Remission in Type 2 Inflammatory Diseases: Current Evidence, Unmet Needs, and Suggestions for Defining Remission in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The development of biological therapies for type 2 inflammatory diseases raises the possibility of addressing remission in those dis-immune conditions. No consensus exists for a definition of remission in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). This review aims to critically evaluate the published data to provide the basis for defining remission in CRSwNP. RECENT FINDINGS: The published evidence has yet to provide an unequivocal definition on remission in type 2 inflammatory diseases, in part reflecting differences in approaches to diagnosis and follow-up. A multidimensional evaluation is necessary when considering complete remission, including clinical, inflammatory, and histologic criteria, but how to combine or tailor the three perspectives according to disease severity at baseline or timing of assessment of treatment category is yet to reach consensus. We suggest defining remission starting from the approach taken in asthma and eosinophilic esophagitis, that is, including the resolution of symptoms and improvements in objective parameters of disease severity and/or inflammatory activity. Future studies and consensuses should provide validated criteria with cutoffs for the day-to-day definition of remission. The definition of remission in CRSwNP should include the following criteria, to be verified and maintained for a period of ≥ 12 months: absence of symptoms (nasal obstruction, loss of smell, rhinorrhea as the main ones); no impact of symptoms on quality of life; no need of surgery; no chronic or rescue medications (systemic corticosteroids or antibiotics); and recovery of smell function, possibly evaluated by objective test. Assessment of underlying inflammation should also be considered once accurate and feasible biomarkers are available in clinical practice.

Multidisciplinary Decision-Making-ITAlian Consensus After Two Years of Real Practice on the Management of Severe Uncontrolled CRSwNP by Biologics (ITACA Study).

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We aimed to reach an Italian multidisciplinary consensus on some crucial aspects of treatment decision making in CRSwNP, following 2 years of clinical experience in order to support specialists in the management of CRSwNP in clinical practice. We addressed issues relating to therapeutic decision-making and shared criteria for the treatment choice, as well as appropriate timing and criteria for evaluating treatment response, and highlighted the need for repeated multidisciplinary assessments. RECENT FINDINGS: A national survey has been conducted recently to understand how rhinology practice has changed in Italy with the advent of biologics and how this affects patients with uncontrolled, severe CRSwNP. Despite the many published consensus documents, practical recommendations, and protocols on the use of biologics in CRSwNP, heterogenous behaviors in practice are still observed mainly conditioned by the novelty of the topic. The consensus procedure followed a modified Delphi approach. The scientific board included 18 otorhinolaryngologists and 8 allergists, who selected the 4 main topics to be addressed and developed overall 20 statements. Consensus on these statements was sought by a larger group of 48 additional experts, through two rounds of voting, the first web-based, the second in presence with discussion and possible refinement of the statements. The statements reaching an average score ≥ 7 at the second voting round were approved. Five statements were proposed for each of the following topics: baseline evaluation of patients eligible for biologic therapy; choice between different therapeutic options; assessment of the response to biologic treatment; multidisciplinary management. At the first voting round, 19 out of the 20 statements reached a mean score ≥ 7. Following the discussion and a few consequent amendments, at the second round of voting all the 20 statements were approved.

Nasal Patency Measurement: State of the Art of Acoustic Rhinometry.

Nasal obstruction is one of the main symptoms of different nasal pathologies. Many physiological and pathological conditions can produce nasal airflow impairment causing nasal obstruction and affecting patients' quality of life. There are different methods for the measurement of nasal obstruction, but in clinical practice the most common used are acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, and peak nasal inspiratory flow. This review describes the fundamentals of acoustic rhinometry, its normal values, the different physiological and pathological conditions that can modify nasal patency, and the utility of this instrument for the measurement of nasal obstruction in clinical practice. Acoustic rhinometry is a simple test, so it is suitable for measurements in the pediatric population, i.e., for evaluating adenoid hypertrophy. Acoustic rhinometry normal values are available, unilaterally and bilaterally for pediatric and adult populations. Acoustic rhinometry has been demonstrated to be reproducible and even superior to rhinomanometry when measuring nasal modifications during challenges. It is possible to use acoustic rhinometry before and after nasal surgery. Measuring nasal cavities volume and cross-sectional area, acoustic rhinometry is particularly indicated in rhinosurgery, especially for the evaluation of spreader grafts. Brief considerations about the correlation between nasal symptoms, in particular the subjective sensation of nasal obstruction, and the acoustic rhinometry results as well as the correlation of acoustic rhinometry with other methods for the measurement of nasal obstruction are also reported. Objective and subjective evaluation of nasal obstruction gives different information that together optimizes the diagnosis and the treatment of rhinologic patients. Acoustic rhinometry alone or in combination of other instruments for the measurement of nasal obstruction or patency should be used regularly in every outpatient clinic that treats patients with nasal obstruction as there is an increasing need of evidence-based therapies.

Dupilumab in the treatment of severe uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP): A multicentric observational Phase IV real-life study (DUPIREAL).

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is associated with significant morbidity and reduced health-related quality of life. Findings from clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of dupilumab in CRSwNP, although real-world evidence is still limited. METHODS: This Phase IV real-life, observational, multicenter study assessed the effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in patients with severe uncontrolled CRSwNP (n = 648) over the first year of treatment. We collected data at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of follow-up. We focused on nasal polyps score (NPS), symptoms, and olfactory function. We stratified outcomes by comorbidities, previous surgery, and adherence to intranasal corticosteroids, and examined the success rates based on current guidelines, as well as potential predictors of response at each timepoint. RESULTS: We observed a significant decrease in NPS from a median value of 6 (IQR 5-6) at baseline to 1.0 (IQR 0.0-2.0) at 12 months (p < .001), and a significant decrease in Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test-22 (SNOT-22) from a median score of 58 (IQR 49-70) at baseline to 11 (IQR 6-21; p < .001) at 12 months. Sniffin' Sticks scores showed a significant increase over 12 months (p < .001) compared to baseline. The results were unaffected by concomitant diseases, number of previous surgeries, and adherence to topical steroids, except for minor differences in rapidity of action. An excellent-moderate response was observed in 96.9% of patients at 12 months based on EPOS 2020 criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings from this large-scale real-life study support the effectiveness of dupilumab as an add-on therapy in patients with severe uncontrolled CRSwNP in reducing polyp size and improving the quality of life, severity of symptoms, nasal congestion, and smell.

Parosmia as a predictor of a better olfactory function in COVID-19: a multicentric longitudinal study for upper respiratory tract infections.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the course of olfactory dysfunction [OD] due to upper respiratory tract infections [URTI] especially for COVID-19 [C19] in a multicentric design and to investigate possible predictors for the outcome. METHODS: In a multicentric study, patients (n = 147, of which 96 were women) with OD due to URTI, including C19 and non-C19 were evaluated at two visits with a standardized medical history and "Sniffin' Sticks" extended psychophysical testing to examine the course and possible predictors for improvement of olfactory function. RESULTS: C19 patients showed better overall olfactory function (p < 0.001) compared to non-C19. Olfactory function (p < 0.001) improved over 3.5 ± 1.2 months in a comparable fashion for C19 and non-C19 comparable over time (p = 0.20) except for a more pronounced improvement of odour threshold (p = 0.03) in C19. C19 patients with parosmia exhibited a higher probability of clinically relevant improvement of odour threshold, a better threshold in the second visit, and tended to have a better TDI-score at the second visit. Further possible predictors for an improving olfactory function were younger age, female gender, and had lower scores in olfactory tests at the first visit. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with C19 and non-C19 URTI exhibit a similar improvement over 3-4 months except for the odour threshold, with a better TDI in both visits for C19. For C19 a better prognosis in terms of olfactory recovery was found for younger patients with parosmia and lower olfactory scores at the first visit. Still, for many patients with olfactory loss, an improvement that is experienced as complete may only occur over months and possibly years.

Clinical Evidence of Type 2 Inflammation in Non-allergic Rhinitis with Eosinophilia Syndrome: a Systematic Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) includes different subtypes, among which NAR with eosinophilia syndrome (NARES) is the most important because of severity of symptoms and the high risk of comorbidities. Its pathophysiology is still object of debate, but a crucial role of chronic eosinophilic inflammation has been recognized. The aim of this review is to critically analyze the current evidence regarding the hypothesis that NARES may be considered a type 2 inflammatory disorder. RECENT FINDINGS: The definition and diagnostic criteria for NARES are not universally shared and adopted, thus generating difficulties in reproducing the results. At present, there is extreme heterogeneity in sampling methods and disagreement in the cut-off of local eosinophilic count to determine a diagnosis of NARES. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) standard was applied to identify English-language experimental and clinical articles regarding NARES. The search was performed in April 2021. Twenty-six articles were included. Our data suggest a particular heterogeneity regarding sampling and specific cut-offs adopted for diagnosis of NARES and consensus should be reached. We suggest that eosinophil count should be reported as an absolute value for at least 10 observed rich fields in order to increase the level of standardization. Consensus among authors on this topic should be reached with particular attention to the cut-off for diagnosis. In the future, this limitation may be overcome by the identification of repeatable biomarkers to refine diagnosis and prognosis of NARES. Furthermore, our data strongly suggest that NARES have numerous similarities with clinical features of the most common type 2 diseases such as eosinophilic asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP): late onset, association with type 2 comorbidities, selective eosinophilic tissue infiltration, remarkable response to oral and intranasal corticosteroids, and progression in a type 2 CRSwNP.

Correlation between olfactory function, age, sex, and cognitive reserve index in the Italian population.

PURPOSE: Loss of smell decreases the quality of life and contributes to the failure in recognizing hazardous substances. Given the relevance of olfaction in daily life, it is important to recognize an undiagnosed olfactory dysfunction to prevent these possible complications. Up to now, the prevalence of smell disorders in Italy is unknown due to a lack of epidemiological studies. Hence, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in a sample of Italian adults. METHODS: Six hundred and thirty-three participants (347 woman and 286 men; mean age 44.9 years, SD 17.3, age range 18-86) were recruited from 10 distinct Italian regions. Participants were recruited using a convenience sapling and were divided into six different age groups: 18-29 years (N = 157), 30-39 years (N = 129), 40-49 years (N = 99), 50-59 years (N = 106), > 60 years (N = 142). Olfactory function, cognitive abilities, cognitive reserve, and depression were assessed, respectively, with: Sniffin' Sticks 16-item Odor Identification Test, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Cognitive Reserve Index, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Additionally, socio-demographic data, medical history, and health-related lifestyle information were collected. RESULTS: About 27% of participants showed an odor identification score < 12 indicating hyposmia. Multiple regression analysis revealed that OI was significantly correlated with age, sex, and cognitive reserve index, and young women with high cognitive reserve index showing the highest olfactory scores. CONCLUSION: This study provides data on the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in different Italian regions.

Characteristics of taste dysfunction in COVID-19 subjects coming from two different countries.

Taste dysfunction (TD) has been recognised, together with olfactory dysfunction, as a key presenting symptom of COVID-19. The capability to recognise flavours, flavour intensities and aroma characteristics can be highly variable within the same population, as well as potentially diverse between culturally different populations. The aims of this study are to evaluate whether a difference in the types of TD presentation amongst COVID-19 positive subjects can be demonstrated and whether a difference exists between populations of different cultures.

Otitis media in children: Which phenotypes are most linked to allergy? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is a common childhood disease responsible for a major impact on quality of life and healthcare resources. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain the link between allergy and otitis media, although a definitive mechanism has not been identified yet. One of the major critical points is that authors failed in distinguishing among different phenotypes of middle ear inflammation. This review pointed out literature evidence from the laboratory and clinical experience linking allergy to different phenotypes of otitis media in children. METHODS: We performed a systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) process. Our search yielded 3010 articles that were finally screened. This resulted in 20 manuscripts of which the full texts were included in a qualitative analysis. We paid particular attention in distinguishing among phenotypes of otitis media. RESULTS: Clinical evidence and analyses of biomarkers suggested that allergy may be linked to some phenotypes of otitis media and, in particular, to otitis media with effusion (OME) and acute re-exacerbations in children with middle ear effusion. It was not possible to perform the analysis for allergy and acute and chronic otitis media because of paucity and heterogeneity of data. CONCLUSION: Allergy should be considered in the diagnostic workup of children with OME as well as OME should be excluded in children with persistent moderate to severe AR. In these cases, clinicians should evaluate prompt and accurate treatment of allergy in improving outcomes, although futures studies are required to increase evidence supporting that anti-allergy treatment may be effective in the recovery and outcome of otitis media with effusion.

Olfactory and Gustatory Function before and after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Background and Objectives: Bariatric surgery is the gold standard for the treatment of morbid obesity, and current evidence suggests that patients undergoing surgery can show changes in their sense of taste and smell. However, no definitive conclusions can be drawn given the heterogeneity of the studies and the contrasting results reported in the literature. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 18 obese patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and 15 obese controls. At baseline (T0) and 6 months after enrollment/surgery (T1), both groups underwent Sniffin' Sticks and whole mouth test. Post-operative qualitative taste variations were also analyzed and SNOT-22, VAS for taste and smell, and MMSE were administered. Results: An improvement in the olfactory threshold was observed in the treatment group (p = 0.03) at 6 months. At multivariate analysis, the olfactory threshold differences observed correlated with MMSE (p = 0.03) and T0 gustatory identification (p = 0.01). No changes in sense of taste were observed between the two groups at 6 months, even though nine subjects in the treatment group reported a worsening of taste. This negatively correlated with age (p < 0.001), but a positive marginal correlation was observed with the olfactory threshold difference between T0 and T1 (p = 0.06). Conclusions: Olfaction can improve after LSG, and this seems to be the consequence of an improved olfactory threshold. Although we did not observe any change in gustatory identification, food's pleasantness worsened after bariatric surgery.

Clinical Evidence and Biomarkers Linking Allergy and Acute or Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Children: a Systematic Review.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: We provide a systematic review of experimental and clinical evidences linking allergy to acute, including common cold, and chronic rhinosinusitis in children. Furthermore, we questioned if anti-allergy treatment may prevent the occurrence of rhinosinusitis or improve outcomes of its specific management. RECENT FINDINGS: Allergic rhinitis is a common childhood disease in industrialized countries that is responsible for a major impact on quality of life and healthcare resources. Over the years many authors tried to correlate allergy with comorbidities and in particular to the onset of rhinosinusitis including common cold, even though conflicting results are frequently reached. We performed a systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) process. Our search yielded 7103 that were finally screened. This resulted in 25 publications of which the full texts were assessed and included in a qualitative analysis per different phenotypes of rhinosinusitis. The evidence suggests that allergy may lead to overall impairment of mechanical and immunological defense function of the nasal mucosa against viruses and that anti-allergy treatment may significantly decrease the number and severity of upper respiratory tract infections including common colds in children. It was not possible to perform the analysis for allergy and post-viral acute rhinosinusitis, bacterial acute rhinosinusitis, and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis because of paucity and heterogeneity of data. Although there is no definitive proof of causation linking allergy to chronic rhinosinusitis, studies lead to suppose that anti-allergy treatment may improve outcomes of specific CRS treatments.

Effectiveness of micronized nasal irrigations with hyaluronic acid/isotonic saline solution in non-polipoid chronic rhinosinusitis: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Sodium hyaluronate has been proposed as a treatment for improving the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. The present study evaluated the effect of the intranasal administration of hyaluronic acid in a group of patients affected by chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty subjects aged 18-65 years affected by CRSsNP were enrolled. The subjects were randomly administered hyaluronic acid or isotonic saline solution by nasal nebulizer twice per day for 30 days. They were evaluated before (T0) and after the treatment (T1) with Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22, visual analogue scale for rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, facial pain and hyposmia/hypogeusia, nasal endoscopy, active anterior rhinomanometry, peak nasal inspiratory flow and nasal cytology. RESULTS: Comparing the study and the control group, at T1 no significant differences were observed in both objective and subjective parameters. Being included in the study group rather than in the control group did not have a significant effect on the variation of the considered parameters between T0 and T1. Considering the effects of the micronized douches independently from the type of solution used (either hyaluronic acid or isotonic saline solution), although no difference emerged between study and control group for any of the objective parameters, there was an improvement of Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 scores (p = .0005), visual analogue scale for nasal obstruction (p = .0006) and for hyposmia/hypogeusia (p = .04). CONCLUSIONS: The treatment with micronized nasal douches can improve the sino-nasal symptoms of CRSsNP, in particular nasal obstruction and olfactory ability. No advantage of the use of hyaluronic acid over isotonic saline solution emerged.

Expression of maspin tumor suppressor and mTOR in laryngeal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The main aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary investigation into the possible relationship between mTOR and the nuclear tumor suppressor maspin in laryngeal carcinoma (LSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: mTOR expression and maspin pattern were ascertained, also with the aid of image analysis in 79 consecutive LSCCs. RESULTS: Considering the whole series, univariate statistical analysis identified significant differences in the distributions by lymph node status (N0 vs N+) between two subgroups of patients with and without loco-regional carcinoma recurrences (p = 0.017). The log-rank test also showed a shorter disease-free survival (DFS) in pN+ patients (p = 0.0008). mTOR expression was significantly higher in patients whose disease recurred (p = 0.009). The DFS rate was also significantly shorter in cases of LSCC with an mTOR expression ≥11.55% (p = 0.049). Multivariate analysis showed that N status (p = 0.002) and mTOR expression (p = 0.037) retained their prognostic significance in relation to cancer recurrence. In a subgroup of LSCCs with a non-nuclear maspin pattern, mTOR expression was significantly higher in patients whose disease recurred. Multivariate analysis disclosed that N stage (p = 0.012) retained its independent prognostic significance for disease recurrence in this setting. mTOR expression showed a trend towards independent significance in terms of carcinoma recurrence (p = 0.083). CONCLUSIONS: mTOR inhibitors seem promising for use in cancer therapies. Further investigations are needed on the prospects of incorporating modern mTOR inhibitors in multimodality or multitarget strategies against advanced LSCCs, also considering the role and expression of tumor suppressor genes.

Maspin expression and anti-apoptotic pathway regulation by bcl2 in laryngeal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Comprehension of the interplay of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic stimuli in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is crucial to understand tumor development, biological behavior and treatment response. Bcl-2 family proteins mainly regulate the apoptotic signal cascade. In some cancers, maspin seems to influence the balance between pro-apoptosis and anti-apoptosis bcl-2 family proteins. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential relationship between bcl-2 anti-apoptotic factor and the tumor suppressor maspin in LSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 31 consecutive patients who underwent primary surgery and post-operative radiotherapy for LSCC were evaluated retrospectively. For each case, immunohistochemistry assays for bcl-2 and maspin were performed. Data were also collected on N-status, pT stage, grading, recurrence and disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS: Patients with nuclear maspin pattern of expression showed a significantly lower recurrence rate (p = 0.04) and longer DFS (p = 0.0018). The expression of bcl-2 was not associated with recurrence rate or DFS either in the whole cohort or in cases with nuclear maspin pattern, while in patients with non-nuclear maspin pattern, a statistical trend was found toward a shorter DFS for bcl-2 positive cases (p = 0.062). In the multivariate model, only maspin expression pattern retained its independent prognostic significance (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Nuclear maspin pattern seemed to be an independent positive prognostic factor, while bcl-2 prognostic value was related to maspin expression pattern. Further investigations are needed to support the use of bcl-2 inhibitors in multimodality or multitarget strategies against advanced LSCCs, also considering the role and expression of tumor suppressor genes.

Nuclear expression of onco-suppressors nm23-H1 and maspin are associated with lower recurrence rate in laryngeal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The main aim of the study was to preliminarily investigate the possibly related role of nuclear onco-suppressors maspin and nm23-H1, a metastasis suppressor, in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maspin expression pattern and nuclear nm23-H1 expression were ascertained in 62 consecutive LSCCs. RESULTS: Recurrence rate was significantly lower in patients with a nuclear maspin pattern of expression; nuclear nm23-H1 expression was significantly lower in patients who experienced disease recurrence. Disease free survival (DFS) was significantly longer in patients with maspin nuclear pattern or with nuclear nm23-H1 expression ≥10%. A significant association was found between nuclear nm23-H1 expression and maspin pattern of expression in LSCC. KNN discriminant analysis considered N status, maspin sub-cellular localization and nuclear nm23-H1 expression. The selected variables' accuracy in terms of relapse was 82%. Positive predictive accuracy was 100%, and negative predictive accuracy 79%. CONCLUSIONS: Nuclear nm23-H1 expression and maspin pattern, also in association, show promise as recurrence indicators in LSCC. Further studies are needed to shed more light on the nm23-H1 mechanism of action in LSCC and thus find ways to restore nm23-H1 loss. These preliminary findings suggest that re-activating maspin functions might represent an important goal in the treatment of advanced LSCC.

A pilot study to determine the effects of nasal co-phenylcaine on drug-induced sleep endoscopy.

PURPOSE: The use of nasal decongestant and nasal anaesthesia is currently not recommended during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) according to the European position paper. The evaluation of the effects of nasal decongestant/anaesthesia on DISE has not been performed before and our aim is to perform a pilot study to determine whether nasal decongestants/anaesthesia affects DISE outcomes. METHODS: 27 patients undergoing DISE for OSA or for simple snoring were included. On each patient, DISE was performed twice, before and approximately 10 min after the administration of two puffs of co-phenylcaine nasal spray (lidocaine hydrochloride 5%, phenylephrine 0.5%, and benzalkonium chloride 0.01%) into each nostril. A nasal peak inspiratory flow was used for the objective assessment of nasal airway obstruction. During the first and the second DISE the loudness of the snoring was also recorded. RESULTS: Change in DISE total grading after nasal spray administration was not statistically significant. For the same grading, changes in percentage of contribution to collapse were not statistically significant. Sex, AHI, BMI, tonsils grade, presence of rhinitis, turbinate hypertrophy, nasal septal deviation, or nasal peak inspiratory flow limitation had no influence on the effect of nasal spray. Co-phenylcaine did not significantly influence the loudness of snoring. CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot study supports the use of co-phenylcaine nasal spray during DISE and the positive effects of the nasal spray do not influence the grading outcome. Importantly, the decongestant enhances the nasal assessment during DISE and potentially aids in the diagnosis of nasal obstruction while the nasal anaesthetic component may be beneficial by reducing nasal discomfort during DISE and thereby helping to reduce the total dose of intravenous anaesthetic administered. However, further studies on a larger population are needed to confirm our results.

Peak nasal inspiratory flow measurement and visual analogue scale in a large adult population.

OBJECTIVES: Nasal obstruction is the most common symptom in nasal diseases. It can be evaluated objectively, that is by means of peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) measures and/or subjectively by means of validated questionnaires. However, it has been reported that there is a lack of reliable correlation between subjective and objective measurements of nasal obstruction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation between PNIF measurements and the subjective sensation of nasal obstruction measured by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS) in a large population of consecutive rhinologic patients. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: Tertiary rhinological referral centre. PARTICIPANT MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A total of 641 consecutive subjects were enrolled. Visual analogue scale and PNIF were performed to assess nasal obstruction. Nasal septal deviation was classified according to Mladina classification, and its severity was assessed using three levels of severity. RESULTS: Although weak, there was a significant negative correlation (r = -0.13, P = 0.001) between PNIF and VAS. Dividing the population in those affected by nasal septal deviation (NSD) and those affected by chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a week negative correlation between PNIF and VAS was again confirmed in both groups (r = -0.208, P = 0.006 for NSD and r = -0.13, P = 0.04 for CRS). Peak nasal inspiratory flow and VAS were also evaluated according to the grade of polyps and the type and level of septal deviation. CONCLUSIONS: Visual analogue scale and PNIF significantly correlated, although with a low degree, in a large population of rhinologic patients. Peak nasal inspiratory flow, being cheap and simple to use, could be a good candidate to assist clinicians dealing with "airway" diseases in their daily clinical practice in order to provide comprehensive information on nasal function. Peak nasal inspiratory flow can in fact give some important rough insights on VAS, but these measurements cannot be alternative to each other.

Olfactory dysfunction in acute rhinosinusitis: intranasal sodium hyaluronate as adjuvant treatment.

Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is defined as an inflammation of the mucosa of the nose and paranasal sinuses and affects 1-5 % of general population in Europe. Sinonasal diseases represent the main cause of smell alterations in adult patients and lead to mucosal congestion, increased quantity and density of secretions and altered mucociliary transport. For this reason the odorous molecules contained in the inspired air, cannot interact with the olfactory epithelium. Medical therapy of ARS has to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms and prevent complications. Recent studies have shown that Sodium hyaluronate modulate inflammation and has a reparative effect on the nasal mucosa. 48 patients affected by acute rhinosinusitis proven by CT scan, were enrolled. They were submitted to nasal endoscopy, olfactometric and mucociliary transport evaluation (MCTt), Visual Analogue Scale Questionnaire (VAS) at T0, after 14-18 days (T1) and after 30-35 days (T2). The patients were randomized into two treatment groups, A and B, and were treated for 30 days; each group was composed of 24 subjects. All patients received Levofloxacin (500 mg for 10 days) and Prednisone (50 mg for 8 days, 25 mg for 4 days and 12, 5 mg for 4 days). Moreover, Group A received twice a day for 30 days high molecular weight Sodium Hyaluronate (3 %) plus saline solution (3 mL sodium chloride-NaCl-0.9 %) using a nebulizer ampoule for nasal douche. Group B received twice a day for 30 days saline solution (6 mL sodium chloride-NaCl-0.9 %) using a nebulizer ampoule for nasal douche. At T1 Group A shown lower values in MCTt and threshold score was significantly higher than in Group B. VAS showed statistically significant differences between the two groups, in particular for smell, nasal obstruction and for nasal discharge. At T2 Group A MCTt was significantly lower than in Group B; odour threshold improved in both groups but in Group A was still significantly higher than in Group B. No statistical differences between two groups regarding odour discrimination and odour identification were confirmed at T1 and T2. VASy score showed statistically significant differences between the two groups only for nasal discharge.

Pleasantness of olfactory and trigeminal stimulants in different Italian regions.

Although individuals categorize odors according to their pleasantness, experience may also influence odor perception-a phenomenon that partially explains why different populations perceive odors differently. Italy, which comprises 20 regions, is characterized by very different cultures. In the present study, we investigated for the first time how Italian regional differences can affect odor perception. 254 healthy volunteers coming from northern, central, southern Italy, and Sicily, one of the two major Italian islands, were recruited in Padua, Rome, Naples, and Syracuse, respectively. Olfactory function was tested with Sniffin' Sticks identification subtest. Subjects who had a score in the range within the mean identification value ± 1 SD, in accordance with the age classes identified in the literature, were asked to judge the odor pleasantness of 20 substances. The hedonic tone of the odorants was categorized as pleasant, neutral, unpleasant, and very unpleasant. Some odorants were appreciated more in northern Italy than in the other parts of the country, whereas others were appreciated more in the south and in Sicily than in the north. Unpleasant odorants were judged less unpleasant in central Italy. Some odorants such as strawberry and vanilla were perceived similarly in all the regional areas. Our study indicates that in Italy, hedonic perception of odorants differs probably in relation with genetic, cultural, and environmental factors. Further investigation is needed to delve deeper into the factors that influence the quality odor perception amongst humans.