Preoperative laboratory measurements as a predictor for nasal steroid irrigations after sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

PURPOSE: To assess whether preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), immunoglobulin E (IgE), and blood eosinophil percentage (EOS) can predict need for steroid irrigations after FESS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients at BIDMC from inception until September 8, 2023 with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps who underwent FESS and had preoperative CRP (n = 129), ESR (n = 79), IgE (n = 107), or EOS (n = 125) were included. Labs were divided into normal (CRP: 0-5.0 mg/L; ESR: 0-15 mm/h; IgE: 150-300Ul/mL; EOS: 1-7 %) and high groups (CRP: >5.0 mg/L; ESR: >15 mm/h; IgE: >300Ul/mL; EOS: >7 %). The primary outcome was need for intranasal steroid irrigations after FESS (≤4 weeks, 4-12 weeks, 12-26 weeks, 26-52 weeks, 1-3 years, 3-5 years, and > 5 years). Receiver operating characteristic curves were created to determine thresholds for predicting postoperative steroid irrigations. RESULTS: Elevated IgE required intranasal steroid irrigation at 1-3 years (normal 34 %, high 62 %, p = 0.02), 3-5 years (normal 24 %, high 48 %, p = 0.04), and > 5 years (normal 19 %, high 43 %, p = 0.02). Elevated EOS required intranasal steroid irrigation at 26-52 weeks (normal 7 %, high 25 %, p = 0.009) and > 5 years (normal 19 %, high 46 %, p = 0.005). The area under the curve for IgE at 1-3 years was 0.696 (95 % CI: 0.597-0.795) with cutoff at 144-148 Ul/mL. CRP and ESR were not predictive of postoperative intranasal steroid treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated IgE and EOS (but not CRP or ESR) may predict need for intranasal steroid treatment after FESS.

Is Topical Nasal Steroid Useful for Treatment of Otitis Media with Effusion in Children?

BACKGROUND: Otitis media with effusion is a common and important pediatric clinical problem; it is the leading cause of hearing impairment in children. Medical treatment remains controversial. AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of using topical nasal steroids in the treatment of otitis media with effusion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 2019 and October 2022, a prospective controlled clinical study was carried out in the department of otolaryngology at Al-Jerrahat Teaching Hospital in Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq. This study comprised 40 patients with bilateral otitis media with effusion (23 males, 17 females). Two groups were created for the patients. Patients in group A (20 patients) were treated with mometasone furoate nasal spray; 1 puff (50 µg) in each nostril daily for 2 weeks, while the 20 patients in group B were treated with saline nasal spray; 1 puff in each nostril daily for 2 weeks. At the end of the first and second weeks of treatment, otoscopic examination was used to monitor the patients. At the end of the second post-treatment week, pure tone audiometry and tympanometry were performed again. Normal otoscopic results, a type A tympanogram, and enhanced pure tone hearing threshold average to be ≤20 dB HL within 0, 5, 1, and 4 KHz were used to characterize resolution of OME. The association between two means was determined using an independent sample t-test, while the association between categorical variables was determined using an X2-test. RESULTS: At the end of 2nd post-treatment week, there was no significant difference regarding improvement of otitis media with effusion regarding otoscopic, audiometric, and tympanometric results in both groups (P-value >0.05). CONCLUSION: Topical nasal steroid is unuseful for the treatment of otitis media with effusion in the short-term.

Expert Consensus Statement: Management of Pediatric Persistent Obstructive Sleep Apnea After Adenotonsillectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an expert consensus statement regarding persistent pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) focused on quality improvement and clarification of controversies. Persistent OSA was defined as OSA after adenotonsillectomy or OSA after tonsillectomy when adenoids are not enlarged. METHODS: An expert panel of clinicians, nominated by stakeholder organizations, used the published consensus statement methodology from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery to develop statements for a target population of children aged 2-18 years. A medical librarian systematically searched the literature used as a basis for the clinical statements. A modified Delphi method was used to distill expert opinion and compose statements that met a standardized definition of consensus. Duplicate statements were combined prior to the final Delphi survey. RESULTS: After 3 iterative Delphi surveys, 34 statements met the criteria for consensus, while 18 statements did not. The clinical statements were grouped into 7 categories: general, patient assessment, management of patients with obesity, medical management, drug-induced sleep endoscopy, surgical management, and postoperative care. CONCLUSION: The panel reached a consensus for 34 statements related to the assessment, management and postoperative care of children with persistent OSA. These statements can be used to establish care algorithms, improve clinical care, and identify areas that would benefit from future research.

Impact of Patient Guidance Handouts on Outcomes of FESS.

Post-operative care in FESS is an important aspect. Nasal saline irrigation and Nasal steroid spray are highly recommended worldwide in post-operative protocol after endoscopic sinus surgery. Hence patients compliance for both these procedures becomes a deciding factor for outcomes following FESS and there is not much evidence in literature regarding the same. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of giving patients pictorial handouts regarding nasal saline irrigations and various positions of using nasal steroid spray in improving outcomes of FESS. It was a randomised control study.46post operative patients of FESS were randomised into two groups. Group A patients were verbally explained and practically demonstrated the technique of nasal saline irrigation and nasal steroid spray in the language best understood and by showing them the relevant images. Group B patients were also verbally explained as well as practically demonstrated the above mentioned procedure but were also given pictorial handouts (depicting in detail the positions of nasal saline irrigation and steroid spray} which were explained and handed over to them at the time of discharge. The patients were evaluated a 1st, 2nd 3rd and 4th post-operative week for compliance of both the procedures and its effect on post-operative cavity. In the present study there were 21 females versus 25 males. The average male: female ratio in group A was 1.3 versus 1 in group B. The mean age was 35.5652 ± 4.595 in group B versus 33.1739 ± 4.438 in group A. The average compliance over three weeks was 2.5765 ± 0.207 in Group B as compared to 1.4935 ± 0.27 in Group A. The t score for the difference in compliance between two groups was 15.2691. The two-tailed P value was less than 0.0001. The average Lund and Kennedy endoscopic appearance score for crusting was 1.75 ± 0.532, 1.217 ± 0.6, 0.696 ± 0.703 for Group A in post-operative follow up during week 1, 2 and 3 respectively as compared to 1.45 ± 0.59, 0.304 ± 0.47, 0.826 ± 0.49 for Group B. The P value was < 0.05 for the difference in both groups for all three weeks. The average Lund and Kennedy score for edema and other parameters has been enumerated in Table 1. 11/23 followed correct method for nasal saline irrigation in Group A as compared to 20/23 in Group B. 18/23 used nasal steroidal spray in all positions compared to only 9/23 in Group A. 3/23 in group B had polypoidal mucosa at frontal recess area at 1 month post-operative as compared to 16/23. Overall their was a negative correlation between the compliance of nasal saline irrigation with edema, crusting and discharge. The respective R score was -0.5311, -0.25296 and -0.19889 respectively. The pictorial handouts definitely improved compliance and hence outcomes in our study. We recommend this practice in routine to all our fellow rhinologists.

Changes during medical treatments before adenotonsillectomy in children with obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVES: The severity of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can vary from mild to very severe (AHI ≥ 30 events/h) with the seasons. The efficacy of medical treatment has been investigated in cases of mild and moderate pediatric OSA, but not in severe cases thoroughly. METHODS: Our prospective cohort study involved 205 children who visited our outpatient clinic between December 2014 and May 2020. We performed home sleep tests after the initial visit, and then polysomnography after optimizing the control of rhinitis, sinusitis, adenoid hypertrophy, and tonsillitis by using medical treatments. RESULTS: The respective proportions of patients who improved to obstructive AHI (O-AHI) < 1/h or who proceeded to surgery were 43.4% and 62.3% in mild cases; 43.3% and 52.2% in moderate cases; 30.2% and 68.4% in severe cases; and 0.0% and 100% in very severe cases. Additionally, nadir SaO2 improved significantly between before and after medical treatment in both O-AHI < 1/h and O-AHI ≥ 1/h patients (respectively p < 0.0001, p = 0.0009). The lowest nadir SaO2 before medical treatment was 74% in patients in whom O-AHI was normalized after medical treatments. CONCLUSION: Medical treatment instituted before a surgical decision is made can provide substantial benefits and avoid unnecessary surgery if there is time for such treatments. In contrast, it may be difficult to normalize the O-AHI in pediatric patients with very severe OSA or a nadir SaO2 of less than 74% by medical treatment.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression and intranasal corticosteroid use: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) are used in the management of sinonasal conditions. Use of exogenous steroids can be associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction and adrenal insufficiency (AI). We aimed to estimate the rate of AI after INCS use in a meta-analysis, stratified by steroid type and treatment duration. METHODS: Ovid Medline, Embase Classic, PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases were searched following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to identify studies investigating INCS use and AI. AI was defined as morning serum cortisol <550 nmol/L and <80 nmol/L with and without adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation. INCS were classified as first (beclomethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide, beclomethasone, budesonide, dexamethasone) and second (ciclesonide, mometasone furoate, and fluticasone propionate) generation. Duration of treatment was classified as short (<1 month), medium (1-12 months), and long-term (>12 months) time periods. RESULTS: This search identified 3668 articles. A total of 39 studies (1678 patients) were included in the final analysis. The pooled percentage of AI for routinely utilized first- and second-generation INCS was 0.70% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29-1.12%). Stratified by type, AI was observed in 0.78% (95% CI, 0.25-1.30%) of first-generation and 0.58% (95% CI, -0.1% to 1.26%) of second-generation steroids. AI was seen in 0.48% (95% CI, -0.01% to 0.96%) of short-term, 1.13% (95% CI, 0.2-2.1%) of medium-term, and 1.67% (95% CI, 0.37-2.9%) of long-term use of INCS. CONCLUSION: Overall, the use of INCS carries a low risk for AI. Although modest, this risk may differ depending on the length of duration and type of INCS used. Informing patients of these risks is of importance for the treatment of chronic sinonasal conditions.

A Herbal Formula in the Therapy of Acute Postviral Rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects and adverse events of preparation Sinulan forte® containing extracts of five medicinal plants in comparison to mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS) in therapy of acute postviral rhinosinusitis (APRS). METHODS: We included 46 APRS patients in this prospective investigation and randomized to two groups. The patients in group 1 (n=23) received MFNS 200 µg two times/day for ten days, and patients in group 2 (n=23) received Sinulan forte®, tablets 225 mg per os, two times/day also for ten days. We evaluated the total symptom score (TSS), the separate scores for individual symptoms (nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, facial pain, impaired sense of smell), the quality-of-life outcome, and the findings from nasal endoscopy (edema of the nasal mucosa, nasal secretion) prior and after the therapy. RESULTS: Significantly lower absolute post-treatment scores and better relative improvement were identified for TSS, nasal congestion, facial pain, loss of the sense of smell, edema of the mucosa and nasal secretion in patients receiving herbal preparation (group 2). However, lower absolute post-treatment score and better relative improvement were found for rhinorrhea and postnasal drip in group 1. Clinically important differences were found regarding the TSS and endoscopic findings, with no adverse effects in group 2, but in group 1 two patients had mild nasal bleeding and two had sensation of dryness in the nasal mucosa. CONCLUSION: Herbal product Sinulan forte® can be a safe and effective treatment for APRS. Our results suggest no adverse events of this herbal preparation in comparison to intranasal corticosteroid spray therapy.

Use of Off-Label Nasal Steroid Irrigations in Long-Term Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinuses and mucosa. Topical nasal corticosteroids are a mainstay treatment for CRS by reducing sinonasal inflammation and improving mucociliary clearance. However, topical corticosteroids have limited paranasal distribution, and patient response to treatment has been variable in randomized controlled trials (RCT). Thus, there is significant interest in evaluating the efficacy of nasal steroids delivered by nasal irrigation in order to improve penetration and absorption of topical steroids into the sinonasal mucosa. In this review, we discuss the use of off-label nasal steroid irrigations in the management of CRS. METHODS: A review of clinical trials evaluating the use of nasal steroid irrigations for CRS in the PubMed electronic database was performed. RESULTS: Of the 12 clinical studies identified, 10 evaluated budesonide irrigations while the remaining 2 focused on mometasone. The overwhelming majority of studies for both budesonide and mometasone supported the use of nasal irrigations with corticosteroids over nasal corticosteroid sprays alone. However, the heterogeneity in study design, patient cohort, and volume of steroid irrigation limit the interpretations of these studies. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal irrigation with corticosteroids is beneficial and safe for the treatment of CRS. Future RCTs controlling for type of surgical intervention, CRS pheno- and endo-type, as well as dosing and duration of nasal corticosteroid irrigations are warranted.

The Effect of Nasal Steroid and Antihistamine Use on Total Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to determine the post-treatment levels of total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS), that are increased due to pathophysiology, and to compare those with pre-treatment levels in allergic rhinitis patients.Material-Methods: Among 84 patients clinically diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, 31 patients were started only on nasal steroid treatment (mometasone furoate), and 53 patients were started on nasal steroid and oral antihistamine treatment (mometasone furoate + rupatadine fumarate 10 mg). Blood samples were taken from the patients at the first examination and at post-treatment month 1.TAS and TOS were measured from the blood samples. RESULTS: While no significant change was determined in mean TAS levels with treatment, a statistically significant decrease was determined in TOS values in post-treatment period (P < .01). There was no significant change in TAS and TOS values of patients only using nasal steroids, while a significant decrease was determined in post-treatment TOS values of patients using both nasal steroids and oral antihistamines (P < .001). It was determined that TOS values of women were significantly lower compared to men, and it was also reduced in seasonal allergic rhinitis compared to perennial allergic rhinitis (P < .05 for both). CONCLUSION: In allergic rhinitis patients, concomitant use of nasal steroids and antihistamines significantly decreases total oxidative stress. It may be stated that the addition of antihistamines to allergic rhinitis treatment positively affects treatment.

Comparison of the Oral Steroids, Macrolides and Combination Therapy in Nasal Polyposis Patients.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, our aim was to compare oral steroid therapy with macrolide therapy and with oral steroid + macrolide (combine) therapy in patients with nasal polyposis (NP). METHODS: All patients were treated with nasal steroid therapy for eight weeks and divided randomly into three groups as follows: Oral steroid group, oral macrolide group and combine group. All patients underwent endoscopic staging, radiological grading, odour testing and completed the sino-nasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22) questionnaire before and after treatment. RESULTS: Significant improvement was observed in all parameters after treatment in all three groups. All parameters were significantly better in the combined group than in the macrolide group. Comparison of the oral steroid group and macrolide group revealed significantly better radiological grading and odour test changes for the oral steroid group, but no statistically significant differences existed according to endoscopic staging and SNOT-22. The post-treatment SNOT-22 score was significantly better in the combined group than in the steroid group. A comparison of the combined and steroid groups showed better results for the combined group for all parameters, but the differences were not significant. CONCLUSION: All treatment protocols were effective and the successful use of macrolide indicates its potential as an alternative in patients with contraindications to oral steroid treatment. The combined treatment may demonstrate significantly better results than steroid treatment alone if larger studies with more patients are performed.

Intranasal Corticosteroid Therapy: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Reported Safety and Adverse Effects in Children.

OBJECTIVES: To address concerns related to the safety profile of both Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and non-FDA-approved intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) use in the pediatric population. DATA SOURCE: Systematic review of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE databases using comprehensive search strategy, including all INCS formulations and adverse events. The study design was developed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Additional sources were identified from study references of relevant articles. REVIEW METHODS: A structured literature search was conducted. Extracted data included age, population size, study design, drug (dosage, route, and frequency), presence of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, ocular symptoms, and growth velocity adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 33 studies met inclusion criteria. The studies included use of INCS as nasal sprays and drops. There were no persistent abnormalities noted in cortisol level or intraocular pressure change. Growth velocity reduction was reported in 3 of 10 randomized trials. Meta-analysis of epistaxis and headache showed no significant difference in the incidence of headache or epistaxis when FDA-approved INCSs were compared to placebo, with a relative risk of 1.12 (95% CI, 0.77-1.63; P = .56) and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.60-1.18; P = .32), respectively. Meta-analysis was not performed for growth velocity, HPA axis suppression, and ocular change. CONCLUSIONS: INCSs in FDA-approved routes of administration are generally safe to use in the pediatric population. Use of non-FDA-approved INCS drops may increase risk of iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome. Growth velocity reduction, HPA axis suppression, and visual changes due to INCS are uncommon.

Intranasal Corticosteroid Therapy: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Reported Safety and Adverse Effects in Adults.

OBJECTIVES: To address concerns related to the safety profile of both Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and non-FDA-approved intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) use in the adult population. DATA SOURCE: Systematic review of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE databases using a comprehensive search strategy including all INCS formulations and adverse events. The study design was developed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Additional sources were identified from study references of relevant articles. REVIEW METHODS: A structured literature search was conducted. Each study was graded for level of evidence using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. Extracted data included population size, study design, drug (dosage, route, and frequency), presence of hypothalamus pituitary axis suppression, ocular symptoms, and treatment-related adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 60 studies met inclusion criteria. The studies included use of INCS as metered nasal sprays, drops, injections, aerosols, and irrigations. There were no persistent abnormalities in cortisol level or intraocular pressure change. Meta-analysis of epistaxis showed a significantly increased risk in the FDA-approved treatment group in comparison with control (risk ratio 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-2.14; P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, it appears that the use of both FDA and published non-FDA application of INCS are safe in the adult population. Meta-analysis demonstrated an increased risk of epistaxis in patients using INCS compared with placebo. Otherwise, there was no significant difference between in adults in the treatment group and placebo group. As an important caveat, the interpretation of safety of nonstandard INCS is restricted to delivery methods and dosages published in the literature.

No impact on the incidence rate of adenoidectomy 1998-2014 on a national level in Denmark by the use of nasal steroid and the introduction of pneumococcal vaccines.

OBJECTIVE: To describe trends in incidence rates of adenoidectomy in children in Denmark from 1998-2014 and to look for possible explanatory factors such as intranasal steroids and pneumococcal vaccination. DESIGN: A nationwide, population-based, retrospective, interrupted time-series analysis, using data from Danish registries. SETTING: Hospitals and private Ear, Nose and Throat clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Children who underwent adenoidectomy from 1998 to 2014 in Denmark. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Adenoidectomy. METHODS: The National Patient Register and the National Health insurance Service Register were used to identify all adenoidectomies performed in children. The National Prescription Register supplied data on intranasal steroids. RESULTS: A total of 174,557 adenoidectomies were identified, distributed among 153 022 children. The annual incidence rate was stable at around 11 per 1000 person-years from 1998 to 2004. A decrease was seen from 2004 reaching 7.9 in 2009, followed by an increase to 9.1 in 2014. The highest age-specific incidence rates were seen at 2-3 years of age. An estimated 14% of children born in 2014 will have had adenoidectomy performed before turning 16 years old. The proportion of adenoidectomies performed in private clinics compared with hospitals was 90%. CONCLUSION: From 1998 to 2004 the incidence rate of adenoidectomy in children in Denmark was among the highest in the world with around 11 per 1000 person-years. A decrease to 7.9 was seen from 2004 to 2009. We found no inverse correlation on a national level between the incidence rates of adenoidectomy and intranasal steroid, nor the introduction of the pneumococcal vaccine. The amount of intranasal steroids used in children in Denmark was negligible compared with adenoidectomy.

Determinants of the Nasal Microbiome: Pilot Study of Effects of Intranasal Medication Use.

INTRODUCTION: A role for bacteria and other microbes has long been suspected in the chronic inflammatory sinonasal diseases. Recent studies utilizing culture-independent, sequence-based identification have demonstrated aberrant shifts in the sinus microbiota of chronic rhinosinusitis subjects, compared with ostensibly healthy controls. Examining how such microbiota shifts occur and the potential for physician-prescribed interventions to influence microbiota dynamics are the topics of the current article. METHODS: The nasal cavity microbiota of 5 subjects was serially examined over an 8-week period using pan-bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Four of the subjects were administered topical mometasone furoate spray, while 1 subject underwent a mupirocin decolonization procedure in anticipation of orthopedic surgery. RESULTS: Measures of microbial diversity were unaffected by intranasal treatment in 2 patients and were markedly increased in the remaining 3. The increase in microbial diversity was related to clearance of Moraxella spp. and a simultaneous increase in members of the phylum Actinobacteria. Both effects persisted at least 2 weeks beyond cessation of treatment. Transient changes in the relative abundance of several bacterial genera, including Staphylococcus and Priopionibacteria, were also observed during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of intranasal steroids on the sinonasal microbiome are poorly understood, despite their widespread use in treating chronic sinonasal inflammatory disorders. In this longitudinal study, administration of intranasal mometasone furoate or mupirocin resulted in shifts in microbial diversity that persisted to some degree following treatment cessation. Further characterization of these effects as well as elucidation of the mechanism(s) underlying these changes is needed.

A Pilot Study Investigating the Impact of Topical Nasal Steroid Spray in Allergic Rhinitis Patients with Dry Eye.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effect of nasal steroid treatment on intraocular pressure and dry eye in allergic rhinitis patients with dry eye. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with a diagnosis of allergic rhinitis and dry eye were included. Symptoms and findings of patients before and after nasal steroid therapy were compared. RESULT: Ocular Surface Disease Index scores for dry eye symptoms showed significant improvement after nasal steroid treatment (p = 0.003). In the Schirmer test, no significant change was observed in the right or left eye (p = 0.167 and p = 0.489). For the tear film break-up time, no significant change was observed in the right or left eye (p = 0.076 and (p = 0.170). No significant change was observed in the right eye or the left eye in an intraocular pressure test (p = 0.893 and p = 0.495). CONCLUSION: In our study, symptoms of dry eye with allergic rhinitis were significantly improved with nasal steroid therapy, without affecting the intraocular pressure.

Effects of intranasal mometasone furoate on blood pressure in patients with allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Nasal congestion as the main symptom in patients with allergic rhinitis can impair nasal breathing. It causes hypoxia and concomitant sympathetic system activation, which may also lead to increased blood pressure levels in these patients. OBJECTIVE: We postulated that appropriate therapy, including intranasal steroids, decreases blood pressure levels in patients with allergic rhinitis. METHODS: In our study, we investigated the effect of intranasal steroid (4 weeks of mometasone furoate) on blood pressure changes in 45 patients with allergic rhinitis whose main complaint was nasal congestion. We used ambulatory monitoring for determining blood pressure levels before and after intranasal steroid therapy. None of the patients had any other systemic diseases. RESULTS: We found a significant decrease of daytime systolic and diastolic blood pressures and mean blood pressure values (daytime systolic blood pressure: 120 vs. 117 mmHg, p = 0.024; daytime diastolic blood pressure: 73 vs. 71 mmHg, p = 0.027; daytime mean blood pressure: 86 vs. 83 mmHg, p = 0.007). Although insignificant, we also found lower night-time systolic and mean blood pressure values (nighttime systolic blood pressure: 109 vs. 107 mmHg, p = 0.182; nighttime mean blood pressure 77 vs. 73 mmHg, p = 0.116). CONCLUSIONS: We found that post-treatment daytime average systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure levels were significantly lower compared to values obtained during exacerbation of allergic rhinitis. Decrease in blood pressure with treatment of allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion suggests that nasal congestion and impaired nasal respiration may affect blood pressure and potentially cause serious problems in hypertensive patients with allergic rhinitis.

The Effect of Nasal Steroid Spray on Contact Granuloma of Larynx

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laryngeal contact granuloma is benign inflammatory disease induced by excessive mechanical contact of larynx such as endotracheal intubation, voice abuse, laryngeal microsurgery as well as laryngopharygeal reflux. Because it is caused by various risk factors, multiple treatment modalities are required. The purpose of study is to evaluate treatment effect of topical steroid through nasal cavity in contact granuloma. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Fifty-two patients were enrolled in this study with exception of intubation granuloma. Patients were classified with four groups (Proton pump inhibitor (PPI), Nasal steroid spray (SPR), PPI+SPR, Observation) according to treatment modality. RESULTS: Patients who treated with PPI (Odds ratio 2.45, p=0.03) and combination of PPI and SPR (Odds ratio 2.88, p<0.01) had significantly better response than patients who not treated with medical therapy. CONCLUSION: Combination therapy of nasal steroid spray and PPI is effective for contact granuloma of larynx and considered as a treatment of choice rather than PPI only treatment.

Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome caused by intranasal steroid use.

Cushing's syndrome (CS) is common after oral steroid use and has also been reported following topical or inhaled use, but it is extremely uncommon after intranasal administration. This is the case of a 6-year-old child who developed Cushing's syndrome after intranasal application of dexamethasone sodium phosphate for a period of 6 months. Pediatricians and other clinical practitioners should be aware that high-dose and long-term nasal steroid administration may cause iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome characterized by complications of glucocorticoid excess as well as serious and even life-threatening complications of adrenal insufficiency.

Otitis Media with Effusion: Our National Practice.

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is the focus of an updated multidisciplinary clinical practice guideline published by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Based on data from clinical trials, the guideline recommends against using antihistamines, antibiotics, oral steroids, and intranasal steroids for OME. To understand practice patterns related to these guidelines, we assessed nationally representative data. Despite controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and other potential confounders individualized for each medication class, an increased risk of antihistamine (odds ratio [OR], 3.53), antibiotic (OR, 4.31), and intranasal steroid administration (OR, 3.58) was seen when OME was diagnosed. These analyses have demonstrated opportunities for quality improvement in the care of patients with OME, quantifying gaps in practice relevant to proposed quality measures. Education targeted according to practice setting may facilitate appropriate therapy and/or referral for definitive intervention in children with OME.

The effects of topical nasal steroids on continuous positive airway pressure compliance in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), evaluating effects of topical nasal steroids on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine use and nasal symptoms. SEARCH METHODS: Data source: A comprehensive search of Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was performed through April 2016. Manual searches and subject matter expert input were also obtained. Studies assessing effects of nasal steroids on CPAP machine use in adults, which reported quantitative outcome data of CPAP compliance, were included. RESULTS: Two studies (144 patients) met inclusion criteria. Both were randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCT). Pooled fixed effects analysis did not identify a statistically significant difference between both the groups for average duration of CPAP machine use per night. But there was an overall increase in the usage of 0.4 h (95 % confidence interval (CI) (-0.20, 1.00); P = 0.19) in favor of nasal steroids. Difference of percentage of nights with CPAP use was not demonstrated (mean difference 0.06, 95 % CI (-0.27, 0.39); P = 0.71). There was also no significant difference in nasal symptoms (mean difference 0.63, 95 % CI (-0.11, 1.36), P = 0.1). CONCLUSION: Nasal steroids showed benefits on CPAP use, but did not reach statistical significance. Data was based on meta-analysis of RCTs of 4-week follow-up in unselected OSA patients. Future controlled studies with selected group and longer follow-up duration are needed to confirm the benefits of nasal steroid on CPAP compliance in OSA patients.