Enfrentamiento diagnóstico de la rinosinusitis aguda en pacientes adultos ambulatorios / Diagnostic Approach of acute rhinosinusitis in adults outpatients

Acute rhinosinusitis is a common condition, mainly of viral etiology and self-limiting course. There is coexistence of microbiological agents that favor bacterial superinfection. Therefore, it is necessary to know evidence that supports diagnostic approach in adults out- patients. Having reviewed the evidence, we mention the isolated symptoms and signs have such a low performance to guide the diagnostic approach, some with statistical evidence such as hemifacial pain, colored nasal discharge and radiographic alterations suggestive of rhinosinusitis. Also, it is possible to improve clinical performance by combining suggestive findings. The imaging study has little evidence that supports them, because non-specific and non-concordant findings. Finally, empirical management with antibiotics does not statistically or clinically modify the evolution of an acute non-complicated condition.

La rinosinusitis aguda es una condición frecuente, principalmente de etiología viral y de curso autolimitado. Existe coexistencia de agentes microbiológicos que favorece la sobreinfección bacteriana. Por ello, es necesario conocer la evidencia que dirige el enfrentamiento diagnóstico en pacientes adultos ambulatorios. Habiéndose revisado la evidencia, mencionamos que los síntomas y signos aislados poseen bajo rendimiento para guiar el proceso diagnóstico, destacando algunos con mejores atributos diagnósticos, pero de significancia estadística bastante discreta, como lo son el dolor hemifacial, la descarga nasal coloreada y alteraciones de la radiografía sugerentes de rinosinusitis. También, que se puede mejorar discretamente el rendimiento clínico combinando algunos de estos hallazgos sugerentes. El estudio imagenológico posee poca evidencia que lo respalde, dado la presencia de hallazgos inespecíficos o no concordantes, inclusive en pacientes asintomáticos. Finalmente, respecto de manejo empírico con antibióticos, destaca que su uso no modifica estadística ni clínicamente la evolución de un cuadro agudo no complicado.

Aeroallergen sensitization patterns among patients with chronic rhinitis with or without concomitant asthma.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the differences in the pattern of allergen sensitization in CR individuals without or with asthma, according to asthma severity. METHODS: A total of 1066 adults were evaluated. Asthma and chronic/allergic rhinits were identified by specialists, questionnaries and skin-prick test. The phenotypic characterization was avaliable from skin-prick test to an aeroallergen extended panel, total IgE and pulmonary function. Using questionnaires and clinical evaluation, participants were classified into the groups: chronic rhinitis alone (CRA) and chronic rhinitis + asthma, the latter subdivided into CR + mild asthma (CRMA) and CR + moderate to severe asthma (CRMSA). Aerollergen sensitization was defined by a positive prick test to one or more allergens associated with nasal symptoms and/or asthma. The association between CR and asthma was evaluated by multivariable logistic regression. The evidence of effect modification of pattern of sensitization in CR on the association with asthma severity and outcomes was examined by introducing interactions terms in the logistic regression models adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: Frequency of sensitization to aeroallergens was higher in association with asthma in comparison to CRA (CRMA 70.4%; CRMSA 65.0%; CRA 47.0%; p = 0.000). Similarly, the presence of asthma was associated to aeroallergen multiple sensitization (51.5%) (OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.27-3.50). Additionally, the sensitization to mites, cockroaches, animal epithelium, grasses, and molds, were higher in asthma (56.8%, 24.3%, 12%, 7.13% and 10.3%, respectively). Sensitization to Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium herbarum and dog epithelium was exclusive in asthma groups. A concomitant asthma diagnosis was directly associated with a positive allergen sensitization at least one allergen (62.7%, OR = 2.45, 95% CI 1.80-3.34) and polissensitization (51.5%, OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.27-3.50). CONCLUSION: Asthma is associated with multiple allergen sensitization among patients with CR. Some unique profiles of aeroallergen sensitization were observed in patients with CR and asthma. Nevertheless, no difference was found in the sensitization in relation to asthma severity, which suggest atopy is not the main underlying mechanism for asthma severity among patients with CR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Una nueva perspectiva en rinosinusitis: EPOS 2020 / A new perspective on rhinosinusitis: EPOS 2020

Resumen EPOS 2020 (European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020) es una guía clínica desarrollada por un grupo profesionales expertos en el área rinosinusal de la Sociedad Europea de Rinología, que corresponde a la última actualización de sus versiones anteriores (2005, 2007 y 2012). El objetivo principal del documento es entregar recomendaciones claras basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible y algoritmos de manejo concisos para las patologías de rinosinusitis aguda y crónica tanto en adultos como en pacientes pediátricos. Algunas de las novedades más importantes de esta guía, son: nueva clasificación de rinosinusitis crónica en primarias y secundarias, rinosinusitis crónica en pediatría, nuevos conceptos en cirugía sinusal, entre otros. También enfatiza la importancia de manejo multidisciplinario de la patología, incluyendo el autocuidado del paciente, inclusive promoviendo el uso de medicamentos de venta libre, antes del manejo médico en niveles escalonados de atención. El objetivo de esta revisión es dar a conocer de manera resumida el manejo de rinosinusitis aguda y crónica en adultos propuesta en esta guía.

Abstract EPOS 2020 (European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020) is a clinical guide developed by a group of professional experts in the rhinosinusal area of the European Society of Rhinology, which corresponds to the latest update of its previous versions (2005, 2007 and 2012). The main objective of the document is to bring clear recommendations based on the best available evidence and concise management algorithms for the pathologies of acute and chronic rhinosinusitis in both adults and pediatric patients. Some of the most important novelties of this guide are: new classification of chronic rhinosinusitis in primary and secondary, chronic rhinosinusitis in pediatrics, new concepts in sinus surgery, among others. It also emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary management of the pathology, including self-care of the patient, promoting the use of over-the-counter medications, before medical management at tiered levels of care. The objective of this review is to present in a summarized way the management of acute and chronic rhinosinusitis in adults proposed in this guide.

Do impulse oscillometry parameters differ between children and adolescents with symptoms of rhinitis and those without?

OBJECTIVE: To compare impulse oscillometry parameters between healthy children and adolescents with symptoms of rhinitis and those without. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analytical study of healthy individuals 7-14 years of age. Health status was determined through the use of questionnaires. We performed anthropometric measurements, impulse oscillometry, and spirometry. RESULTS: The sample comprised 62 students, with a mean age of 9.58 ± 2.08 years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 17.96 ± 3.10 kg/m2. The students were divided into two groups: those with symptoms of rhinitis (n = 29) and those without such symptoms (n = 33). The oscillometry results and anthropometric parameters were normal in both groups and did not differ significantly between the two. The variables age, height, and body mass, respectively, correlated negatively and moderately with most of the following parameters: total airway resistance (r = -0.529, r = -0.548, and r = -0.433); central airway resistance (r = -0.441, r = -0.468, and r = -0.439); respiratory impedance (r = -0.549, r = -0.567, and r = -0.455); reactance at 5 Hz (r = 0.506, r = -0.525, and r = -0.414); reactance area (r = -0.459, r = -0.471, and r = -0.358); and resonance frequency (r = -0.353, r = -0.371, and r = -0.293). We found that BMI did not correlate significantly with any of the parameters evaluated. The same was true when we analyzed each group in isolation. CONCLUSIONS: In our sample, impulse oscillometry parameters did not differ between the students who had symptoms of rhinitis and those who did not.

Assessment of nasal obstruction by subjective methods and peak nasal inspiratory flow in children and adolescents with chronic rhinitis. / Evaluación de la obstrucción nasal por métodos subjetivos y pico flujo inspiratorio nasal en niños y adolescentes con rinitis crónica.

INTRODUCTION: Nasal obstruction (NO) is the most irritating symptom of chronic rhinitis (CR). The results of studies that correlated subjective and objective methods of NO in children and adults were contradictory. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the correlation between subjective NO scales and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) measurements and compare the subjective NO assessment and PNIF in children by age. POPULATION AND METHODS: Participants were patients with CR. The correlation between the subjective NO assessment using a visual analog scale (NO-VAS) and the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and nasal airflow measurement pre- and post-vasoconstrictor administration using the PNIF was estimated. The differences in the subjective NO assessment and PNIF between children aged 8-11 years and 12-15 years were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients aged 8-15 years were included. No correlation was established between the NO-VAS and the PNIF before and after vasoconstrictor administration (r = -0.19; p = 0.11 and r = -0.18; p = 0.15 respectively) or between the NOSE and the baseline PNIF (r = -0.23; p = 0.07). Differences were observed in the PNIF between children aged 8-11 years and 12-15 years (p =<0.0001), but there were no differences in the subjective perception assessed with the NO-VAS (p = 0.7591). CONCLUSION: No correlation was demonstrated between the subjective NO score and the PNIF in children and adolescents with CR. Older children have a lower perception of NO than younger ones. Subjective NO scales cannot replace the PNIF measurement in patients with rhinitis.

Introducción. La obstrucción nasal (ON) es el síntoma más molesto de la rinitis crónica (RC). Los estudios que correlacionaron métodos subjetivos y objetivos de ON realizados en niños y adultos produjeron resultados contradictorios. Objetivos. Analizar la correlación entre escalas subjetivas de ON con determinaciones de pico flujo inspiratorio nasal (PFIN) y comparar la valoración subjetiva de la ON y el PFIN en niños según su edad. Población y métodos. Participaron pacientes con RC. Se estimó la correlación entre la evaluación subjetiva de la ON mediante una escala visual análoga (ON-EVA, por su sigla en inglés) y la Escala de evaluación de los síntomas de obstrucción nasal (NOSE, por su sigla en inglés) y medición del flujo aéreo nasal pre- y posvasoconstrictor, mediante PFIN. Se analizaron las diferencias entre los grupos de 8 a 11 años y los de 12 a 15 años para la valoración subjetiva de la ON y PFIN. Resultados. Se incluyeron 79 pacientes entre 8 y 15 años. No se comprobó correlación entre ON-EVA y PFIN antes y después del vasoconstrictor (r = -0,19; p = 0,11 y r = -0,18; p = 0,15 respectivamente) ni entre NOSE y PFIN basal (r = -0,23; p = 0,07). Hubo diferencias en el PFIN entre niños de 8-11 años y 12 a 15 años (p =<0,0001), pero no se demostraron diferencias en la percepción subjetiva por ONEVA (p = 0,7591). Conclusión. No se demostró correlación entre puntajes subjetivos de ON y PFIN en niños y adolescentes con RC. Los niños mayores perciben menos la ON que los de menor edad. Las escalas subjetivas de ON no reemplazan su medición con PFIN en pacientes con rinitis.

Achieving the best method to classify Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Rhinosinusitis is currently classified into eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic, according to the histologic quantification of the number of eosinophils in nasal mucosa biopsy. There is a lack of unanimous histopathologic criteria and methodology for this classification and no consensus regarding a cut-off point for Eosinophils per High power field. METHODOLOGY: A systematic electronic search was performed on BVS, PUBMED, PUBMED PMC, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, EMBASE, COCHRANE and PROQUEST databases looking for studies that reported a cut point for classification of Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis (eCRS), and data concerning methodology of classification was extracted. RESULTS: We identified 142 studies that reported 29 different cut-off values for classification of eCRS, and different methods of histologic analysis. Out of these studies 13 reported their own methodology to establish the cut-off point, and used different reference standards as polyp recurrence, asthma and allergy, immunocytochemistry, quality of life index, standard deviation of the control population and cluster analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are needed to determine a precise cut-off point, especially international multicentered cluster analysis. Moreover, methodologic standardization of biopsy and analysis is needed to certify comparable results. Multiple biopsy sites, densest cellular infiltration area examination and oral steroids restriction at least four weeks before sampling are advisable.

Estrogen receptor mRNA determined by Quantitative Real-Time PCR in the nasal mucosa of women taking oral contraceptives / Receptor ARNm de estrógeno determinado por PCR Cuantitativa en Tiempo Real en la mucosa nasal de mujeres tratadas con anticonceptivos orales

SUMMARY: Estrogen receptors (ER) have been identified in human nasal mucosa, but its physiologic and pathologic impacts are not totally established. ER have been demonstrated in nasal mucosa by several authors, mainly by immunohistochemical method in nasal mucosa samples surgically removed. The present study aimed to quantify ERα and ERβ mRNA concentration by using an absolute quantitative real-time PCR in cells from nasal mucosa smear of women under oral contraceptive therapy. Nasal epithelium smear samples were collected from 110 patients divided in two groups: 55 women who present regular menstrual cycle without using contraceptives and 55 women who present regular menstrual cycle and have been using oral contraceptives for more than 3 months. All the patients answered a rhinitis symptoms questionnaire. The current study showed the potential usefulness of nasal turbinate mucosa cell sourcing, collected through swab, for extracting useful RNA for gene expression. We have identified the predominant expression of ERα isoform in a ratio 10-15 times higher compared to ERβ isoform. There is a tendency for positive correlation between the ERb isoform and the rhinitis severity score.

RESUMEN: Se han identificado receptores de estrógeno (RE) en la mucosa nasal humana, sin embargo sus impactos fisiológicos y patológicos aún no están totalmente establecidos. Varios autores han demostrado RE en la mucosa nasal, principalmente por método inmunohistoquímico en muestras obtenidas quirúrgicamente. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo cuantificar la concentración de ARNm de REa y REb mediante el uso de una PCR cuantitativa absoluta en tiempo real en células de frotis de mucosa nasal de mujeres bajo terapia anticonceptiva oral. Se recolectaron muestras de frotis de epitelio nasal de 110 pacientes divididas en dos grupos: 55 mujeres que presentan ciclo menstrual regular sin uso de anticonceptivos y 55 mujeres que presentan ciclo menstrual regular con uso de anticonceptivos orales durante más de 3 meses. Todas las pacientes respondieron un cuestionario de síntomas de rinitis. El estudio actual mostró la utilidad de la obtención de células de la mucosa de la concha nasal, recolectadas a través de un hisopo, para extraer ARN para la expresión génica. Hemos identificado la expresión predominante de la isoforma REμ en una proporción de 10 a 15 veces mayor en comparación con la isoforma REß. Hemos identificado la expresión predominante de la isoforma REα en una proporción de 10 a 15 veces mayor en comparación con la isoforma REß. Existe una tendencia a una correlación positiva entre la isoforma REß y la puntuación de gravedad de la rinitis.

Prevalencia de asma, rinitis, dermatitis atópica en escolares, San Pedro Sula, Honduras, 2020 / Prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, atopic dermatitis in schoolchildren, San Pedro Sula, Honduras, 2020

La prevalencia de las enfermedades atópicas va en aumento de manera impor- tante, especialmente en la población infantil a nivel mundial según la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Dentro de estas enfermedades están incluidas el asma, rinitis y la dermatitis atópica. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de asma, rinitis y dermatitis atópica en escolares de 6 a 12 años en San Pedro Sula, Honduras en el año 2000. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio descrip- tivo, cuantitativo, no experimental. La muestra fue de 1500 escolares matriculados en diversas escuelas que fueron seleccionadas por un método no probabilístico por conveniencia. La reco- lección de datos se realizó mediante la aplicación de un instrumento tipo encuesta a escolares que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión y contaban con consentimiento informado. Los datos se tabularon en SPSS. Resultados: La prevalencia de asma fue 24.46% (367), rinitis 17% (255) y dermatitis atópica 11.69% (175). Se encontró que 15.73% (236) tenían asma y rinitis; 9.53% (143) asma y dermatitis; y 8.40% (126) padecían rinitis y dermatitis. Además, 7.93% (119) padecían de las tres enfermedades. Conclusión: Los datos de prevalencia de asma y de dermatitis atópica en Escolares de San Pedro Sula son mayores a los encontrados en estudios de prevalencia de dichas enfermedades en Latinoamérica. Sin embargo, la preva- lencia de rinitis en San Pedro Sula es menor en comparación a la señalada en estos estudios...(AU)

Evaluación de la obstrucción nasal por métodos subjetivos y pico flujo inspiratorio nasal en niños y adolescentes con rinitis crónica / Assessment of nasal obstruction by subjective methods and peak nasal inspiratory flow in children and adolescents with chronic rhinitis

Introducción. La obstrucción nasal (ON) es el síntoma más molesto de la rinitis crónica (RC). Los estudios que correlacionaron métodos subjetivos y objetivos de ON realizados en niños y adultos produjeron resultados contradictorios. Objetivos. Analizar la correlación entre escalas subjetivas de ON con determinaciones de pico flujo inspiratorio nasal (PFIN) y comparar la valoración subjetiva de la ON y el PFIN en niños según su edad. Población y métodos. Participaron pacientes con RC. Se estimó la correlación entre la evaluación subjetiva de la ON mediante una escala visual análoga (ON-EVA, por su sigla en inglés) y la Escala de evaluación de los síntomas de obstrucción nasal (NOSE, por su sigla en inglés) y medición del flujo aéreo nasal pre- y posvasoconstrictor, mediante PFIN. Se analizaron las diferencias entre los grupos de 8 a 11 años y los de 12 a 15 años para la valoración subjetiva de la ON y PFIN. Resultados. Se incluyeron 79 pacientes entre 8 y 15 años. No se comprobó correlación entre ON-EVA y PFIN antes y después del vasoconstrictor (r = -0,19; p = 0,11 y r = -0,18; p = 0,15 respectivamente) ni entre NOSE y PFIN basal (r = -0,23; p = 0,07). Hubo diferencias en el PFIN entre niños de 8-11 años y 12 a 15 años (p = <0,0001), pero no se demostraron diferencias en la percepción subjetiva por ON-EVA (p = 0,7591). Conclusión. No se demostró correlación entre puntajes subjetivos de ON y PFIN en niños y adolescentes con RC. Los niños mayores perciben menos la ON que los de menor edad. Las escalas subjetivas de ON no reemplazan su medición con PFIN en pacientes con rinitis.

Introduction. Nasal obstruction (NO) is the most irritating symptom of chronic rhinitis (CR). The results of studies that correlated subjective and objective methods of NO in children and adults were contradictory. Objectives. To analyze the correlation between subjective NO scales and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) measurements and compare the subjective NO assessment and PNIF in children by age. Population and methods. Participants were patients with CR. The correlation between the subjective NO assessment using a visual analog scale (NO-VAS) and the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and nasal airflow measurement pre- and post-vasoconstrictor administration using the PNIF was estimated. The differences in the subjective NO assessment and PNIF between children aged 8-11 years and 12-15 years were analyzed. Results. A total of 79 patients aged 8-15 years were included. No correlation was established between the NO-VAS and the PNIF before and after vasoconstrictor administration (r = -0.19; p = 0.11 and r = -0.18; p = 0.15 respectively) or between the NOSE and the baseline PNIF (r = -0.23; p = 0.07). Differences were observed in the PNIF between children aged 8-11 years and 12-15 years (p = < 0.0001), but there were no differences in the subjective perception assessed with the NO-VAS (p = 0.7591). Conclusion. No correlation was demonstrated between the subjective NO score and the PNIF in children and adolescents with CR. Older children have a lower perception of NO than younger ones. Subjective NO scales cannot replace the PNIF measurement in patients with rhinitis

Rinosinusitis crónica en niños: revisión de la evaluación y manejo actual / Chronic rhinosinusitis in children: review of the evaluation and current management

La rinosinusitis crónica (RSC) en niños corresponde a la inflamación de la mucosa de la cavidad nasal y senos paranasales, presentando síntomas como obstrucción nasal, descarga nasal, presión o dolor facial y tos, presentes por más de 12 semanas. Conlleva una gran carga de morbilidad para quienes la padecen, y un alto costo económico. Su diagnóstico constituye un desafío debido a la sobreposición de síntomas con infecciones respiratorias altas y otras condiciones no infecciosas. En los últimos años se han dilucidado nuevos factores contribuyentes como los biofilms , disfunción del microbioma, y el creciente papel de mecanismos inflamatorios no infecciosos. El estudio imagenológico de elección es la tomografía computarizada, preferentemente en casos de duda diagnóstica, falta de respuesta a tratamiento o sospecha de complicaciones. El tratamiento de primera línea es el manejo médico, basado en irrigación nasal, posible uso de antibióticos prolongados y corticoides nasales. Para casos refractarios se plantean intervenciones quirúrgicas, siendo la adenoidectomía la primera elección, principalmente en niños menores; otras intervenciones incluyen la cirugía endoscópica de cavidades paranasales. Nuevas terapias biológicas están siendo estudiadas basadas en los mecanismos inflamatorios no infecciosos de la RSC y su relación con comorbilidades como el asma.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in children is the inflammation of the nasal and sinus mucosa, presenting symptoms such as obstruction, nasal discharge, pressure or facial pain and cough, which extends for more than 12 weeks. It represents a great burden for those affected, with high economic cost. Its diagnosis constitutes a challenge due to the overlap of symptoms with other upper respiratory infections and other non-infectious conditions. In recent years, new contributing factors have been elucidated, such as biofilms, microbiome dysfunction, and the growing role of noninfectious inflammatory mechanisms. Diagnosis depends on the recognition of characteristic symptoms and their duration. The imaging study of choice is computed tomography, especially in cases of diagnostic doubt, lack of response to treatment or suspicion of complications. First-line treatment of is based on nasal irrigation, possible use of prolonged antibiotics and nasal corticosteroids. For refractory cases, surgical intervention is proposed, with adenoidectomy being the first choice, mainly in younger children; other interventions include endoscopic sinus surgery. New biological therapies are being studied based on noninfectious inflammatory mechanisms of CRS and its comorbidities such as asthma.

Rinosinusitis fúngica invasiva aguda: actualización en pacientes adultos y pediátricos / Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis: update in adults and pediatric patients

RESUMEN La rinosinusitis fúngica invasiva aguda (RSFIA) es una enfermedad poco frecuente caracterizada por una infiltración fúngica de la submucosa y vasos sanguíneos de las cavidades nasal y paranasal. Afecta a pacientes con grados variables de inmunosupresión, destacando entre estas patologías subyacentes la diabetes mellitus y las neoplasias malignas hematológicas. Presenta una alta tasa de mortalidad, pudiendo reducirse significativamente si el diagnóstico y el tratamiento se realizan precozmente. Este artículo tiene por objetivo presentar una revisión actualizada de la literatura respecto a la presentación clínica, microbiología, factores de riesgos, métodos diagnósticos, tratamiento y pronóstico de la RSFIA, tanto en adultos como en niños.

ABSTRACT Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFS) is a rare disease characterized by fungal infiltration of the submucosa and blood vessels of the nasal y paranasal cavities. It affects almost exclusively patients with different degrees of immunosuppression, with underlying pathologies such as diabetes mellitus and hematological malignancies. AIFS has a high mortality rate, but it can be significantly reduced if the diagnosis and treatment are carried out early in the course of disease. This article aims to present an updated literature review regarding clinical presentation, microbiology, risk factors, diagnostic methods, treatment and prognosis of AIFS, both in adults and children.

Relationship between rhinitis severity and lung function in children and adolescents without asthma. / [Relación entre grado clínico de rinitis y función pulmonar en niños y adolescentes sin asma.]

Background: The link between upper and lower airways is recognized clinically as a "unique airway". Subclinical spirometric abnormalities have been observed in patients with rhinitis without asthma, which could be proportional to rhinitis severity. Objectives: To investigate possible subclinical alterations in lung function and bronchodilator reversibility in children and adolescents with allergic (AR) and non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) without asthma, according to the clinical grade of rhinitis classified by ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma). Methods: In a cross-sectional analytical study, we included patients aged 5 to 18 years with symptoms of AR and NAR without asthma. Spirometry was performed by flow-volume curve and we analyzed the abnormalities in respiratory function and bronchodilator response in relation to clinical grade of rhinitis by ARIA using an adjusted logistic model. Results: We studied 193 patients; 42 (21.7%) had some spirometric abnormalities. Patients with moderate-severe persistent rhinitis had greater impairment of lung function compared to the other grades of rhinitis (p=0.009). This defect was associated with both frequency (p=0.03) and severity of rhinitis (p=0.04) but not with atopic status (p=0.28). A positive bronchodilator response was more frequent in grades moderate-severe of rhinitis than in mild forms (p=0.04). Conclusion: Abnormalities of lung function was more prevalent in moderate-severe persistent rhinitis and was associated with the frequency and severity of rhinitis but not to atopic status. The bronchodilator reversibility was observed in patients with intermittent and persistent moderate-severe rhinitis.

Introducción: Las vías aéreas superior e inferior se comportan como una unidad. Se han observado alteraciones espirométricas subclínicas en pacientes con rinitis, sin asma, que podrían ser proporcionales a la magnitud de la rinitis. Objetivos: Investigar las posibles alteraciones de la función pulmonar y reversibilidad al broncodilatador en niños y adolescentes con rinitis alérgica (RA) y no alérgica (RNA), sin asma, según el grado clínico de rinitis establecido por ARIA (Rinitis Alérgica y su Impacto en Asma). Población y métodos: Estudio transversal analítico. Se incluyeron pacientes entre 5 y 18 años con RA y RNA, sin asma. Se analizó la existencia de anormalidades en la función pulmonar (curva flujo-volumen) y la respuesta broncodilatadora en relación al grado clínico de rinitis por ARIA ajustando un modelo logístico.Resultados: Se estudiaron 193 pacientes; 42 (21,7%) tuvieron al menos un parámetro espirométrico alterado. Los pacientes con rinitis persistente moderada-grave presentaron mayor afectación de la función pulmonar respecto a otros grados de rinitis (p=0,009). El defecto se asoció a la frecuencia (p=0,03) y a la gravedad de la rinitis (p=0,04) pero no con la atopia (p=0,28). La respuesta broncodilatadora positiva fue más frecuente en los grados de rinitis moderada-grave que en los leves (p=0,04). Conclusiones: La alteración de la función pulmonar fue más prevalente en la rinitis persistente moderada-grave y se asoció a la frecuencia y la gravedad de la rinitis pero fue independiente de la condición de atopia. La reversibilidad al broncodilatador se observó en pacientes con rinitis intermitente y persistente moderada-grave.

Clinical predictors of cystic fibrosis chronic rhinosinusitis severity.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a significant manifestation of cystic fibrosis (CF) with wide-ranging symptom and disease severity. The goal of the study was to determine clinical variables that correlate with outcome measures of disease severity. METHODS: A prospective, longitudinal, observational study of 33 adults with symptomatic CRS treated in a CF-focused otolaryngology clinic was performed. Symptom severity, the presence of rhinosinusitis exacerbations, and endoscopic appearance were assessed, and regression analysis was used to determine clinical predictors of disease outcome. RESULTS: Thirty-three adults with CF-CRS were included in the study and followed for a mean of 15 months. Rhinosinusitis exacerbations occurred in 61% of participants during the study, and female sex increased the odds of presenting with an exacerbation visit. Sinus disease exacerbations were associated with an odds ratio of 2.07 for presenting with a pulmonary exacerbation at the next visit. CF-related diabetes was found to be associated with worse symptoms and endoscopic appearance. Infection with Staphylococcus aureus predicted worsening of symptoms, whereas infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa improved over time. Allergic rhinitis was associated with worse endoscopic appearance, and nasal steroid use was associated with improved endoscopic appearance. CONCLUSION: Sex, CF-related diabetes, sinonasal infection status, allergic rhinitis, and nasal steroid use may all modulate severity of CF-CRS in adults. Sinusitis exacerbation may be a precursor to pulmonary exacerbation.

The role of the fern test in the treatment of rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: The fern test is a method for assessing the characteristics of the nasal section in the treatment of patients with mucous dysfunction of the airway. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the fern test in patients with rhinitis and to assess the classification of each type of rhinitis (types I-IV) in clinical practice. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, which included consecutive patients from a third level Rhinology Unit, worked with 182 patients with rhinitis and 30 healthy subjects as control. The patients were subdivided according to their type of rhinitis: allergic rhinitis (59), infectious rhinitis (32), polyps (31), NARES (Non-allergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome) (30) and NARNE (non-allergic rhinitis with neutrophils) (30). RESULTS: The control subjects had only type I or II rhinitis, whereas patients with rhinitis usually showed type III or IV. Allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps had the most serious deterioration according to the fern test (type IV). CONCLUSIONS: The fern test is effective for assessing mucus alterations in patients with rhinitis and it could be included as a new parameter in the study of rhinitis as a potential biomarker of the function of damaged epithelial cells.

Antecedentes: La prueba de "helecho" es un método que sirve para evaluar las características de la secreción nasal en el tratamiento de pacientes con disfunción de la mocosa de la vía aérea. Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar el papel de la prueba de helecho en pacientes con rinitis y evaluar la clasificación de cada tipo de rinitis (tipos I a IV) en la práctica clínica. Métodos: Estudio transversal en el que se incluyeron pacientes consecutivos de una unidad de rinología de tercer nivel. Se incluyeron 182 pacientes con rinitis y 30 sujetos sanos como controles. Los pacientes se subdividieron según el tipo de rinitis: alérgica (59), infecciosa (32), pólipos (31), rinitis eosinofílica no alérgica (30) y rinitis no alérgica con neutrófilos (30). Resultados: Los sujetos control solo presentaron rinitis tipo I o II, mientras que los pacientes con rinitis generalmente mostraban tipo III o IV. La rinitis alérgica y los pólipos nasales tuvieron el deterioro más grave según la prueba de helecho (tipo IV). Conclusiones: La prueba de helecho es efectiva para evaluar las alteraciones del moco en pacientes con rinitis y podría incluirse como un nuevo parámetro en el estudio de la rinitis como biomarcador potencial de la función de las células epiteliales dañadas.

Impact of early detection of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in immunocompromised patients.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS) is vital to improving outcomes in immunocompromised patients. This study evaluated the impact of a systematic protocol with nasal endoscopy and biopsies to early detect AIFRS in immunocompromised patients. Additionally, we compared the accuracy of frozen-section biopsy and culture with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsy. METHODS: Retrospective cohort in a Tertiary Referral Hospital. Patients with the suspected diagnosis of AIFRS were evaluated following a standardized protocol, including serial nasal endoscopies and biopsies when necessary. The sensitivity and specificity of frozen-section biopsy and culture were also compared with FFPE. RESULTS: The mortality rate related to AIFRS of this standardized cohort (13/43) was 30.2%. Better outcomes were observed in patients with disease limited to the turbinates and in those with higher peripheral neutrophils count. Frozen-section biopsy positivity correlated with FFPE findings for fungi detection (p-value < 0.0001), with a sensitivity of 90.6%, specificity of 72.7%, and accuracy of 86.0%. CONCLUSION: Implementation of this standardized protocol was related to a considerably low mortality rate among patients with suspected AIFRS at our Institution. Frozen-section biopsy revealed high accuracy to diagnose AIFRS. The current protocol including frozen-tissue biopsy improved the evaluation and survival rates of immunocompromised patients with presumed AIFRS.