Race in Rhinology Clinical Trials: A Decade of Disparity.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study is to assess the ethnic and racial demographics of patients enrolled in prospective chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) studies relative to the corresponding geographic demographics of the United States (U.S.) census data. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic Review and Population analysis. METHODS: A systematic review was performed to identify CRS clinical trials, conducted in the U.S. and published between 2010 and 2020 in which patients were prospectively enrolled. Pooled racial and ethnicity data were compared to national and corresponding regional census data. RESULTS: Eighty-three studies were included, comprising 12,027 patients. 50.4% were male and the average age was 49.2 years. 8,810 patients underwent a surgical procedure. Of the 12,027 patients, 81.67% were identified as White, 5.35% as Black, 1.27% as Asian, 0.02% as Pacific Islander, 0.12% as American Indian, and 11.57% were classified as Other. The racial and ethnic composition of the pooled study population differs significantly from the national U.S. census data with the underrepresentation of each minority population (P ≤ .0002). Regional sub-analyses yield variable results. In the Northeast and West, there was an underrepresentation of all minority populations. In the South and Midwest, Black enrollment was similar to the U.S. census data, while all other minorities were underrepresented. CONCLUSIONS: The racial and ethnic composition of patients enrolled in prospective CRS clinical trials differs significantly from the demographics of the U.S. POPULATION: The generalizability and external validity of findings derived from studies comprised of demographically mismatched populations has not been established. Future efforts to enroll more representative populations should be emphasized by the research community, funding bodies, and editorial boards. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 131:1722-1728, 2021.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis without Nasal Polyps in Asian Patients Shows Mixed Inflammatory Patterns and Neutrophil-Related Disease Severity.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) shows heterogeneous immunologic features. Western studies revealed that CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) showed a predominantly type 1 immune response and CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) was characterized by type 2 immune response; however, the detailed immunologic profile of CRSsNP in Asian patients has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, we investigated the inflammatory endotypes of CRSsNP in Asian patients. Patients with CRSsNP (N = 57), patients with CRSwNP (N = 13), and a control group (N = 10), who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery, were enrolled; uncinate process (UP) tissues were harvested from all patients. Homogenates were prepared from the UP of each group, and immunologic profiles were analyzed, including major cytokines (32 inflammatory mediators). When comparing the UPs between groups, CRSsNP patients showed higher levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13), eosinophilic chemokines (CCL-11 and CCL-24), ECP, and total IgE expression than control subjects. In addition, several neutrophilic markers (IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, CXCL-1, CXCL-2, and MPO), IL-17A, IL-22, and TNF-α were dominant in CRSsNP patients. Among these inflammatory mediators, IL-17A showed higher expression levels in CRSsNP patients than in the control group and CRSwNP patients. However, IFN-γ expression was not significantly elevated in CRSsNP patients. The levels of neutrophil-associated cytokines were well correlated with each other; of which, CXCL2, IL-8, and MMP-9/TIMP-1 levels were significantly correlated with disease extent (r = 0.338, r = 0.317, and r = 0.424, respectively). However, the levels of eosinophil-associated cytokines showed little correlation with each other and were not correlated with disease extent. Our study revealed that Asian CRSsNP patients showed a mixed (types 2 and 17) immune response, but neutrophil-related markers were dominant and associated with disease extent. Knowledge of this immunologic feature may help clinicians make better individual treatment decisions for Asian CRSsNP patients.

The impact of race and insurance status on baseline histopathology profile in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory disease process characterized by different phenotypes and histopathology profiles. Race and access to care have been implicated in CRS disease severity. Structural histopathology reporting may aid in delineating the inflammatory burden responsible for this effect. METHODS: A structured histopathology report of 14 variables was utilized to assess sinus tissue removed during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Histopathology variables and 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores were compared by race (Black, White, Latino, and Asian) and insurance status (Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance). RESULTS: A total of 201 CRS patients (124 White, 38 Black, 28 Latino, and 9 Asian) undergoing FESS were included. Black patients demonstrated increased SNOT-22 scores (50.74 ± 20.32 vs 41.47 ± 22.75, p < 0.022) and number of eosinophils per high-power field (>5/HPF) (60.5% vs 44.8%, p < 0.05). White patients demonstrated decreased eosinophil aggregates (22.6% vs 35.1%, p < 0.039) and eosinophils/HPF (<5/HPF) (42.7% vs 55.8%, p < 0.048). Medicaid patients showed increased SNOT-22 score (55.50 ± 24.46 vs 41.39 ± 21.74, p < 0.003), polypoid disease (61.5% vs 42.3%, p < 0.05), subepithelial edema (80.8% vs 53.1%, p < 0.006), hyperplastic/papillary changes (23.1% vs 8.0%, p < 0.028), fibrosis (61.5% vs 38.5%, p < 0.036), eosinophil aggregates (46.2% vs 24.6%, p < 0.022), and eosinophils/HPF (>5/HPF) (65.4% vs 45.1%, p < 0.043). When controlling for insurance status, Black race was no longer associated with increased SNOT-22 (p < 0.104) or eosinophils/HPF (>5/HPF) (p < 0.183). CONCLUSION: Black and Medicaid patients demonstrated more severe disease by histopathology and SNOT-22 scores. These findings were no longer significant among Black patients after adjusting for insurance status, suggesting that the prevailing factor influencing worse disease may be access to care.

Endotypes of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Across Ancestry and Geographic Regions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Preliminary studies have suggested differences in endotypes of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) across ancestry/ethnic groups. Eosinophilic CRS (ECRS) is the predominant subtype for Western/European ancestry CRS patients and non-eosinophilic CRS (nECRS) for Asian patients. This review aims to re-analyze CRS endotypes across ancestry populations using one consistent criteria to existing data. RECENT FINDINGS: Although tissue eosinophilia is the most commonly used criterion for ECRS, various cut-off points are suggested. Surrogate markers have been extensively studied. Sixty-six cohorts with study criteria were included with a total of 8557 patients. Raw data from 11 studies 544 patients were re-analyzed using number of tissue eosinophils. At lower cut-off values of ≥ 5 and ≥ 10 cells/HPF, most patients of Asian and Western/European ancestry were classified as ECRS without difference. In contrast, at cut-off points of ≥ 70 and ≥ 120 cells/HPF, the majority of both groups became reclassified as nECRS. After applying one consistent criteria to existing data, differences across ancestry and geographic populations in endotypes of CRS were no longer evident.

Acute and chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis in relation to comorbidity, ethnicity and environment.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to assess the effect of comorbidity, ethnicity, occupation, smoking and place of residence on allergic rhinitis (AR), acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). METHODS: A GA2LEN (The Global Allergy and Asthma European Network) screening questionnaire was sent to a random sample of the Dutch population (n = 16700) in three different areas of the Netherlands. RESULTS: Fifty percent (8347) of the questionnaires sent were returned. A total of 29% respondents (27-31% in different areas) met the criteria for AR, 18% (17-21%) for ARS and 16% (13-18%) for CRS. Risk factors for AR were itchy rash, eczema, adverse response after taking a painkiller, asthma, CRS and ARS. Moreover, the risk of AR was twice as low for full-time housewives/househusbands than for people with jobs. The risk of ARS or CRS was significantly higher in respondents with a doctor's diagnosis of CRS, AR, itchy rash or smoking. The risk of CRS was also significantly higher in respondents with an adverse response after taking painkillers, active smoking or asthma. Caucasians are generally less likely to have AR or CRS than Latin-Americans, Hindustani and African-Creoles, and more likely to have ARS than Asian, Hindustani, Mediterranean and African-Creoles. CONCLUSIONS: This study found shared and distinct risk factors for AR, ARS and CRS and therefore provides support for the belief that they have shared symptoms but are different diseases with different aetiologies.

Association of Socioeconomic Status, Race and Insurance Status with Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patient-Reported Outcome Measures.

Objective Disparities in health and health care access are widely prevalent. However, disparities among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are poorly understood. We investigated if CRS severity at presentation according to socioeconomic factors. Study Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Tertiary rhinology center. Subjects and Methods Three hundred prospectively recruited patients presenting with CRS were included. Outcome variables included CRS symptomatology, as reflected by the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22); general health status, as reflected by the EuroQol 5-dimensional visual analog scale (EQ-5D VAS); and CRS-related antibiotic and systemic corticosteroid use. Race/ethnicity, zip code income bracket, education level, and insurance status were used as predictor variables. Regression, controlling for clinical and demographic characteristics, was used to determine associations between predictor and outcome variables. Results Mean SNOT-22 score was 33.8 (SD, 23.2), and mean EQ-5D VAS score was 74.2 (SD, 18.9). On multivariable analysis, presenting SNOT-22 and EQ-5D VAS scores were not associated with nonwhite patient race/ethnicity ( P = .634 and P = .866), education ( P = .106 and P = .586), or the percentage of households in zip code with incomes <$50,000 per year ( P = .917 and P = .979, respectively). SNOT-22 scores did not differ by insurance type, but patients receiving Medicare reported worse general health status. Use of oral antibiotics or oral steroids for CRS was not associated with predictor variables. Conclusion Patients with CRS presented to a tertiary rhinology center with similar metrics for CRS severity and pre-presentation medical management regardless of race/ethnicity, education status, or zip code income level. Patients with Medicare had worse general health status. Further research should investigate potential disparities in diagnosis of CRS, specialist referral, and treatment outcomes.

Presentation to Emergency Departments for Acute Rhinosinusitis: Disparities in Symptoms by Race and Insurance Status.

OBJECTIVE: Medicaid and self-pay insurance statuses and race are associated with emergency department (ED) presentation for uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis (ARS). We investigated whether ARS symptomatology could explain this disproportionate ED use. STUDY DESIGN: 2006-2010 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys. SETTING: EDs in the United States. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The data comprise 1,632,826 adult visits for uncomplicated ARS at hospital EDs. Patient-reported reasons for presentation included constitutional symptoms, facial pain or headache, sinonasal symptoms, head cold or flu-like symptoms, cough or sputum production, and sore throat. Patient-reported pain level was also included. Symptoms were assessed for associations with insurance status and race after controlling for clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics. RESULTS: Medicaid patients had similar symptomatology and levels of pain when compared with privately insured patients. Self-pay patients reported higher pain levels (P = .033) and were less likely to report head cold or flu-like symptoms (P = .018) but were equally likely to report other symptomatology. Relative to white patients, Hispanic patients were more likely to complain of facial pain and headaches (P = .033) and less likely to complain of other classical ARS symptoms, such as cough or sputum production (P = .013), sinonasal symptoms (P = .019), or head cold or flu-like symptoms (P = .019). Black patients were also less likely to complain of sinonasal symptoms (P = .038). CONCLUSION: Symptomatology does not explain disproportionate ED use for ARS by Medicaid patients, while higher self-reported pain levels may explain self-pay patients' disproportionate ED utilization. Likewise, ED presentation for ARS among Hispanic patients may be related to symptomatology that is less specific for ARS, such as headache and facial pain.

Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22: Translation, Cross-cultural Adaptation, and Validation in Hebrew-Speaking Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To perform the translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) questionnaire to the Hebrew language. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A single-center prospective cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy-three chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients and 73 patients without sinonasal disease filled the Hebrew version of the SNOT-22 questionnaire. Fifty-one CRS patients underwent endoscopic sinus surgery, out of which 28 filled a postoperative questionnaire. Seventy-three healthy volunteers without sinonasal disease also answered the questionnaire. Internal consistency, test-retest reproducibility, validity, and responsiveness of the questionnaire were evaluated. RESULTS: Questionnaire reliability was excellent, with a high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient, 0.91-0.936) and test-retest reproducibility (Spearman's coefficient, 0.962). Mean scores for the preoperative, postoperative, and control groups were 50.44, 29.64, and 13.15, respectively (P < .0001 for CRS vs controls, P < .001 for preoperative vs postoperative), showing validity and responsiveness of the questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The Hebrew version of SNOT-22 questionnaire is a valid outcome measure for patients with CRS with or without nasal polyps.

Ethnobotany of medicinal plants used in Antakya: A multicultural district in Hatay Province of Turkey.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: We have compiled information about the medicinal plants used in folk medicine in the district of Antakya. Since its establishment by King Seleucus I in 300 B.C., Antakya (old Antioch) has hosted nearly 20 civilizations. Antakya, neighboring Northwestern Syria, is located on the western end of the "Silk Road" and was one of the great centers of Graeco-Roman world. Today, Antakya is a cosmopolitan city in which Arabic and Turkish are widely spoken, and where distinct ethnic and religious communities, such as Arab Alawite, Arab Christian, Arab Sunni, Turk Sunni, Armenian, and Jewish, have been living together in harmony for centuries. In addition, the rich flora in the vicinity of Antakya also renders the area interesting in terms of ethnobotanical fieldwork. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to compile the information about plants used for medicinal purposes by local people in the district of Antakya. This city is a significant region in terms of ethnobotanical fieldwork, owing to its cosmopolitan structure, long history, relatively preserved traditional community structure, and rich flora. Furthermore, we sought to compare the ethnomedicinal data geographically, cross-culturally, and historically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethnobotany of medicinal plants used in the district of Antakya has been investigated through two separate studies; one was conducted in 1975, interviewing 29 people, and the other was conducted in 2011-2013, interviewing 182 people. The use value (UV) and informant consensus factor (FIC) values of the plants were calculated. In order to interpret the authenticity and sources of the compiled ethnomedicinal information, previous publications that contain information about the similar medicinal uses of plants identified in our region were reviewed and evaluated meticulously. A comparison with the data obtained from other regions of Turkey and from other Mediterranean regions, as well as a cross-cultural analysis between the ethnic groups within the study area, was performed by implementation of the Jaccard index (JI) RESULTS: Throughout the study, information about 202 medicinal plant taxa was compiled. Among these plants, 39 have either not yet been mentioned in ethnobotanical or medicinal studies, or have been used for a medicinal purpose other than those encountered in the literature review. The ethnomedicinal information we gathered from the study area exhibits close similarities to the ethnomedicinal information of other Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries where Arabic is spoken, as well as to that of Northern and Western Mediterranean countries where Latin languages are spoken. In addition to these similarities, in most cases, this ethnomedicinal information shows hybrid features of ethnomedicinal knowledge from Eastern and Western Mediterranean countries. CONCLUSION: Based on a literature survey, we found that the cited medicinal uses for 43 plants have also been corroborated by other various biological testings. This finding strongly suggests the importance of ethnobotanical studies in the development of new medicines. We believe that this study has compiled rich ethnomedicinal information that reflects the cosmopolitan structure of Antakya in a very good way.

Bony erosion patterns in patients with allergic fungal sinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate bony erosion patterns in allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) and to determine whether the extent of erosion correlates with demographics and preoperative clinical parameters. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. METHODS: Seventy-four patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of AFS were identified. Preoperative computed tomographies (CT) were reviewed to determine sites with bony erosion. The 20-item Sinonasal Outcomes Test (SNOT-20) scores, endoscopy scores, and Lund-Mackay CT scores were compared between patients with and without bony erosion. Patients with bony erosion were further classified based on the extent of erosion. Statistical analysis was performed by using the Student's t-test and the χ(2) test of independence. RESULTS: Of the 74 patients, 39 (52.7%) had bony erosion and 35 (47.3%) did not. Bony erosion was found to be associated with younger age (27.5 versus 36.0 years; p = 0.011) and African American race (p = 0.041). Preoperative CT scores correlated with the presence and extent of bony erosion (p = 0.010). Sex, race, number of previous surgeries, SNOT-20 scores, and endoscopy scores did not correlate significantly. CONCLUSION: Younger age and African American race were found to significantly correlate with bony erosion in AFS, which indicated that a more severe inflammatory response was mounted in these patient groups. As expected, higher Lund-Mackay scores correlated with the severity of erosion. The lack of correlation with SNOT-20 scores indicated the insidious nature of this destructive disease. The level of evidence is 4.

The sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT)-22: validation for Greek patients.

The aim of this study was to perform translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the sinonasal outcome test 22 (SNOT-22) in the Greek language. SNOT-22 was translated into Greek. A prospective study was conducted on adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) according to rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps (EPOS) criteria. Test-retest evaluation of the patients was carried out. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha test, and test-retest reliability with Pearson's test (parametric correlation coefficient), kappa (reproducibility) and Bland-Altman plot (extent of agreement). Validity was assessed by comparing scores between a control group of volunteers without CRS and the CRS group using Mann-Whitney test. Responsiveness was assessed on CRS patients who underwent surgery, by comparing preoperative to 3 months postoperative scores with paired t test. Furthermore the magnitude of surgery effect was evaluated. Test-retest evaluation was accepted in 64 patients. Cronbach's alpha was 0.84 and 0.89 at test and retest, respectively, suggesting good internal consistency. Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.91 (p < 0.001), revealing good correlation between initial and retest scores. Mean kappa value was 0.65, indicating a high level of reproducibility, while in Bland-Altman plot the differences were located between agreement thresholds. The control group consisted of 120 volunteers. Mann-Whitney test showed a statistically significant lower score for the control group (p < 0.0001). 32 CRS patients underwent surgical treatment. Postoperative scores were significantly lower than preoperative (p < 0.0001) while the magnitude of surgery effect was considered high. Greek SNOT-22 is a valid instrument with good internal consistency, reliability, reproducibility, validity and responsiveness.

Epidemiologic factors and surgical outcomes in patients with nasal polyposis and asthma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To evaluate the role of epidemiologic factors in surgical outcomes for patients with nasal polyposis (NP) and asthma. METHODS: Data was prospectively collected on patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery over a 7-year period. Among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with NP and asthma, surgical outcomes were analyzed according to gender and race. RESULTS: Patients with NP and asthma had significantly higher Lund-Kennedy and SNOT-20 scores--pre- and postoperatively--compared to CRS patients without NP or asthma. Both Caucasians and African-Americans in the CRS with NP/asthma group showed a statistically significant improvement at 6 months. Caucasians continued to have a significant improvement at 12 months, whereas African-Americans did not. There were no differences according to gender. CONCLUSION: In our patient population, African-Americans with NP and asthma had poorer outcomes following functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Chronic rhinosinusitis: epidemiology and cost.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common chronic diseases and is associated with a high socioeconomic burden from direct and indirect costs. Its estimated prevalence ranges widely, from 2 to 16%. It is more common in female subjects, aged 18-64 years, and in southern and midwestern regions of the United States. CRS is more prevalent in patients with comorbid diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and environmental allergies. Few studies examine patient ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geographic location, and cultural factors in CRS populations. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology, racial variations, and economic burden of CRS.

Exposures to fine particulate air pollution and respiratory outcomes in adults using two national datasets: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Relationships between chronic exposures to air pollution and respiratory health outcomes have yet to be clearly articulated for adults. Recent data from nationally representative surveys suggest increasing disparity by race/ethnicity regarding asthma-related morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the relationship between annual average ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations and respiratory outcomes for adults using modeled air pollution and health outcome data and to examine PM2.5 sensitivity across race/ethnicity. METHODS: Respondents from the 2002-2005 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were linked to annual kriged PM2.5 data from the USEPA AirData system. Logistic regression was employed to investigate increases in ambient PM2.5 concentrations and self-reported prevalence of respiratory outcomes including asthma, sinusitis and chronic bronchitis. Models included health, behavioral, demographic and resource-related covariates. Stratified analyses were conducted by race/ethnicity. RESULTS: Of nearly 110,000 adult respondents, approximately 8,000 and 4,000 reported current asthma and recent attacks, respectively. Overall, odds ratios (OR) for current asthma (0.97 (95% Confidence Interval: 0.87-1.07)) and recent attacks (0.90 (0.78-1.03)) did not suggest an association with a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5. Stratified analyses revealed significant associations for non-Hispanic blacks [OR = 1.73 (1.17-2.56) for current asthma and OR = 1.76 (1.07-2.91) for recent attacks] but not for Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. Significant associations were observed overall (1.18 (1.08-1.30)) and in non-Hispanic whites (1.31 (1.18-1.46)) for sinusitis, but not for chronic bronchitis. CONCLUSIONS: Non-Hispanic blacks may be at increased sensitivity of asthma outcomes from PM2.5 exposure. Increased chronic PM2.5 exposures in adults may contribute to population sinusitis burdens.

Chronic rhinosinusitis, race, and ethnicity.

BACKGROUND: Little is known regarding the epidemiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. This study was designed to comprehensively evaluate the current prevalence of CRS across various treatment settings to identify possible disparities in health care access and use between racial and ethnic populations. METHODS: The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS), and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) database registries were extracted to identify the national prevalence of CRS in race/ethnic populations and resource use in ambulatory care settings. Systematic literature review identified studies reporting treatment outcomes in minority patients electing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Data were supplemented using a multi-institutional cohort of patients undergoing surgical treatment. RESULTS: National survey data suggest CRS is a significant health condition for all major race/ethnic groups in the United States, accounting for a sizable portion of office, emergency, and outpatient visits. Differences in insurance status, work absenteeism, and resource use were found between race/ethnic groups. Despite its prevalence, few published studies include information regarding minority patients with CRS. Most (90%) cohort studies did not provide details of race/ethnicity for ESS outcomes. Prospective cohort analysis indicated that minority surgical patients accounted for only 18%, when compared with national census estimates (35%). CONCLUSION: CRS is an important health condition for all major race/ethnic groups in the United States. Significant differences may exist across racial and ethnic categories with regard to CRS health status and health care use. Given current demographic shifts in the United States, specific attention should be given to understanding CRS within the context of racial and ethnic populations. Public clinical trial registration (www.clinicaltrials.gov) I.D. No. NCT00799097.

Plasma RANTES and eotaxin levels are correlated with the severity of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Eosinophilia occurs in up to 75-90% of nasal polyps in Caucasians. The chemokines eotaxin and RANTES increase eosinophil recruitment, activation, and survival, and these chemokines are significantly expressed in nasal polyps. We hypothesized that eotaxin and RANTES plasma levels might be correlated with disease severity. We compared the eotaxin and RANTES plasma levels in 20 Taiwanese patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps and 20 Taiwanese healthy controls. Eotaxin and RANTES plasma levels were measured by ELISA and disease severity was scored by CT scans. Compared to controls, patients with nasal polyps had significantly elevated plasma levels of eotaxin and RANTES and increased peripheral blood eosinophils (p < 0.001). Eotaxin plasma levels were significantly correlated with disease severity in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis to a greater extent than were RANTES levels. RANTES and eotaxin levels were also positively correlated with the percentages of peripheral blood eosinophils. Eotaxin plasma levels are significantly correlated with disease severity in Taiwanese patients with nasal polyposis to a greater degree than are RANTES levels. Additional studies are needed to assess whether eotaxin plasma levels can be used to monitor disease progression and attenuation.

Smoking, longer disease duration and absence of rhinosinusitis are related to fixed airway obstruction in Koreans with severe asthma: findings from the COREA study.

BACKGROUND: The clinical manifestations of severe asthma are heterogeneous. Some individuals with severe asthma develop irreversible fixed airway obstruction, which is associated with poor outcomes. We therefore investigated the factors associated with fixed airway obstruction in Korean patients with severe asthma. METHODS: Severe asthma patients from a Korean adult asthma cohort were divided into two groups according to the results of serial pulmonary function tests. One group had fixed airway obstruction (FAO) [forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio < 0.7, n = 119] and the other had reversible airway obstruction (RAO) [FEV1/FVC ratio ≥ 0.7, n = 116]. Clinical and demographic parameters were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that longer duration of disease, greater amount of cigarette smoking and absence of rhinosinusitis were significantly related to the development of FAO in severe asthmatics. Other parameters, including atopic status, pattern of airway inflammatory cells in induced sputum, and frequency of asthma exacerbations did not differ between the FAO and RAO groups. CONCLUSION: Severe asthma patients with longer disease duration and the absence of rhinosinusitis are more likely to develop FAO. This study also demonstrates the importance of quitting smoking in order to prevent irreversible airway obstruction. Further investigation is required to determine the mechanism by which these factors can modify the disease course in Korean patients with severe asthma.

Self-reported quality of life in complementary and alternative medicine treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis among African Americans: a preliminary, open-label pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The southern U.S. region has among the highest incidence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Historically, African Americans in this region have been a difficult to reach population for clinical research participation. This study's aim was to observe any association between herbal tea consumption and CRS symptoms among African Americans. We recount the volunteers self-reporting of measurements associated with self-treatment of CRS symptoms. DESIGN: The study design was a preliminary, open-label, pilot study. SETTINGS: Volunteers were drawn from Morehouse School of Medicine's outpatient clinics, community multipurpose senior centers, and churches in Fulton and DeKalb Counties, GA. SUBJECTS: One hundred (100) African American volunteers were prescreened, of whom 55 with a clinical diagnosis of CRS met entrance criteria. INTERVENTION: Volunteers self-administered Breathe Easy herbal tea for a duration of 6 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: The Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS) scale was administered to assess sinus health at baseline and term and overall quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) index. RESULTS: Of the 55 volunteers who met entrance criteria, 41 completed the study; groups were q.i.d. (n = 27), t.i.d. (n = 4), b.i.d. (n = 5), and noncompliant (n = 5). For the q.i.d. group (n = 27), there was a significant increase in the CSS symptom score (difference in means 22.0 points; p = 0.020) and CSS total score (11.1 points; p = 0.020). Overall health status (SF-36) reported at baseline was 35% very good; 34% good; and 17% fair. After 6-weeks, the q.i.d. group showed a significant change to 44% good and 45% very good (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary pilot study suggests that q.i.d. self-administration of Breathe Easy was associated with improved volunteers' sinus health status (e.g., ability to fall sleep). Our results suggest that this herbal tea may contribute as a complementary therapy for management of CRS among African Americans. To further assess efficacy and applicability to other populations, randomized controlled trials in larger populations are warranted.