Medical treatment of stage I nasal polyposis over a 3-year follow-up period

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of a standardized therapeutic protocol (short-term oral administration of prednisolone and daily intranasal spray of beclometasone) on stage I nasal polyposis over a follow-up period of 3 years. PROCEDURES: Assessments (evaluation of nasal function and drug consumption) were conducted at baseline and every 3 months on 54 consecutive patients with stage I nasal polyposis during 3 years. RESULTS: Over the follow-up period of 3 years, this dual modality proved to be successful in 87% of the subjects; only 13% had to undergo surgery after its failure. The average symptom reduction reached an improvement rate varying from 66 to 94.8%, according to the symptom type. The daily dosage of prednisolone and beclometasone was progressively decreased, while the gain in nasal comfort was being preserved. CONCLUSION: Management of stage I nasal polyps should be primarily medical.