An eosinophil peroxidase activity assay accurately predicts eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: A definitive diagnosis of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (eCRS) requires invasive surgical tissue sampling and histologic enumeration of intact eosinophils. Eosinophil peroxidase (EPX) is an accurate biomarker of sinonasal tissue eosinophilia in CRS regardless of polyp status. A less invasive and rapid method that accurately identifies tissue eosinophilia would be of great benefit to patients. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate a new clinical tool that uses a nasal swab and colorimetric EPX activity assay to predict a diagnosis of eCRS. METHODS: A prospective, observational cohort study was conducted using nasal swabs and sinonasal tissue biopsies obtained from patients with CRS electing endoscopic sinus surgery. Patients were classified as non-eCRS (n = 19) and eCRS (n = 35) on the basis of pathologically determined eosinophil counts of less than 10 or greater than or equal to 10 eosinophils/HPF, respectively. Swab-deposited EPX activity was measured and compared with tissue eosinophil counts, EPX levels, and CRS-specific disease metrics. RESULTS: EPX activity was significantly increased in patients with eCRS than in patients without eCRS (P < .0001). With a relative absorbance unit cutoff value of greater than or equal to 0.80, the assay demonstrated high sensitivity (85.7%) and moderate specificity (79.0%) for confirming eCRS. Spearman correlations between EPX activity and tissue eosinophil counts (rs = 0.424), EPX levels (rs = 0.503), and Lund-Kennedy endoscopy scores (rs = 0.440) in eCRS were significant (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: This investigation evaluates a nasal swab sampling method and EPX activity assay that accurately confirms eCRS. This method could potentially address the unmet need to identify sinonasal tissue eosinophilia at the point-of-care, as well as to longitudinally monitor eosinophil activity and treatment response.

Evolving Rhinology: Understanding the Burden of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To improve our appreciation of the burden of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and to understand better how to ease that burden. RECENT FINDINGS: The burden of CRS is high. At an individual level, this burden is due to rhinologic symptoms as well as more systemic symptoms. At a societal level, the indirect costs of CRS, mostly due to reduced productivity, are higher than the direct costs. Surgical treatment has been found to be effective in addressing both the individual and societal burdens. Endotyping is just beginning to usher in the potential for personalized, precision treatments in CRS. We understand much about the burden of CRS but more remains to be learned, especially as newer expensive treatments become available. By appreciating the high burden of CRS, we can fulfill our mission to effectively lift that burden.

Postnasal drip and chronic cough in patients with chronic rhinitis treated with temperature-controlled radiofrequency neurolysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the contribution of postnasal drip (PND) and chronic cough (CC) to symptoms of patients with chronic rhinitis treated with temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN), and correlate PND and CC scores with components of the reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS). METHODS: Pooled data from three prospective studies: two single-arm studies and the index active treatment arm of a randomized controlled trial. Adult patients with baseline rTNSS ≥6 were treated with TCRF neurolysis at nonoverlapping regions of the PNN. PND and CC symptoms were evaluated on a 0 (none) to 3 (severe) scale. RESULTS: Data from 228 patients (57.9% women, 42.1% men) were included. The mean baseline rTNSS was 8.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.8-8.3), which decreased to 3.2 (95% CI, 2.9-3.5) at 6 months. At baseline, 97.4% of patients had PND and 80.3% had CC. Median baseline PND and CC symptom scores were 3 (interquartile range [IQR], 2-3) and 2 (IQR, 1-2), respectively. At 6 months, this decreased to 1 (IQR, 0-2) and 0 (IQR, 0-1), respectively, showing significant improvement from baseline (both p < 0.001). Spearman correlation coefficients with components of rTNSS (rhinorrhea, congestion, itching, sneezing) were 0.16 to 0.22 for CC and 0.19 to 0.46 for PND, indicating only a weak to moderate correlation. CONCLUSION: PND and CC contribute to the symptomatology of chronic rhinitis and are significantly improved after TCRF neurolysis of the PNN. The inclusion of PND and CC symptoms in a chronic rhinitis assessment instrument could provide important additional information for the characterization of the disease state and outcomes after any therapeutic treatment.

Patient Questions Surrounding Posterior Nasal Nerve Ablation for Chronic Rhinitis.

Objective: In-office ablation of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN) has emerged as an effective treatment option for chronic rhinitis patients. This study explored questions patients commonly search online regarding this therapy and the quality of content available. Study Design: A retrospective analysis of online search criteria and sources was performed with subsequent analysis of results. Setting: Search and data acquisition was in September of 2023. Methods: Most common search terms related to cryotherapy and radiofrequency neurolysis of the PNN were identified with associated People Also Ask (PAA) questions. Questions were categorized and organized into subtopics and sources evaluated using readability and quality metrics. Results: A total of 255 unique PAA questions and 175 unique websites were identified. The most common subtopics were related to facts about chronic rhinitis (26.7%) and rhinitis treatment options (25.1%). Nearly a quarter (24.3%) of websites were from commercial sources. Quality metrics indicate difficult-to-read and low-quality materials. Conclusion: Existing online resources need improvement to provide patients material that is easier to read. Physicians counseling patients should be aware of these areas for adequate shared decision making.

Features of Importance in Nasal Endoscopy: Deriving a Meaningful Framework.

OBJECTIVE: Critical components of the nasal endoscopic examination have not been definitively established for either the normal examination or for clinical disorders. This study aimed to identify concordance among rhinologists regarding the importance of examination findings for various nasal pathologies. STUDY DESIGN: A consortium of 19 expert rhinologists across the United States was asked to rank the importance of findings on nasal endoscopy for 5 different sinonasal symptom presentations. SETTING: An online questionnaire was distributed in July 2023. METHODS: The questionnaire utilized JotForm® software and featured 5 cases with a set of 4 identical questions per case, each covering a common indication for nasal endoscopy. Rankings were synthesized into Normalized Attention Scores (NASs) and Weighted Normalized Attention Scores (W-NASs) to represent the perceived importance of each feature, scaled from 0 to 1. RESULTS: General concordance was found for examination findings on nasal endoscopy within each case. The perceived features of importance differed between cases based on clinical presentation. For instance, in evaluating postnasal drip, the middle meatus was selected as the most important structure to examine (NAS, 0.73), with mucus selected as the most important abnormal finding (W-NAS, 0.66). The primary feature of interest for mucus was whether it was purulent or not (W-NAS, 0.67). Similar analyses were performed for features in each case. CONCLUSION: The implicit framework existing among rhinologists may help standardize examinations and improve diagnostic accuracy, augment the instruction of trainees, and inform the development of artificially intelligent algorithms to enhance clinical decision-making during nasal endoscopy.

Sex Differences in Airway Diseases.

It is evident that sex and gender differences impact pathophysiology, disease burden, and treatment outcomes for a variety of systems and major illnesses including those affecting the unified airway. Important male-female differences in unified airway disease are driven by various intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms including anatomic, morphometric, hormonal, genetic (and epigenetic), environmental, psycho-social, and comorbidity-related factors. This review highlights current knowledge of how patient sex influences epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for diseases affecting the unified airway.

Utility of hospital frailty risk score in predicting postoperative outcomes of sinonasal malignancies.

KEY POINTS: Hospital frailty risk score (HFRS) correlates with complications, length of stay, and non-routine discharge. HFRS is a better predictor of postsurgical sequelae than age and Elixhauser comorbidity index.

Surgical repair of nasal septal perforations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A wide variety of techniques for the surgical repair of nasal septal perforations (NSPs) have been described. Surgical management of NSPs can be broadly divided into open versus endonasal approaches, with additional variables involving unilateral or bilateral flaps, use of grafts, and placement of splints. The objective of this study was to compare surgical approaches and their outcomes. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL Plus databases were examined for patients undergoing NSP repair. English-language studies reporting surgical management of patients with the primary diagnosis of NSP were included. Outcome measures of interest included perforation size, surgical approach characteristics, and success rate defined as complete closure assessed by surgeon postoperatively. The quality of articles was assessed with the methodological index for nonrandomized studies (MINORS) criteria. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled proportions for the different outcomes. RESULTS: The electronic database search yielded 1076 abstracts for review. A total of 64 articles met the inclusion criteria, with 1591 patients: 1127 (71%) underwent an endonasal approach and 464 (29%) an open approach. The median (range) MINORS score was 10 (5-12) out of 16 points. Overall, 91% of patients had total closure (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89-0.93, p < 0.01), with moderate heterogeneity between studies (I2  = 42.03%). There was no difference in closure success between open and endonasal approaches. Use of bilateral versus unilateral flaps, interposition grafts, and intranasal splints and packing were not associated with differences in outcomes. CONCLUSION: Nasal septal perforation surgical repair success rates are comparable regardless of technique.

The value of endoscopic sinus surgery in chronic rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a disease with significant impacts at both a societal and personal level. There has been an increase in emphasis on patient-centered care and patient outcomes, with value becoming a commonplace concept in health care systems. This review seeks to better define the value that endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) provides in the treatment of CRS. DATA SOURCES: PubMed literature review. REVIEW METHODS: A review of published literature related to ESS and its effects on CRS patients from multiple perspectives (quality outcomes, patient satisfaction, cost-effectiveness) was integrated and analyzed through the viewpoint of a value equation. RESULTS: ESS provides long-term quality outcomes in both patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) as well as in objective metrics for patients refractory to medical therapy. The vast majority undergoing ESS are satisfied both in the short and long-term with their decision to pursue surgery. Treatment of CRS with ESS is generally more cost-effective than continued medical therapy (CMT), especially in refractory patients. Taken together, the combination of improved outcomes as well as patient satisfaction after ESS in relation to the costs of surgery provides significant quantifiable value to CRS patients. CONCLUSION: ESS clearly provides value in the treatment of CRS. Understanding both quality and outcome metrics along with patient expectations and priorities will assist providers in generating a more personalized and value-based approach to patients with CRS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

The Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) Is a Poor Diagnostic Tool for Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: The SNOT-22 is a validated and widely used outcomes tool in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). We hypothesized that SNOT-22 scores and response patterns could be used as a diagnostic tool to differentiate between patients with CRS and those who present with CRS-like symptoms but prove not to have CRS. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL: SNOT-22 measurements were collected from 311 patients who presented with a chief complaint of sinusitis to a tertiary rhinology practice. Following a full diagnostic evaluation, patients were diagnosed with CRS or determined to have non-CRS diagnoses. A response pattern "heatmap" of the SNOT-22 scores for each group was compared. An optimal cutoff point for total SNOT-22 score in predicting CRS was sought using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients were diagnosed with CRS and 202 patients were assigned to non-CRS. The non-CRS SNOT-22 total score histogram had lower overall scores compared to the CRS group, although there was substantial overlap. The CRS SNOT-22 heatmaps had a distinctive pattern compared to the non-CRS group. As individual measures, 3 of the 4 cardinal symptoms of CRS (nasal congestion, loss of smell, and rhinorrhea) were found to be significantly different between the 2 groups (P < .002). However, the ROC analysis showed the total SNOT-22 score to be a poor instrument to differentiate CRS from non-CRS patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results cause us to reject our hypothesis and conclude that, while an effective outcomes tool, the SNOT-22 (using total score and response pattern) is a poor differentiator between CRS and non-CRS patients.

Real-time hemodynamic effects of 1:100,000 and 1:200,000 injectable epinephrine and placement of topical 1:1000 epinephrine pledgets in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus and skull-base surgery: a randomized, prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Intranasal injection of epinephrine and placement of topical epinephrine pledgets are methods to improve visualization during endoscopic sinonasal surgery. Studies comparing the hemodynamic effects of these vasoconstrictors using intraoperative arterial line monitoring are lacking. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients undergoing endoscopic skull-base surgery were enrolled in a prospective, randomized study. Patients were randomized to have either 2 mL of 1:100,000 or 2 mL of 1:200,000 epinephrine injected intranasally. Hemodynamic parameters, including pulse, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP), were collected using intraoperative arterial line monitoring for 5 minutes. Afterward, 1:1000 topical epinephrine-soaked pledgets were placed in both groups, and the same parameters were collected for another 5 minutes. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in change in pulse, SBP, DBP, and MAP between the 1:100,000 and 1:200,000 epinephrine groups. However, epinephrine injections did cause an increase in all hemodynamic parameters when compared with baseline (p < 0.05). Topical epinephrine pledgets placed after injection of epinephrine did not have any significant hemodynamic effects, except for 2 of 28 patients who had a >75-mmHg increase in SBP. No preoperative characteristics were identified that predicted sensitivity to epinephrine. CONCLUSION: There is no statistical difference in changes in hemodynamic parameters between injecting epinephrine 1:100,000 compared with 1:200,000 during endoscopic sinonasal surgery. In a subset of patients, placement of topical 1:1000 epinephrine pledgets had significant hemodynamic elevation requiring intervention and thus should be used judiciously depending on patient comorbidities.

Evaluating real-time effects of topical 1:1000 epinephrine in endoscopic sinus and skull-base surgery on hemodynamic parameters through intraoperative arterial line monitoring.

BACKGROUND: Administration of topical 1:1000 epinephrine is commonly used in practice to achieve vasoconstriction during endoscopic sinus surgery and skull-base surgery; however, real-time effects on cardiovascular changes from systemic absorption have not been well studied. METHODS: Twenty-six patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of a pituitary lesion at a single institution were included into the study. Following arterial line placement by anesthesiology, 6 cottonoid pledgets soaked in 1:1000 epinephrine were placed into the bilateral nasal passages. Hemodynamic parameters including heart rate, blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure were collected at baseline, 30 seconds, and increments in minutes up to 10 minutes. Additional potentially confounding factors such as use of antihypertensives, stress dose steroids, and positioning with head pins were all performed following termination of data collection. RESULTS: The majority of patients (20/26, 77%) showed no significant change in any parameter following placement of epinephrine soaked cottonoids. Six patients, however, had transient increases in blood pressure following administration of topical epinephrine, with a few requiring vasodilatory interventions. Return to baseline cardiovascular values were noted after an average of 7 minutes. There was no correlative preoperative characteristic that predicted sensitivity to placement of epinephrine. There were no lasting or permanent effects. CONCLUSION: Although intranasal topical 1:1000 epinephrine use showed no substantial hemodynamic changes in the majority of patients, in a subset of patients it can cause significant transient elevations in blood pressure to a degree necessitating intervention. Topical epinephrine should be used judiciously in endoscopic sinus surgery.

A review of acute postoperative sialadenitis in children.

OBJECTIVE: Acute postoperative sialadenitis is a previously described rare entity that has occurred following general anesthesia and has also been associated with prolonged neurosurgical procedures. We aim to better characterize this entity while performing a literature review regarding potential etiologies, diagnosis, airway management and treatment options. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed at a pediatric tertiary care center from 2000 to 2014. Charts were selected for the study utilizing an ICD-9 diagnosis of sialadenitis occurring within two weeks of a surgical procedure. Data including age, gender, medical history, preoperative diagnosis, operation length, time to symptom onset, and subsequent management were collected. An additional literature review was performed focusing on reports of post-operative acute sialadenitis involving airway compromise. RESULT: 244 charts were reviewed and 4 patients met inclusion criteria. The average time to symptom onset was 4.3 days (range 1 h-12 days) following conclusion of the surgical procedure. Symptoms ranged from mild inflammation of the parotid gland to rapid swelling of the neck necessitating intubation. All patients were treated with standard sialadenitis treatment including hydration, antibiotics, and airway management as needed. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge this is the first case series reviewing this entity specifically within the pediatric population. There appears to be two distinct categories of postoperative sialadenitis; one of which presents very acutely and results in massive neck swelling and airway compromise. It is important for practicing Otolaryngologists to be aware of this potentially life-threatening complication in the immediate postoperative period.

Incidental radiographic findings of thyroglossal duct cysts: Prevalence and management.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine the epidemiology of incidental thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC) discovered on imaging studies obtained in the head and neck area in children and to discuss subsequent management. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed at Texas Children's Hospital of all computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies obtained in the head and neck region between July 2011 and July 2014. Images obtained for the purpose of evaluating a neck or lingual mass were excluded from the study, as were patients with previously known TGDCs. Data including age, sex, location of TGDC, size, presence of symptoms, referral to Otolaryngology, and intervention were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 60,663 CT and MR studies of the head, brain, sinus, neck, and C-spine during this time period were reviewed; of these 69 (0.1%) cases contained incidental discovery of probable TGDCs with more males (40) than females (29). Ages ranged from 3 days to 17 years old, with the mean age at 5 years. Locations varied, with majority at base of tongue (83%) followed by hyoid (13%) then infrahyoid straps (4%). Sizes ranged from 2 to 28 mm with average size at 8 mm. 11 of these patients were referred to an Otolaryngologist; 9 were asymptomatic and decision was made to observe, the other two subsequently underwent surgical excision secondary to mass effect and dysphagia with histologic confirmation of diagnosis. CONCLUSION: TGDCs commonly present as an anterior neck mass, however the majority of incidentally discovered TGDCs on imaging are located at the base of tongue. Management of these findings should include referral to an Otolaryngologist for further evaluation with the decision to intervene surgically based on development of clinical symptoms.

Strategies to prevent biofilm-based tympanostomy tube infections.

OBJECTIVE: To review the potential contributory role of biofilms to post-tympanstomy tube otorrhea and plugging as well as the available interventions currently utilized to prevent biofilm formation on tympanostomy tubes. DATA SOURCES: A literature review was performed utilizing the MEDLINE/Pubmed database from 1980 to 2013. REVIEW METHODS: Electronic database was searched with combinations of keywords "biofilm", "tympanostomy tube", "ventilation tube", and "post-tympanostomy tube otorrhea". RESULTS: Two of the most common sequelae that occur after tympanostomy tube insertion are otorrhea and tube occlusion. There is an increased evidence supporting a role for biofilms in the pathogenesis of otitis media. In this review, we have shown a multitude of novel approaches for prevention of biofilm associated sequelae of otitis media with effusion. These interventions include (i) changing the inherent composition of the tube itself, (ii) coating the tubes with antibiotics, polymers, plant extracts, or other biofilm-resistant materials, (iii) tubal impregnation with antimicrobial compounds, and (iv) surface alterations of the tube by ion-bombardment or surface ionization. CONCLUSION: Currently, there is not one type of tympanostomy tube in which bacteria will not adhere. The challenges of treating chronic post-tympanostomy tube otorrhea and tube occlusion indicate the need for further research in optimization of tympanostomy tube design in addition to development of novel therapies.