[Acoustic rhinometry in the assessment of the topical treatment of upper respiratory infections with fusafungin]. / Zastosowanie rynometrii akustycznej w ocenie skutecznosci miejscowego leczenia fusafungina niezytów infekcyjnych górnych dróg oddechowych.

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED The aim of the study was to estimate by means of acoustic rhinometry (AR) the nasal blockade in 37 patients (5-73 years old, mean 32) with upper airways infections treated by fusafungine. The examinations were carried out on the first (D1) and seventh day (D7) of observation. Cross-sectional area (CA) mean values of 3 cm sector laid back to C notch of AR curves (CA-C3) were selected to the analysis. RESULTS: The mean value of CA-C3 in all patients it was 2.61 cm2 on D1 and 2.8 cm2 on D7; in rhinitis and sinusitis patients--2.23 cm2, in others--3.16 cm2; without nasal discharge--3.48 cm2, in others (with severe or medium)--2.53 cm2 and 2.48 cm2 respectively. 29 patients had nasal blockade (78.4%) with mean CA-C3 = 2.34 cm2 (others--3.56, p < 0.05). During seven days the following enlargement of CA-C3 was reported 14.9% in all patients (p < 0.01); in viral infections 24% (n = 14, p < 0.01), bacterial 14.3% (n = 11, NI); in nasal blockade patients--15.22%, others--13.55% (p < 0.01). Mean value of CA-C3 increased by 37.7% in patients who demonstrated, according to the physicians, "very good improvement", 5.7%--"good", 1.5%--"weak" (p < 0.05). There was also enlargement of nasal cavities in CA-C3 in non-sneezers (p < 0.05) and medium discharge symptom patients (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in clinical and acoustic rhinometry results between patients treated with fusafungine together with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and patients treated with fusafungine. CONCLUSION: AR is a good instrument to be used in the objective assessment of the nasal blockade changes in people with infection of the nasal mucosa and showed positive efficacy of fusafungine in the treatment of upper airway infection.