The interleukin-4/interleukin-13 pathway in type 2 inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is predominantly a type 2 inflammatory disease associated with type 2 (T2) cell responses and epithelial barrier, mucociliary, and olfactory dysfunction. The inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and IL-5 are key mediators driving and perpetuating type 2 inflammation. The inflammatory responses driven by these cytokines include the recruitment and activation of eosinophils, basophils, mast cells, goblet cells, M2 macrophages, and B cells. The activation of these immune cells results in a range of pathologic effects including immunoglobulin E production, an increase in the number of smooth muscle cells within the nasal mucosa and a reduction in their contractility, increased deposition of fibrinogen, mucus hyperproduction, and local edema. The cytokine-driven structural changes include nasal polyp formation and nasal epithelial tissue remodeling, which perpetuate barrier dysfunction. Type 2 inflammation may also alter the availability or function of olfactory sensory neurons contributing to loss of sense of smell. Targeting these key cytokine pathways has emerged as an effective approach for the treatment of type 2 inflammatory airway diseases, and a number of biologic agents are now available or in development for CRSwNP. In this review, we provide an overview of the inflammatory pathways involved in CRSwNP and describe how targeting key drivers of type 2 inflammation is an effective therapeutic option for patients.

Efficacy of EDS-FLU for Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Two Randomized Controlled Trials (ReOpen1 and ReOpen2).

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent inflammatory disease. No medications are Food and Drug Administration-approved for the most common form, CRS without nasal polyps (also called "chronic sinusitis"). Novel biomechanics of the exhalation delivery system deliver fluticasone (EDS-FLU; XHANCE) to sinonasal areas above the inferior turbinate, especially sinus drainage pathways not reached by standard-delivery nasal sprays. OBJECTIVE: Assess EDS-FLU efficacy for CRS (irrespective of nasal polyps). METHODS: Two randomized, EDS-placebo-controlled trials in adults with CRS irrespective of polyps (ReOpen1) or exclusively without polyps (ReOpen2) were conducted at 120 sites in 13 countries. Patients received EDS-FLU 1 or 2 sprays/nostril, or EDS-placebo, twice daily for 24 weeks. Coprimary measures were composite symptom score through week 4 and ethmoid/maxillary sinus percent opacification by computed tomography at week 24. RESULTS: ReOpen1 (N = 332) composite symptom score least-squares mean change for EDS-FLU 1 or 2 sprays/nostril versus EDS-placebo was -1.58 and -1.60 versus -0.62 (P < .001, P < .001); ReOpen2 (N = 223), -1.54 and -1.74 versus -0.81 (P = .011, P = .001). In ReOpen1, sinus opacification least-squares mean change for EDS-FLU 1 or 2 sprays/nostril versus EDS-placebo was -5.58 and -6.20 versus -1.60 (P = .045, P = .018), and in ReOpen2, -7.00 and -5.14 versus +1.19 (P < .001, P = .009). Acute disease exacerbations were reduced by 56% to 66% with EDS-FLU versus EDS-placebo (P = .001). There were significant, and similar magnitude, symptom reductions in patients using standard-delivery nasal steroid products just before entering the study (P < .001). Adverse events were similar to standard-delivery intranasal steroids. CONCLUSIONS: EDS-FLU is the first nonsurgical treatment demonstrated to reduce symptoms, intrasinus opacification, and exacerbations in replicate randomized clinical trials in CRS, regardless of polyp status.

Long-Term Safety of Dupilumab in Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Asthma: TRAVERSE Continuation Study.

BACKGROUND: Previous clinical trials have demonstrated dupilumab efficacy and safety in adults and adolescents with moderate to severe asthma for up to 3 years. OBJECTIVE: The TRAVERSE continuation study (NCT03620747), a single-arm, open-label study, assessed safety and tolerability of dupilumab 300 mg every 2 weeks up to an additional 144 weeks (∼3 years) in patients with moderate to severe asthma who previously completed TRAVERSE (NCT02134028). METHODS: Primary end points were incidence and event rates per 100 patient-years of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Secondary end points included adverse events (AEs) of special interest, serious AEs, and AEs leading to study discontinuation. RESULTS: A total of 393 patients participated in the TRAVERSE continuation study (cumulative dupilumab exposure, 431.7 patient-years; median treatment duration, 309 days). A total of 29 patients (7.4%) received more than 958 days of treatment. A total of 214 (54.5%) patients reported at least 1 TEAE (event rate: 171.4); 37 (9.4%) experienced at least 1 treatment-related TEAE, none of which were considered severe; 2 patients reported 6 TEAEs of moderate intensity. A total of 22 (5.6%) patients reported serious AEs (event rate: 6.9). AEs of special interest were reported in 24 patients (6.1%; event rate: 6.0). Five (1.3%) deaths occurred (event rate: 1.2) following serious AEs of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related pneumonia (3 patients), pancreatitis (1 patient), and pulmonary embolism (1 patient). None of the TEAEs leading to death were considered treatment-related. CONCLUSIONS: Dupilumab treatment was well tolerated for up to an additional 3 years. Safety findings were consistent with the known safety profile of dupilumab. These findings further support the long-term use of dupilumab in patients with moderate to severe asthma.

Sustained efficacy of mepolizumab in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: SYNAPSE 24-week treatment-free follow-up.

BACKGROUND: In the 52-week Phase III SYNAPSE study, mepolizumab given every 4 weeks (100 mg subcutaneously) reduced nasal polyp (NP) size, improved symptoms and quality of life (QoL), and reduced corticosteroid use and number of sinus surgeries in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), versus placebo. Because the durability of mepolizumab's efficacy after discontinuation is poorly understood in CRSwNP, the efficacy of mepolizumab after discontinuation was analyzed in severe CRSwNP, over a 24-week follow-up. METHODS: Changes from SYNAPSE baseline to end of treatment (week 52) and end of follow-up (week 76) were assessed for total endoscopic NP score, nasal obstruction and overall symptoms visual analog scale scores, and 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test score. Time to first sinus surgery, time to first corticosteroid use, and geometric mean blood eosinophil counts (BECs) were also assessed. RESULTS: Among 134 follow-up patients, clinical improvements observed with mepolizumab versus placebo were partially evident 24 weeks after discontinuation despite BEC returning to baseline. The mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) change from baseline in NP score (week 52: -1.3 [1.8 to -0.9] vs. -0.3 [-0.6 to 0.1]; week 76: -1.2 [-1.6 to -0.7] vs. -0.1 [-0.5 to 0.3]) and the proportion of patients having sinus surgery (week 52: 4% vs. 25%; week 76: 9% vs. 31%) remained substantially improved with mepolizumab versus placebo. Mepolizumab-associated improvements in overall symptoms, quality of life, and corticosteroid use versus placebo were partially sustained at week 76. CONCLUSION: Fifty-two weeks of mepolizumab treatment is associated with sustained clinical benefits up to 24 weeks after discontinuation in patients with severe CRSwNP, which should be considered by physicians when making treatment decisions.

Prevalence of type 2 inflammatory signatures and efficacy of dupilumab in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps from two phase 3 clinical trials: SINUS-24 and SINUS-52.

BACKGROUND: This post hoc analysis of the international SINUS-24/-52 trials (NCT02912468/NCT02898454) aimed to assess dupilumab efficacy in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) according to different definitions of type 2 inflammatory signature. METHODS: Six definitions of type 2 inflammation were used: ≥150 eosinophils/µL or total immunoglobulin E (IgE) ≥100 IU/mL with a coexisting type 2 condition; ≥150 eosinophils/µL or total IgE ≥100 IU/mL; ≥150 eosinophils/µL; ≥250 eosinophils/µL or total IgE ≥100 IU/mL; coexisting asthma or ≥300 eosinophils/µL; presence of a coexisting type 2 condition. Odds ratios (ORs; dupilumab vs. placebo) for achieving clinically meaningful improvement (≥1 point) from baseline to week 24 (pooled SINUS-24/-52) and week 52 (SINUS-52) were calculated for nasal polyp score (NPS; range 0-8), nasal congestion/obstruction score (NC; 0-3), and loss of smell score (LoS; 0-3). RESULTS: At baseline (n = 724), most patients displayed a type 2 inflammatory signature across definitions (64.2%-95.3%). At week 24, ORs for clinically meaningful improvement ranged from 11.9 to 14.9 for NPS across type 2 definitions, 6.5-9.6 for NC, and 12.2-17.8 for LoS (all p < 0.0001). OR ranges were similar or greater at week 52: 19.0-36.6, 7.6-12.1, and 9.2-33.5, respectively (all p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Most patients with CRSwNP in the SINUS study had type 2 inflammation. Dupilumab demonstrated robust efficacy across definitions of type 2 inflammation, consistent with its profile as an inhibitor of Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-13 signaling, key and central drivers of type 2 inflammation in CRSwNP. KEY POINTS: This study assessed type 2 inflammation prevalence and dupilumab efficacy in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps according to algorithm-defined type 2 inflammation Dupilumab efficacy was similar across all type 2 definitions.

Impact of dupilumab across seasons in patients with type 2, uncontrolled, moderate-to-severe asthma.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal variability could influence asthma exacerbations. Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, blocks the shared receptor component for interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13, key and central drivers of type 2 inflammation. In the 52-week QUEST study (NCT02414854), add-on dupilumab every 2 weeks vs placebo significantly reduced exacerbations and improved prebronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second in patients with uncontrolled, moderate-to-severe asthma. TRAVERSE (NCT02134028), the open-label QUEST extension study, enrolled patients with moderate-to-severe asthma to investigate long-term safety and efficacy of dupilumab, including patients who previously received placebo that initiated dupilumab therapy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate long-term dupilumab efficacy in reducing exacerbations across yearly seasons in patients with type 2 inflammatory asthma with and without clinical evidence of allergic asthma. METHODS: Unadjusted annualized exacerbation rate and proportions of patients experiencing severe asthma exacerbations are reported by month and season and for both hemispheres. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with type 2 asthma experiencing 1 or more severe asthma exacerbations during QUEST was 20.8% vs 10.0% in spring, 18.2% vs 7.3% in summer, 22.2% vs 12.6% in autumn, and 26.4% vs 12.0% in winter, for placebo- vs dupilumab-treated patients, respectively; P was less than .001 for placebo vs dupilumab in all seasons. Reductions in the proportion of patients experiencing severe exacerbations across seasons in subgroups with and without evidence of allergic asthma were similar to the overall type 2 population. Reductions in severe exacerbations observed during QUEST were sustained during TRAVERSE, up to 96 weeks across both hemispheres. CONCLUSION: Dupilumab reduced asthma exacerbations, with no difference in the reduction between seasons, in patients with type 2 inflammation, with and without evidence of allergic asthma. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT02414854, NCT02134028.

IL-13 and IL-13-induced periostin levels are specifically decreased in patients following endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 (T2) inflammation plays a pathogenic role in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The effects of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on T2 inflammation are unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare T2 inflammatory biomarkers from middle meatal (MM) mucus for distinguishing patients with CRS from CRS-free patients, identifying major phenotypes (CRS without nasal polyps [CRSsNP] and CRS with nasal polyps [CRSwNP]), assessing endotypic change, and establishing cross-sectional and longitudinal outcomes in patients undergoing ESS. METHODS: MM mucus samples were collected from patients with CRSsNP and patients with CRSwNP before and 6 to 12 months after ESS and compared with samples from CRS-free control patients. T2 biomarkers were evaluated both continuously and using threshold-based definitions of T2 endotype to identify relationships with patient-reported (based on the 22-Item Sinonasal Outcomes Test and Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patient-Reported Outcomes Measure) and clinician-reported (radiographic and endoscopic) severity. Linear mixed models were developed to analyze clinical variables associated with T2 biomarker levels. RESULTS: A total of 154 patients with CRS (89 with CRSsNP and 65 with CRSwNP) were enrolled, with a mean interval of 9 months between ESS and follow-up. An analysis of pre-ESS MM mucus samples revealed elevated levels of T2 mediators in patients with CRSwNP versus in patients with CRSsNP and CRS-free controls. Temporally stable correlations between levels of IL-13 and IL-5, levels of periostin and complement 5a, and levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eotaxin-3 were observed. On this basis and on the basis of pathologic significance, levels of IL-13, periostin and ECP were further analyzed. After ESS, levels of IL-13 and periostin decreased significantly, whereas ECP levels remained unchanged. Across pre- and post-ESS evaluation, the T2 endotype was associated with radiographic severity but did not predict outcomes. CRSwNP status and African American race were associated with higher levels of IL-13 and periostin, whereas ECP level was higher in patients undergoing extensive surgery. CONCLUSION: ESS decreased levels of IL-13 and periostin in the middle meatus. T2 inflammation after ESS was correlated with patient- and clinician-reported severity across phenotypes. Pre-ESS T2 inflammation did not predict post-ESS outcomes.

Dupilumab efficacy in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps with and without allergic rhinitis.

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a predominantly type 2 inflammatory disease, which often coexists with allergic rhinitis (AR). Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, blocks the shared receptor component for interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, key and central drivers of type 2 inflammation. Objective: This post hoc analysis investigated the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in patients with severe CRSwNP with or without coexisting AR in the pooled phase III SINUS-24/SINUS-52 studies. Methods: Patients randomized to subcutaneous dupilumab 300 mg (n = 438) or placebo (n = 286) every 2 weeks for 24 (SINUS-24) or 52 weeks (SINUS-52) were analyzed. Pooled data from the first 24 weeks of treatment are presented. Changes from baseline in disease outcome measures and biomarker levels were analyzed by the patient-reported history of AR status. Results: Overall, 338 of 724 patients (46.7%) had AR. Baseline characteristics were generally similar between patients with and those without AR. Dupilumab significantly improved objective and patient-reported measures of CRSwNP, including loss of smell, and reduced systemic and nasal biomarker levels versus placebo at week 24, with no significant treatment difference between patients with and those without AR. Use of systemic corticosteroids and/or sinonasal surgery during treatment was significantly reduced with dupilumab versus placebo, irrespective of AR status (p ≤ 0.0029). The safety profile of dupilumab was similar in patients with and in patients without AR. Conclusion: Dupilumab demonstrated significant improvements in both clinical end points and symptom scores versus placebo in patients with severe CRSwNP, irrespective of comorbid AR status, a common subgroup of patients often associated with poorer CRSwNP outcomes. Clinical trials NCT02912468 (SINUS-24) and NCT02898454 (SINUS-52), www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Evaluation and treatment of rhinosinusitis with primary antibody deficiency in adults: Evidence-based review with recommendations.

BACKGROUND: There is clear evidence that the prevalence of primary antibody deficiency (PAD) is higher in patients with recurrent and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) than in the general population. The purpose of this multi-institutional and multidisciplinary evidence-based review with recommendations (EBRR) is to thoroughly review the literature on rhinosinusitis with PAD, summarize the existing evidence, and provide recommendations on the evaluation and management of rhinosinusitis in patients with PAD. METHODS: The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were systematically reviewed from inception through August 2022. Studies on the evaluation and management of rhinosinusitis in PAD patients were included. An iterative review process was utilized in accordance with EBRR guidelines. Levels of evidence and recommendations on the evaluation and management principles for PAD were generated. RESULTS: A total of 42 studies were included in this evidence-based review. These studies were evaluated on incidence of PAD in rhinosinusitis patients, incidence of rhinosinusitis in PAD patients, and on the different treatment modalities used and their outcome. The aggregate quality of evidence was varied across reviewed domains. CONCLUSION: Based on the currently available evidence, PAD can occur in up to 50% of patients with recalcitrant CRS. Despite the presence of multiple studies addressing rhinosinusitis and PAD, the level of evidence supporting different treatment options continues to be lacking. Optimal management requires a multidisciplinary approach through collaboration with clinical immunology. There is need for higher-level studies that compare different treatments in patients with PAD and rhinosinusitis.

Sinus inflammation and chronic rhinosinusitis are associated with a diagnosis of new onset asthma in the following year.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and asthma commonly co-occur. No studies have leveraged large samples needed to formally address whether preexisting CRS is associated with new onset asthma over time. METHODS: We evaluated whether prevalent CRS [identified in two ways: validated text algorithm applied to sinus computerized tomography (CT) scan or two diagnoses] was associated with new onset adult asthma in the following year. We used electronic health record data from Geisinger from 2008 to 2019. For each year we removed persons with any evidence of asthma through the end of the year, then identified those with new diagnosis of asthma in the following year. Complementary log-log regression was used to adjust for confounding variables (e.g., sociodemographic, contact with the health system, comorbidities), and hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 35,441 persons were diagnosed with new onset asthma and were compared to 890,956 persons who did not develop asthma. Persons with new onset asthma tended to be female (69.6%) and younger (mean [SD] age 45.9 [17.0] years). Both CRS definitions were associated (HR, 95% CI) with new onset asthma, with 2.21 (1.93, 2.54) and 1.48 (1.38, 1.59) for CRS based on sinus CT scan and two diagnoses, respectively. New onset asthma was uncommonly observed in persons with a history of sinus surgery. CONCLUSION: Prevalent CRS identified with two complementary approaches was associated with a diagnosis of new onset asthma in the following year. The findings may have clinical implications for the prevention of asthma.

The Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) With Biologics.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps affects a significant portion of the worldwide population. This illness is associated with several chronic conditions and has an important impact on patient quality of life, leading to a great societal economic burden. In recent years, biologic medications have been developed and found to be effective in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. This review focuses on these treatment options and their ability to improve patient outcomes, including quality of life. It also reviews available evidence with regards to patient selection, monitoring of patients after treatment initiation, and comparison of different biologics and with other treatment options such as sinus surgery.

Risk of new-onset and prevalent disease in chronic rhinosinusitis: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is accompanied by burdensome comorbid conditions. Understanding the relative timing of the onset of these conditions could inform disease prevention, detection, and management. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between CRS and new-onset and prevalent asthma, noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFBE), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study among primary care patients using a detailed medical and symptom questionnaire in 2014 and again in 2020. We used questionnaire and electronic health record (EHR) data to determine CRS status: CRSSE (moderate to severe symptoms with EHR evidence), CRSE (limited symptoms with EHR evidence), CRSS (moderate to severe symptoms without EHR evidence), CRSneg (limited symptoms and no EHR evidence; reference). We evaluated the association between CRS status and new-onset and prevalent disease using logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: There were 7847 and 4445 respondents to the 2014 and 2020 questionnaires, respectively. CRSSE (vs CRSneg ) was associated with increased odds of new-onset asthma (OR, 1.74 [CI, 1.09-2.77), NCFBE (OR, 1.87 [CI, 1.12-3.13]), COPD (OR, 1.73 [CI, 1.14-2.68]), GERD (OR, 1.95 [CI, 1.61-2.35]), and OSA (OR, 1.91 [CI, 1.39-2.62]). Similarly, increased odds were observed for associations with the prevalence of these conditions. CONCLUSION: The findings from the study support further exploration of CRS as a target for the prevention and detection of asthma, NCFBE, COPD, GERD, and OSA.

Evidence that oncostatin M synergizes with IL-4 signaling to induce TSLP expression in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: Oncostatin M (OSM) may promote type 2 inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) by inducing thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). OBJECTIVE: We sought to study the impact of OSM on TSLP synthesis and release from nasal epithelial cells (NECs). METHODS: OSM receptors, IL-4 receptors (IL-4R), and TSLP were evaluated in mucosal tissue and primary NECs from patients with CRSwNP by quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence. Air-liquid interface-cultured NECs were stimulated with cytokines, including OSM, and quantitative PCR, ELISA, Western blot, and flow cytometry were used to assess the expression of OSM receptors, IL-4R, and TSLP. RESULTS: Increased levels of OSM receptor ß chain (OSMRß), IL-4Rα, and TSLP were observed in nasal polyp tissues and primary epithelial cells from nasal polyps of patients with CRSwNP compared with control tissues or cells from control subjects. The level of expression of OSMRß in tissue was correlated with levels of both IL-4Rα and TSLP. OSM stimulation of NECs increased the expression of OSMRß and IL-4Rα. Stimulation with IL-4 plus OSM augmented the production of TSLP; the response was suppressed by a signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 inhibitor. Stimulation of NECs with IL-4 plus OSM increased the expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 3, an enzyme that truncates and activates TSLP. CONCLUSIONS: OSM increases the expression of IL-4Rα and synergizes with IL-4 to induce the synthesis and release of TSLP in NECs. Because the combination of IL-4 and OSM also augmented the expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 3, these results suggest that OSM can induce both synthesis and posttranslational processing/activation of TSLP, promoting type 2 inflammation.

The Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters GRADE guidelines for the medical management of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.

These evidence-based guidelines support patients, clinicians, and other stakeholders in decisions about the use of intranasal corticosteroids (INCS), biologics, and aspirin therapy after desensitization (ATAD) for the management of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). It is important to note that the current evidence on surgery for CRSwNP was not assessed for this guideline nor were management options other than INCS, biologics, and ATAD. The Allergy-Immunology Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters formed a multidisciplinary guideline panel balanced to include the views of multiple stakeholders and to minimize potential biases. Systematic reviews for each management option informed the guideline. The guideline panel used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to inform and develop recommendations. The guideline panel reached consensus on the following statements: (1) In people with CRSwNP, the guideline panel suggests INCS rather than no INCS (conditional recommendation, low certainty of evidence). (2) In people with CRSwNP, the guideline panel suggests biologics rather than no biologics (conditional recommendation, moderate certainty of evidence). (3) In people with aspirin (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)-exacerbated respiratory disease, the guideline panel suggests ATAD rather than no ATAD (conditional recommendation, moderate certainty of evidence). The conditions for each recommendation are discussed in the guideline.

Long-term efficacy of dupilumab in asthma with or without chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: Coexisting chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps (CRS-NPs) substantially increases the disease burden of asthma. Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, has established efficacy and an acceptable safety profile in asthma and CRS with NP. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term dupilumab efficacy in TRAVERSE (NCT02134028) patients with uncontrolled, moderate-to-severe (QUEST) or oral corticosteroid (OCS)-dependent (VENTURE) asthma with or without coexisting CRS-NP. METHODS: In TRAVERSE, 317 of 1530 (21%) QUEST and 61 of 187 (48%) VENTURE patients had self-reported CRS-NP; they received subcutaneous 300 mg dupilumab every 2 weeks up to 96 weeks. Patients were categorized by parent study treatment group (placebo/dupilumab, dupilumab/dupilumab). End points included annualized asthma exacerbation rates and mean change from parent study baseline in prebronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second, Asthma Control Questionnaire 5 score, Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score, and OCS dose. RESULTS: Patients with coexisting CRS-NP had higher OCS dose and a history of more exacerbations. Concluding TRAVERSE, exacerbation rates decreased from 2.39 to 0.32 and 2.32 to 0.35 in dupilumab/dupilumab and 2.36 to 0.41 and 2.36 to 0.45 in placebo/dupilumab by week 96 from QUEST and VENTURE baselines, respectively. Non-CRS-NP results were similar. Improvements in forced expiratory volume in 1 second, Asthma Control Questionnaire 5 score, and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score during parent studies were maintained in TRAVERSE; placebo/dupilumab patients achieved similar improvements to dupilumab/dupilumab by week 48. By week 96, 71% and 39% of OCS-dependent patients with CRS-NP and 83% and 47% without CRS-NP treated with dupilumab/dupilumab and placebo/dupilumab, respectively, stopped OCS. CONCLUSION: Long-term dupilumab efficacy was maintained in patients with asthma with or without self-reported coexisting CRS-NP, including OCS-sparing effects observed in OCS-dependent severe asthma. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT02528214, NCT02414854, and NCT02134028.

AROMA: real-world global registry of dupilumab for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a predominantly type 2 inflammatory disease of the nasal and paranasal sinuses. Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the shared receptor component for interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, which are key and central drivers of type 2 inflammation. In clinical trials, dupilumab significantly improved objective and patient-reported measures of CRSwNP versus placebo and was well tolerated. Dupilumab is approved in the European Union, USA and Japan as add-on maintenance treatment for adults with inadequately controlled CRSwNP. There exists an important evidence gap between efficacy and effectiveness data for dupilumab in severe CRSwNP. In order to bridge this gap, the AROMA prospective global registry (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04959448) was established. AROMA will collect long-term data on the utilisation, effectiveness and safety of dupilumab for CRSwNP treatment in real-world clinical practice. AROMA will enrol approximately 1000 adults starting dupilumab for severe CRSwNP across 120 global sites. Baseline data will include patient demographics, medical/surgical history and presence of type 2 comorbidities. Effectiveness outcome assessments will include objective measures of CRSwNP assessed as part of routine clinical care and various patient-reported questionnaires. Treatment patterns, concomitant medications and long-term safety will also be recorded. Results from AROMA, the first prospective, real-world, global registry to characterise patients with severe CRSwNP starting dupilumab, will provide evidence on the real impact of dupilumab in patients with CRSwNP and complement the data from randomised clinical trials. The registry will also provide evidence on disease progression in patients with CRSwNP, including those with coexisting diseases.

Management and referral patterns for new-onset chronic cough in primary care patients.

Background: The diagnosis and management of chronic cough in primary care is challenging despite it being one of the most common chronic conditions. Objective: Clinical characterization of patients with new-onset chronic cough in the primary care setting. Methods: This was a retrospective study of adult patients (ages ≥ 18 years) with at least three visits with primary care providers (PCP) for new-onset cough, with at least 8 weeks between the first and third visits, within a tertiary-care center and affiliated clinics between January 1, 2010, and January 1, 2019 (N = 174). We calculated the frequency of primary care visits, diagnostic testing, specialist referrals, and prescribed medications up to 18 months after the third visit with a PCP for cough. Results: Of 174 patients who met the criteria of new-onset chronic cough, >50% had four or more primary care visits related to cough. Despite that, 91 (52.3%) did not receive a referral to a specialist, and 41 (23.5%) did not receive an order for a chest radiograph during the evaluation of the chronic cough. Antibiotics and systemic corticosteroids were prescribed to 106 (61%) and 63 (36%) of the patients, respectively, and 20% were prescribed opiates. No patients were prescribed central-neuromodulating agents, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were discontinued in 48% of the patients who were taking them (12/25). Conclusion: We found considerable heterogeneity and discrepancies with clinical guideline recommendations in patients who presented with new chronic cough. There is a substantial unmet need to study chronic cough in the primary care setting to inform important stakeholders.

Clinical and economic burden of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis: A U.S. administrative claims analysis.

Background: Limited data exist on the clinical and economic burden of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). Objective: To describe patient characteristics, health-care resource utilization (HCRU), and health-care costs among patients with CRSwNP with and without comorbid asthma (primary analysis) and with surgical management of nasal polyps (secondary analysis). Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with CRSwNP conducted using administrative claims data from January 1, 2013, through March 31, 2019. Study outcomes were assessed over a 2-year follow-up. Results were stratified by baseline asthma status (primary analysis) and presented separately for patients with surgically managed CRSwNP (secondary analysis). Results: The primary analysis included 10,999 patients with CRSwNP (2649 with asthma, 8350 without asthma). Patients with versus without asthma had higher medication use, HCRU, and all-cause medical costs (mean ± standard deviation $34,667 ± $42,234 versus $27,122 ± $45,573; p < 0.001) across the full follow-up period. CRSwNP-related medical costs were significantly higher for patients with versus without asthma in year 2 of follow-up. In the surgical management analysis (n = 4943), most categories of medication use and CRSwNP-related HCRU declined from baseline levels during follow-up, and CRSwNP-related pharmacy costs in year 2 were less than half of baseline levels. Conclusion: Patients diagnosed with CRSwNP and asthma had a greater burden of illness than those without asthma. Higher CRSwNP-related medical costs in year 2 of follow-up for patients with asthma may indicate worsening symptoms over time. Among patients with surgically managed CRSwNP, HCRU and costs increased in year 1 of follow-up but decreased below baseline levels in year 2, potentially reflecting improved symptom severity.

Topical corticosteroids for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis: GRADE systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) is associated with a significant disease burden. The optimal use of and administration route for intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) when managing CRSwNP are unclear. OBJECTIVE: We systematically synthesized the evidence addressing INCS for CRSwNP. METHODS: We searched studies archived in Medline, Embase, and Central from database inception until September 1, 2021, for randomized controlled trials comparing INCS using any delivery method to placebo or other INCS administration types. Paired reviewers screened records, abstracted data, and rated risk of bias (CLARITY revision of Cochrane Risk of Bias version 1 tool) independently and in duplicate. We synthesized the evidence for each outcome using random effects network meta-analyses. We critically appraised the evidence following the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. RESULTS: We analyzed 61 randomized controlled trials (7176 participants, 8 interventions). Sinusitis-related quality of life might improve with INCS rinse (mean difference [MD] -6.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] -11.94 to -1.71) and exhalation delivery system (EDS) (MD -7.86, 95% CI -14.64 to -1.08) compared to placebo (both low certainty evidence). Nasal obstruction symptoms are likely improved when receiving INCS via stent/dressing (MD -0.31, 95% CI -0.54 to -0.08), spray (MD -0.51, 95% CI -0.61 to -0.41), and EDS (MD -0.35, 95% CI -0.51 to -0.18) (all moderate to high certainty) compared to placebo. We found no important differences in adverse effects among interventions (moderate certainty for INCS spray, very low to low certainty for others). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple delivery forms of INCS are viable therapeutic options for CRSwNP, resulting in improvement of patient-important outcomes. INCS via stent, spray, and EDS appear to be beneficial across the widest range of considered outcomes.