T4 tumors (HR: 1.81, p = 0.02), N1 status (HR: 6.61, p < 0.001), and PS disease (HR: 1.50, p < 0.001) were associated with worse survival. Median survival length was lower for PS versus NC (16 versus 26 months, p < 0.001). Surgery and surgery + radiation therapy (RT) improved survival over non-treatment or RT alone (p < 0.001). Adding RT to surgery did not yield a survival difference compared with surgery alone (p = 0.43). Five-year survival rates for surgery and surgery + RT were similar, at 27.7% and 25.1% (p = 0.43).ConclusionSurgery increased survival significantly over RT alone. RT following surgical resection did not improve survival.     

Nasal polyps in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: Structured histopathology and CD105 expression

PurposeDistinguishing the prodromal nasal polyposis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) from chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a challenge for rhinologists and rheumatologists. It has recently been reported that angiogenesis and CD105 expressed on vascular endothelial cells could have a role in the pathogenesis and development of nasal polyps.This exploratory study examined the structured histopathology of nasal polyps in patients with EGPA and CRSwNP, comparing CD105 expression in their nasal tissue with that of a control group with no chronic sinonasal inflammation.MethodsA structured histopathological study was performed on surgical specimens of nasal tissue from 32 adults (13 with EGPA, 14 with CRSwNP, 5 controls), considering CD105 as a marker to determine microvessel density (MVD).ResultsThe mean eosinophil count was higher in EGPA patients with tissue inflammation (p = .002), and in CRSwNP patients with sub-epithelial edema (p = .009). Neutrophil infiltration was significantly associated with severe tissue inflammation in EGPA patients (p = .04), but with the absence of fibrosis in CRSwNP patients (p = .04). In the EGPA group, CD105-MVD correlated with tissue eosinophil count (p = .05). Mean CD105-MVD was significantly higher in EGPA patients with mucosal ulceration (p = .004). In the CRSwNP group, a CD105-MVD correlated positively and significantly with tissue eosinophil count (p = .01).ConclusionAlongside the known abundance of eosinophils, other cells might contribute to inflammatory processes. Neutrophils may amplify inflammation, eosinophil recruitment and tissue damage. CD105 expression in CRSwNP and EGPA nasal polyps supports the hypothesized involvement of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis and development of nasal polyps.     

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery in children: predictive factors of outcome

The main objective of this study is to assess the results of functional endoscopic sinus surgery in children and to determine which factors independently influence the postoperative results. It is a prospective study by Mansoura University Hospital. 87 patients with different applications of pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery (PESS) chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal allergy (45 patients), CRS without nasal allergy (36 patients) and CRS with polypsis (6 patients) from 2005 to 2010 were included. All children underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. All patients were clinically, radiologically and endoscopically monitored. In this study, the overall success rate was 87.69%, the success rate for CRS with nasal allergy was 87.5%, the success rate for CRS without nasal allergy was 85.7% and the success rate for CRS with polyposis was 93%. Regarding the patients’ age, it could affect the surgical score value (X ² = 9.446 and P* = 0.009). There was significant relation between type of the preoperative disease extent, adenoidectomy, second look operation and postoperative improvement. There was no significant relation between type of the preoperative disease or previous surgery and postoperative improvement. In conclusion, postoperative improvement was significantly correlated with extent of preoperative disease, adenoidectomy and second look operation and not significantly correlated with type of the preoperative disease or previous surgery. The results of PESS are influenced by age group, a younger age group is associated with more adhesions and recurrences and an older age group is associated with blood loss and higher surgical score. All these variables are contributing in the outcome of PESS.     

Seeking an optimal dose of preoperative corticosteroids in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPreoperative corticosteroids have been shown to improve surgical visibility and intraoperative blood loss for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). However, there is no consensus on the optimal dosing regimen.MethodsA randomized, controlled trial was conducted to compare low, medium, and high dose corticosteroids prior to ESS. Patients with CRSwNP refractory to medical management were randomized to low (N = 8), medium (N = 10), or high (N = 5) dosing regimens of corticosteroids prior to ESS. Baseline disease severity was measured with the 22-item Sino-nasal Outcome Test and Lund-Mackay scores. Modified Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores (MLKES) were measured at baseline and after corticosteroid treatment. Intraoperative parameters were measured including Boezaart surgical visibility score, intraoperative blood loss, and operative time.ResultsMedium dose corticosteroids demonstrated a superior surgical visibility score to low dose and comparable results to high dose, but these results were not significant (p = 0.33). No significant difference was observed between groups for total blood loss (p = 0.15), operative time (p = 0.87), or change in MLKES (p = 0.27).ConclusionsCurrent recommendations include the use of preoperative corticosteroids in patients with CRSwNP undergoing ESS, but there is no consensus on dose or duration. We did not find a statistically significant difference in surgical field visibility, intraoperative blood loss, or operative time between different dosing regimens. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of a low-dose preoperative regimen with the goal of reducing cumulative patient exposure to systemic corticosteroids.     

The importance of follow-up examinations in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis

PurposeClinical examinations following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) are critical for physicians to assess results of the intervention and to early identify recurrences. However, no clear consensus on the frequency and timing of clinical examinations following surgery exists. The aim of this study was to analyze CRSwNP recurrences after FESS with a specific focus on the adherence to follow-up examinations.Materials and methodsSixty patients who underwent FESS for CRSwNP were enrolled. Clinical parameters were recorded. Adherence to follow-up examinations with nasal fiber optic endoscopy and regular administration of nasal steroids were analyzed.ResultsAdherence to periodic clinical examinations and regular treatment with nasal steroids was 25 %. CRSwNP recurrence was observed in 56.7 % of cases at the last follow-up examination. No statistically significant difference concerning nasal symptoms was observed between patients with and without current recurrence (p > 0.05). Subjects who underwent regular examinations and prompt treatment of small recurrences had a lower probability of relapse at their last examination (7.7 % versus 38.2 %, respectively; p < 0.001). Polyp grade > 2 in patients with or without adherence were seen in 15.4 % and 42.9 % of cases, respectively (p < 0.05).ConclusionsAdherence to follow-up examinations with nasal optic fiber endoscopy is crucial to early identify recurrence after surgery and promptly treat it with medical therapy.     

Impact of endoscopic sinus surgery on otologic symptoms associated with chronic rhinosinusitis

ObjectiveTo evaluate improvements in otologic symptoms after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and identify differences in symptoms, if any, between CRS patients with (CRSwNP) and without (CRSsNP) nasal polyposis.Material and methodsThis is a prospective multi-center observational cohort study. Adults with medically recalcitrant CRS who elected ESS were enrolled in a prospective, multi-center, observational cohort study between March, 2011 and October, 2014. Preoperative evaluation of subjects included assessment of clinical characteristics, measures of disease severity, and quality of life evaluation using the 22-item SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). Postoperative improvement in otologic symptoms (ear fullness, dizziness, ear pain) scores were evaluated and compared between CRSwNP and CRSsNP subgroups.ResultsThree hundred and ninety-five study patients completed both preoperative and postoperative evaluations, with an average follow-up of 13.9 months after ESS. The prevalence of patients reporting at least one otologic symptom preoperatively (87%) significantly decreased after ESS (63%, P < 0.001). Significant postoperative improvement across all otologic scores was also reported (P < 0.001). Relative mean improvement in otologic symptom severity was similar for both CRSwNP and CRSsNP, except patients with CRSwNP reported significantly greater postoperative improvement in ear fullness compared to CRSsNP (54% vs. 41%, P = 0.039). A total of 61%, 44%, and 43% of patients reported experiencing improvement in “ear fullness”, “dizziness” and “ear pain”, respectively.ConclusionSinus surgery significantly improves otologic symptoms associated with CRS. CRSwNP patients reported slightly greater relief of ear fullness than CRSsNP patients following ESS.     

Clinical symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic) are related to sinus computed tomography but not to endoscopic findings

BackgroundIn the clinical assessment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), evaluation of symptoms, nasoendoscopy findings and sinus computed tomography (CT) scan staging is employed in the management plan. Although prior studies have been done to assess the correlation of the three modalities in CRSwNP, such evaluation in patients with eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic types of CRSwNP requires further investigation. The aim of this study was to correlate the sinus CT scan staging to symptom and endoscopic scores in both types of CRSwNP.Material and methodPatients with CRSwNP were classified into 2 types, eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic. Both types were assessed by Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) symptom score, nasal endoscopy Lund Kennedy grading (LK) score and sinus CT Lund Mackay (LM) staging score. All three modalities were correlated.ResultsForty-four patients were recruited for this study. There was significant correlation between sinus CT and symptom scores in the eosinophilic (r = .51, p = .031) and the non-eosinophilic (r = .76, p < .001) types. There was no significant correlation between symptom and nasoendoscopic scores in the eosinophilic (r = .12, p = .641) and the non-eosinophilic (r = .22, p = .276) types. There was also no significant correlation between sinus CT and nasoendoscopic scores in the eosinophilic (r = .20, p = .418) and the non-eosinophilic (r = .14, p = .508) types.ConclusionsSinus CT staging correlates well with the symptom score for both the eosinophilic and the non-eosinophilic types of CRSwNP. The good correlation suggests both modalities are a reliable guide for their evaluation and management planning.     

Increased expression of nucleophosmin is associated with the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis

ObjectiveNucleophosmin (NPM1) has been suggested to be involved in the pathophysiologic mechanism of inflammatory disorders. We measured the expression level of NPM1 in nasal polyp (NP) tissues of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). We also assessed the correlation between NPM1 expression and other parameters such as eosinophilic infiltration, inflammatory cytokines, and clinical indicators such as Lund-Mackay computed tomography (CT) score.MethodsThirty patients with CRSwNP were included. We performed pre-operative CT scan to determine Lund-Mackay CT scores. During endoscopic sinus surgery, we harvested NP tissues from patients with CRSwNP. We performed Sirius red staining to evaluate eosinophilia and conducted immunohistochemical staining for NPM1 and real-time PCR for cytokines including interleukin (IL)-5, IL-17A, and IL-32.ResultsThe mRNA expression of NPM1 was significantly up-regulated in eosinophilic NP tissues (RQ 0.58 ± 0.06), compared to non-eosinophilic NP tissues (RQ 0.38 ± 0.08, p < 0.05). In the epithelium of NP tissue, a significant positive correlation was observed between eosinophilic infiltration and NPM1 expression. The expression of NPM1 was significantly correlated with that of IL-5 (r = 0.6229, p = 0.0004), IL-17A (r = 0.5971, p = 0.001), and IL-32 (r = −0.5985, p = 0.0068). There was no significant correlation between the mRNA expression of NPM1 and the Lund-Mackay CT score (Spearman r = −0.2563, p = 0.1879).ConclusionExpression of NPM1 was significantly increased in eosinophilic NP tissues from patients with CRSwNP. We observed an association between NPM1 expression and various pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-5, IL-17, and IL-32 and eosinophilic infiltration, which is thought to contribute to the pathophysiology of NP.     

鳞状细胞癌抗原在慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉患者血清中的表达及组织分型中的意义

目的探讨鳞状细胞癌抗原(SCCA)在慢性鼻窦炎伴鼻息肉(CRSwNP)患者血清中的表达情况及其在组织分型中的应用价值。方法选取74例CRSwNP患者以及40例健康志愿者作为研究对象,根据CRSwNP患者术后组织病理切片中嗜酸性粒细胞浸润情况将CRSwNP分为非嗜酸性CRSwNP组(non-eCRSwNP,n=33)和嗜酸性CRSwNP组(eCRSwNP,n=41)。术前收集入组患者的外周血检测SCCA在血清中的浓度,观察其与临床指标的联系及其在不同组织分型患者中浓度差异。结果与对照组相比,CRSwNP组患者血清SCCA表达水平显著升高(P＜0.000 1);与non-eCRSwNP组相比,eCRSwNP组患者血清SCCA表达水平显著升高(P＜0.000 1)。CRSwNP患者血清SCCA浓度与外周血嗜酸性粒细胞计数(r=0.404,P=0.000 4)、组织嗜酸性粒细胞比例(r=0.283,P=0.015)均呈正相关。二元Logistic回归及受试者工作曲线(ROC)分析提示血清SCCA水平与CRSwNP组织亚型具有明显的相关性并能较好地将两者进行区分[曲线下面积(AUC)=0.844,P=0.000]。结论CRSwNP患者血清SCCA表达上调且与组织嗜酸性炎症相关,其表达水平可能有助于术前鉴别CRSwNP亚型。     

The effect of face mask usage on the allergic rhinitis symptoms in patients with pollen allergy during the covid-19 pandemic

PurposeThe study aims to evaluate the use of face masks on allergic rhinitis symptoms in pollen allergy patients who were compulsorily using face masks due to the covid-19 pandemic.Materials and methodsA 15-item questionnaire was developed following the study goals by a team experienced in allergic rhinitis. Then the records of patients who underwent allergy tests in our hospital between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Fifty participants with isolated pollen allergy were included in the study. Patients who agreed to participate in the research answered the questions over the phone.ResultsOf the 50 participants, 30 (60%) were female and 20 (40%) were male, with a mean age of 34.34 ± 9.41 years. While the rate of participants who defined their nasal symptoms as severe-moderate in the pre-pandemic period was 92% (46 patients), this rate decreased to 56% (28 patients) during the pandemic when they used face masks. In ocular symptoms, the same rate decreased from 60% (30 patients) to 32% (16 patients). A statistically significant decrease was found in both nasal and ocular symptoms of patients after mask use (p < 0.001). The most regression in allergy symptoms was observed in sneezing (p = 0.029) and nasal discharge (p = 0.039).ConclusionsThis study observed that the use of face masks reduced both nasal and ocular allergic rhinitis symptoms in individuals with pollen allergy. These results support the hypothesis that the use of face masks would reduce the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms.     

Role of blood inflammatory cells in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Background/Objective: The pathophysiological and prognostic role of blood inflammatory cells in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) emerging from recent studies was investigated.

Material and Methods: The main available evidence and largely-recent publications were critically analyzed.

Results: Several authors reported a direct association between blood eosinophilia and CRSwNP recurrence rates. In some large series, a direct association between recurrent CRSwNP and blood basophil values emerged too. CRSwNP patients’ blood eosinophil and basophil values were strongly related. It was also found that preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, eosinophil-to-lymphocyte, and basophil-to-lymphocyte ratios were significantly higher in patients who experienced a disease relapse than in those who did not. In histologically-confirmed eosinophilic-type CRSwNP treated with endoscopic sinus surgery, mean blood eosinophil values dropped significantly from before to after the surgical procedure.

Conclusions/Significance: CRSwNP endotypes have different inflammatory profiles reflected in the relative proportions of different types of blood cells. The available data support the theory that blood eosinophil and basophil levels should be included in the routine preoperative work-up of CRSwNP patients in order to give patients accurate prognostic information, adopt rational follow-up protocols after surgery, and provide dedicated postoperative medical treatments.     

Decreased PLUNC expression in nasal polyps is associated with multibacterial colonization in chronic rhinosinusitis patients

PLUNC (palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone) is an epithelium-secreted protein that plays a crucial role in the host’s defense against bacterial infection. The function of PLUNC in the sinus remains poorly understood. To examine whether the expression levels of PLUNC could serve as a predictive outcome biomarker for patients with CRSwNP and bacterial colonization, we investigated the association of PLUNC expression levels with bacterial colonization in the sinuses. A total of 174 patients who underwent sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) were enrolled in this study. The tissue samples obtained from patients were examined using preoperative sinus computed tomography (CT) scans, postoperative bacterial cultures, and nasal polyp examinations. PLUNC mRNA and protein expression were quantified using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. We identified that decreased PLUNC expression is associated with multibacterial colonization (P = 0.0001), specifically those mediated by Staphyloccocus aureus (P = 0.037) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P = 0.002). The patients who required repeated sinus surgeries for recurrent or persistent sinusitis also presented much lower PLUNC expression than those who did not require repeated sinus surgery (P = 0.001). However, gender, age, and CT scores were not associated with PLUNC expression. These results suggest that reduced PLUNC expression is associated with bacterial colonization as well as treatment outcome in CRSwNP patients. Investigation of the association between PLUNC expressions and chronic rhinosinusitis may lead to the development of a novel biomarker for treatment outcome in CRSwNP patients.     

Predictive markers of long-term recurrence in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BackgroundIn last years, many attempts were made to recognize chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) phenotypes focusing on identifying relevant key pathogenic molecules. Polyps recurrence rate ranges from 4% to 60%, so it's clear that not all clinical and immunologic factors associated with recurrence are known.ObjectiveWe investigate the inflammatory profile in patients with long term recurrent and non-recurrent CRSwNPs and if a specific profile is associated with recurrence, comparing eosinophilic, neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, as well as IL-5 and IL-8 expression to long term recurrence rate.MethodsThis prospective study included 44 adult patients with CRSwNP treated with endoscopic sinus surgery between 2008 and 2010. Long term follow-up data (8–10 years) indicated that among 44 patients, 18 (40.1%) experienced long term recurrence of nasal polyposis needing maximal medical treatment or revision surgery. We realized two groups: one with patients who didn't present long term recurrence (26 patients) and another with patients who presented long term recurrence (18 patients) and in both groups eosinophilic, neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration and IL-5 and IL-8 expression were measured.ResultsThe parameters that reached statistical significance (p < 0.05) comparing the two groups were eosinophilic infiltration and IL-5 expression, whereas neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, as IL-8 expression didn't show any significant difference.Asthma and aspirin intolerance seemed significantly more frequent in patients with recurrence, while allergy presented not statistically significant difference between two groups.ConclusionsWe can conclude that high eosinophilic infiltration and high IL-5 expression in CRSwNP correlate with higher rate of long term recurrence, while neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, and IL-8 expression don't correlate with it. These findings provide the opportunity to improve our ability to predict the prognosis of surgical intervention, although it is still needed to explore the optimal predictor of outcome in CRSwNP.     

Limited English proficiency and head and neck cancer outcomes

PurposeLimited English proficiency (LEP) is common among hospitalized patients and may impact clinical care and outcomes. This study aimed to examine the relationship between LEP and clinical oncological outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).Materials and methodsA single center retrospective review was conducted including adult patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who received treatment with curative intent between January 1, 2014 and July 1, 2019. Clinical data collected included patient demographics and clinical variables. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to determine whether there was an association between LEP and demographic and clinical factors.ResultsThere were 477 patients included in the study; 426 (81%) were English proficient (EP) while 51 (10.7%) were LEP. The LEP patients were diagnosed with cancer at a later overall stage (p = 0.03) and less frequently treated with surgery alone compared to English speaking patients (p < 0.001). After adjusting for overall stage and primary site, LEP patients were significantly more likely to receive primary surgical management compared to primary non-surgical management [OR = 2.29 95% CI (0.93, 5.58), p = 0.008]. There was also a significant association between LEP and primary site of tumor (p < 0.01). Kaplan-Meyer curves for overall survival and disease specific survival showed no significant differences between the two cohorts (p = 0.8063 and p = 0.4986, respectively).ConclusionsLEP may impact access to care resulting in more advanced overall tumor stage at presentation and treatment with primary surgery compared to non-surgical management after adjusting for tumor stage and primary site. Interventions to provide better access to care, awareness of HNC in the LEP populations, and earlier detection may improve outcomes for LEP patients.