Azithromycin extended release vs amoxicillin/clavulanate: symptom resolution in acute sinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare early symptom resolution with a single 2-g dose of azithromycin extended release or 10 days of amoxicillin/clavulanate 875 mg/125 mg every 12 hours in patients with acute sinusitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, open-label, observational study to mimic "real-world" conditions, including patients with symptoms of acute bacterial sinusitis lasting between 7 and 30 days. Key symptoms were assessed twice daily by patient diary, and patients were interviewed by telephone at 12 and 28 days. The primary end point was symptom resolution at 5 days, defined as reporting "no problem" with at least 3 of 4 diary symptoms in 2 consecutive measures in the per-protocol population. Secondary end points included additional antibiotic use, sinusitis-related quality of life, and treatment satisfaction. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy-eight patients were randomized to a single dose of azithromycin extended release and 371 to 10 days of amoxicillin/clavulanate. In the per-protocol population at day 5, 70/236 patients (29.7%) in the azithromycin extended release arm and 45/238 patients (18.9%) in the amoxicillin/clavulanate arm had resolution of symptoms (difference = 10.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.1-18.4%). By day 28, 26/236 patients (11.0%) in the azithromycin extended release arm and 27/238 patients (11.3%) in the amoxicillin/clavulanate arm had used additional antibiotics (difference = -0.4%; 95% CI: -6.1% to 5.3%). Additional physician visits, quality of life, and overall satisfaction were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: More patients randomized to azithromycin extended release experienced symptom resolution at day 5 than those randomized to amoxicillin/clavulanate, without experiencing differences in second antibiotic use at 28 days.

Intravenous vs oral acetaminophen in sinus surgery: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Multimodal perioperative analgesia including acetaminophen is recommended by current guidelines. The comparative efficacy of intravenous vs oral acetaminophen in sinus surgery is unknown. We aimed to determine whether intravenous or oral acetaminophen results in superior postoperative analgesia following sinus surgery. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized trial with blinded endpoint assessments conducted at a single large academic medical center. Subjects undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery were randomized to intravenous vs oral acetaminophen in addition to standard anesthetic and surgical care. The primary outcome was visual analogue scale pain score at 1 hour postoperatively. RESULTS: One hundred and ten adult patients were randomized; 9 were excluded from the data analysis. Fifty patients were assigned to intravenous acetaminophen and 51 to oral acetaminophen. Postoperative pain scores at 1 hour (primary endpoint) were not significantly different between the intravenous and oral acetaminophen groups. Similarly, there was no significant difference in pain scores at 24 hours postoperatively. Finally, there was no significant difference in postoperative opioid usage in the postanesthesia care unit or over the first 24 hours postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first comparative efficacy trial of oral vs intravenous acetaminophen in sinus surgery. There was no significant difference in pain scores at 1 or 24 hours postoperatively, and no difference in postoperative opioid use. Intravenous acetaminophen offers no apparent advantage over oral acetaminophen in patients undergoing sinus surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b.

Bevacizumab for Epistaxis in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: An Evidence-based Review.

Objective Epistaxis is a primary complaint in 90% to 96% of patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Numerous surgical and medical treatments aim to decrease the frequency and severity of epistaxis in this patient population. Bevacizumab is a recombinant, humanized monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor, an angiogenic factor elevated in HHT. It has been used in several forms to treat epistaxis in HHT but thus far, evidence-based recommendations are limited. Study Design Systematic review with evidence-based recommendations. Methods A systematic review of the literature following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed using Embase, MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process/Epub, and Cochrane databases. English language abstracts were reviewed for relevance. Results Eleven manuscripts met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Submucosal injection, submucosal injection plus laser coagulation, intravenous (IV), and topical formulations of bevacizumab were evaluated for their therapeutic impact on epistaxis in patients with HHT. Three randomized controlled trials failed to show topical bevacizumab to be more effective in controlling epistaxis than saline or other moisturizers. Conclusions The use of submucosal and IV bevacizumab shows promise, but further study is necessary to determine the true efficacy in the treatment of epistaxis as only grade C level exists currently. Based on the available literature, the use of topical bevacizumab is not recommended (grade B).

Medical treatment of epistaxis in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: an evidence-based review.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder resulting in vascular dysplasia and formation of arteriovenous malformations. Recurrent epistaxis is a hallmark of the disease. An array of medical therapies are used in this patient population, but robust evidence-based recommendations regarding the medical treatment of epistaxis are lacking. This systematic review was performed to look at the current literature and make meaningful evidence-based recommendations. METHODS: A search of the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases was conducted by a research librarian. Abstracts in the English language and published in a peer-review journal were reviewed for relevance and inclusion. PRISMA guidelines were followed. RESULTS: Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. In a few small studies, thalidomide was shown to consistently improve severity and frequency of epistaxis and improve hemoglobin concentrations while decreasing the need for transfusion. Tranexamic acid appeared to only impact the epistaxis severity score and not other clinical outcomes. Selective estrogen modulators (SERMs), propranolol, rose geranium oil, and N-acetylcysteine, have demonstrated promising efficacy in small trials. CONCLUSION: Appropriate medical therapies for epistaxis outcomes in HHT remain undefined, and there is no "gold standard." Many of the studies are small and the data reported are heterogeneous, and therefore the ability to make strong evidence-based recommendations is limited. However, many different medications appear to be promising options.

International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Critical examination of the quality and validity of available allergic rhinitis (AR) literature is necessary to improve understanding and to appropriately translate this knowledge to clinical care of the AR patient. To evaluate the existing AR literature, international multidisciplinary experts with an interest in AR have produced the International Consensus statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Allergic Rhinitis (ICAR:AR). METHODS: Using previously described methodology, specific topics were developed relating to AR. Each topic was assigned a literature review, evidence-based review (EBR), or evidence-based review with recommendations (EBRR) format as dictated by available evidence and purpose within the ICAR:AR document. Following iterative reviews of each topic, the ICAR:AR document was synthesized and reviewed by all authors for consensus. RESULTS: The ICAR:AR document addresses over 100 individual topics related to AR, including diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, disease burden, risk factors for the development of AR, allergy testing modalities, treatment, and other conditions/comorbidities associated with AR. CONCLUSION: This critical review of the AR literature has identified several strengths; providers can be confident that treatment decisions are supported by rigorous studies. However, there are also substantial gaps in the AR literature. These knowledge gaps should be viewed as opportunities for improvement, as often the things that we teach and the medicine that we practice are not based on the best quality evidence. This document aims to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the AR literature to identify areas for future AR research and improved understanding.

Onset of symptom resolution in adults with acute bacterial rhinosinusitis treated with a single dose of azithromycin extended release compared with 10 days of levofloxacin: a retrospective analysis of a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy trial.

BACKGROUND: A previous study found that a single 2-g dose of azithromycin extended release (AZ-ER) was as efficacious as 10 days of levofloxacin (LFX) 500 mg QD in adults with acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS). The speed with which patients experience resolution of ABRS symptoms has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the resolution of ABRS symptoms after a single 2-g dose of AZ-ER compared with 10 days of LFX. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of data from a published international, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy clinical trial conducted between January 21, 2003, and February 20, 2004, that included 534 adult (age >or=18 years) outpatients with ABRS. All patients entering the study were required to have purulent nasal discharge, purulent drainage in the posterior pharynx, or purulent discharge from the maxillary sinus orifice and at least 1 of 3 other protocol-defined cardinal symptoms of ABRS (sinus pain, pressure, or tenderness) for >or=7 days. In addition, they were required to have at least 2 of the following 6 noncardinal symptoms at baseline: cough, fever, headache, nasal congestion, postnasal discharge, and leukocytosis. All patients who received medication were assessed for the occurrence of adverse events at study visits during and after therapy. At the ontreatment visit (between days 3 and 5), baseline symptoms were reassessed as resolved, improved, same, new, or worse. Resolution of symptoms was calculated as the proportion of patients with 3 or 4 cardinal symptoms either resolved (if present at baseline) or not new (if absent at baseline). Concomitant medications other than antibiotics were allowed as needed for symptomatic treatment. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics were similar at baseline between the AZ-ER and LFX treatment arms (mean age, 38.4 and 39.5 years, respectively), although more women were randomized to receive LFX (62.9%) than AZ-ER (53.3%) (P = 0.025). More than 90% of patients in both arms had >or=3 ABRS symptoms at baseline. At the on-treatment visit, resolution of >or=3 ABRS symptoms was achieved in 88 of 270 AZ-ER patients (32.6%) and 61 of 261 LFX patients (23.4%) (P = 0.018). Resolution of individual symptoms in the AZ-ER and LFX groups at 3 to 5 days was as follows: sinus pain (92/253[36.4%] and 77/251 [30.7%]; P = NS), sinus pressure (97/243 [39.9%] and 68/244 [27.9%]; P = 0.005), sinus tenderness (83/218 [38.1%] and 73/214 [34.1%]; P = NS), and nasal discharge (57/270 [21.0%] and 49/264 [18.6%]; P = NS). Treatment-related adverse events were reported by 63 of 270 AZ-ER patients (23.3%) and 41 of 268 LFX patients (15.3%). Gastrointestinal disturbances were the most common adverse events, including nausea (4.4% and 3.4%) and abdominal pain (2.6% and 0.4%).

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis: diagnosis and management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The proper diagnosis and treatment of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis remain controversial. We discuss recent additions to the literature regarding diagnosis and treatment of this condition. RECENT FINDINGS: There is considerable overlap in the clinical features of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis and other forms of eosinophilic mucin chronic rhinosinusitis. Type 1 hypersensitivity and characteristic computed tomographic findings may have predictive value for a final diagnosis of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, patients with which are more likely to have bony erosion than patients with other forms of chronic rhinosinusitis. The decreases in orbital volume associated with expansive allergic fungal rhinosinusitis disease may spontaneously improve after successful treatment. Most patients have detectable fungal-specific IgE in their so-called allergic mucin. Elevated levels of fungal-specific IgG3 are a consistent finding in patients with allergic fungal rhinosinusitis and eosinophilic mucin chronic rhinosinusitis. Antifungal treatment is still considered a treatment option, but further study is needed. SUMMARY: Type 1 hypersensitivity to fungal antigens helps to distinguish allergic fungal rhinosinusitis from other forms of eosinophilic mucin chronic rhinosinusitis. Bony erosion and orbital expansion giving rise to proptosis are prominent features of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. Advances in medical treatment will require prospective and controlled trials.

Keys to successful management of patients with allergic rhinitis: focus on patient confidence, compliance, and satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE: The American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA) convened an expert, multidisciplinary Working Group on Allergic Rhinitis to discuss patients' self-treatment behaviors and how health care providers approach and treat the condition. PROCEDURES AND DATA SOURCES: Co-moderators, who were chosen by the AAOA Board of Directors, were responsible for initial agenda development and selection of presenters and participants, based on their expertise in diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis. Each presenter performed a literature search from which a presentation was developed, portions of which were utilized in developing this review article. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: Allergic rhinitis is a common chronic condition that has a significant negative impact on general health, co-morbid illnesses, productivity, and quality of life. Treatment of allergic rhinitis includes avoidance of allergens, immunotherapy, and/or pharmacotherapy (ie, antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids, mast cell stabilizers, anti-leukotriene agents, anticholinergics). Despite abundant treatment options, 60% of all allergic rhinitis patients in an Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America survey responded that they are "very interested" in finding a new medication and 25% are "constantly" trying different medications to find one that "works." Those who were dissatisfied also said their health care provider does not understand their allergy treatment needs and does not take their allergy symptoms seriously. Dissatisfaction leads to decreased compliance and an increased reliance on multiple agents and over-the-counter products. Furthermore, a lack of effective communication between health care provider and patient leads to poor disease control, noncompliance, and unhappiness in a significant portion of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Health care providers must gain a greater understanding of patient expectations to increase medication compliance and patient satisfaction and confidence.

An assessment of the onset and duration of action of olopatadine nasal spray.

OBJECTIVE: Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is a highly prevalent disease. This study was conducted to evaluate the onset and duration of action of three concentrations of olopatadine nasal spray. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, single-dose, placebo-controlled study, conducted in an environmental exposure chamber in patients with SAR. A total of 320 patients were exposed to ragweed allergen in the chamber and randomized to olopatadine nasal spray 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, or placebo nasal spray. Symptoms (sneezing, runny, itchy, and stuffy nose) were self-assessed during a 12-hour study period. RESULTS: All concentrations of olopatadine nasal spray provided clinically meaningful reductions in total nasal symptom scores at 30 minutes compared to the placebo. Olopatadine nasal spray 0.6% was significantly more effective (P < 0.05) than placebo nasal spray at all time-points starting at 90 minutes post-dose and continuing over 12 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Olopatadine nasal spray 0.6% demonstrated a fast onset of action and maintained an effect for at least 12 hours after dosing.

Clinical practice guideline: adult sinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on managing sinusitis, defined as symptomatic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. Sinusitis affects 1 in 7 adults in the United States, resulting in about 31 million individuals diagnosed each year. Since sinusitis almost always involves the nasal cavity, the term rhinosinusitis is preferred. The guideline target patient is aged 18 years or older with uncomplicated rhinosinusitis, evaluated in any setting in which an adult with rhinosinusitis would be identified, monitored, or managed. This guideline is intended for all clinicians who are likely to diagnose and manage adults with sinusitis. PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this guideline is to improve diagnostic accuracy for adult rhinosinusitis, reduce inappropriate antibiotic use, reduce inappropriate use of radiographic imaging, and promote appropriate use of ancillary tests that include nasal endoscopy, computed tomography, and testing for allergy and immune function. In creating this guideline the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation selected a panel representing the fields of allergy, emergency medicine, family medicine, health insurance, immunology, infectious disease, internal medicine, medical informatics, nursing, otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, pulmonology, and radiology. RESULTS: The panel made strong recommendations that 1) clinicians should distinguish presumed acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) from acute rhinosinusitis caused by viral upper respiratory infections and noninfectious conditions, and a clinician should diagnose ABRS when (a) symptoms or signs of acute rhinosinusitis are present 10 days or more beyond the onset of upper respiratory symptoms, or (b) symptoms or signs of acute rhinosinusitis worsen within 10 days after an initial improvement (double worsening), and 2) the management of ABRS should include an assessment of pain, with analgesic treatment based on the severity of pain. The panel made a recommendation against radiographic imaging for patients who meet diagnostic criteria for acute rhinosinusitis, unless a complication or alternative diagnosis is suspected. The panel made recommendations that 1) if a decision is made to treat ABRS with an antibiotic agent, the clinician should prescribe amoxicillin as first-line therapy for most adults, 2) if the patient worsens or fails to improve with the initial management option by 7 days, the clinician should reassess the patient to confirm ABRS, exclude other causes of illness, and detect complications, 3) clinicians should distinguish chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis from isolated episodes of ABRS and other causes of sinonasal symptoms, 4) clinicians should assess the patient with CRS or recurrent acute rhinosinusitis for factors that modify management, such as allergic rhinitis, cystic fibrosis, immunocompromised state, ciliary dyskinesia, and anatomic variation, 5) the clinician should corroborate a diagnosis and/or investigate for underlying causes of CRS and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis, 6) the clinician should obtain computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses in diagnosing or evaluating a patient with CRS or recurrent acute rhinosinusitis, and 7) clinicians should educate/counsel patients with CRS or recurrent acute rhinosinusitis regarding control measures. The panel offered as options that 1) clinicians may prescribe symptomatic relief in managing viral rhinosinusitis, 2) clinicians may prescribe symptomatic relief in managing ABRS, 3) observation without use of antibiotics is an option for selected adults with uncomplicated ABRS who have mild illness (mild pain and temperature <38.3 degrees C or 101 degrees F) and assurance of follow-up, 4) the clinician may obtain nasal endoscopy in diagnosing or evaluating a patient with CRS or recurrent acute rhinosinusitis, and 5) the clinician may obtain testing for allergy and immune function in evaluating a patient with CRS or recurrent acute rhinosinusitis. DISCLAIMER: This clinical practice guideline is not intended as a sole source of guidance for managing adults with rhinosinusitis. Rather, it is designed to assist clinicians by providing an evidence-based framework for decision-making strategies. It is not intended to replace clinical judgment or establish a protocol for all individuals with this condition, and may not provide the only appropriate approach to diagnosing and managing this problem.

Competency-based resident education.

Over the course of the last decade fundamental changes have occurred in residency training. The basis of these changes has been rooted in the desire to simultaneously improve the quality of the learning experience while decreasing the demands of training on resident lifestyle. The ACGME Outcomes Project was initiated in 1999 with the intent of facilitating such change in medical education. Before its introduction, assessment of residency training sites focused on the processes, resources, and reputation of an individual program, but failed to assess how effectively a program used those assets. The stated goal of the ACGME Outcomes Project has been to drive an evolution of this process-oriented form of education to one that is based on outcomes that measure the effect of the educational experience. This article is a brief overview of current efforts to achieve this goal.

A novel use of the discrete templated notes within an electronic health record software to monitor resident supervision.

OBJECTIVE: Monitoring the supervision of residents can be a challenging task. We describe our experience with the implementation of a templated note system for documenting procedures with the aim of enabling automated, discrete, and standardized capture of documentation of supervision of residents performing floor-based procedures, with minimal extra effort from the residents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Procedural note templates were designed using the standard existing template within a commercial electronic health record software. Templates for common procedures were created such that residents could document every procedure performed outside of the formal procedural areas. Automated reports were generated and letters were sent to noncompliers. RESULTS: A total of 27 045 inpatient non-formal procedural area procedures were recorded from August 2012 to June 2014. Compliance with NoteWriter template usage averaged 86% in the first year and increased to 94.6% in the second year ( P = .0055).Initially, only 12.5% of residents documented supervision of any form. By the end of the first year, this was above 80%, with the gains maintained into the second year and beyond. Direct supervision was documented to have occurred where required in 62.8% in the first year and increased to 99.8% in the second year ( P = .0001) after the addition of hard stops. Notification of attendings prior to procedures was documented 100% of the time by September 2013. Letters sent to errant residents decreased from 3.6 to 0.83 per 100 residents per week. CONCLUSION: The templated procedure note system with hard stops and integrated reporting can successfully be used to improve monitoring of resident supervision. This has potential impact on resident education and patient safety.

Sinus surgery: indications and techniques.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a recent addition to the treatment armamentarium of sinus disease. Performed through the nasal cavity using endoscopes and inciting no external scars, these advantages have renewed an interest in the surgical intervention of various sinus diseases. With minimal risk and complications associated with FESS, the temptation exists to lower the threshold and expand the indications for sinus surgery. However, regardless of the reduced risk, FESS should be pursued only when the goals are attainable and the limitations of surgery are understood for each specific disease. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), affecting more than 31 million people a year, represents a treatment challenge. The challenge stems from evidence that CRS can result from different etiologies including bacteria, virus, fungi, superantigens, and unfavorable anatomy. With an unclear pathogenesis, success of medical therapy is often limited. Individuals failing medical therapy are candidates for surgical intervention. The controversy, indications, and goals of surgery in CRS are reviewed. Other indications for FESS are less controversial. Nasal polyps, which can interfere with medical therapy and obstruct airflow, often require surgical intervention. In addition, recent data has suggested a link between surgery and a reduction in inflammatory markers. Repair of skull base defects, and resection of benign and limited malignant nasal masses are also indications for FESS. This article reviews the indications of sinus surgery. In addition, it addresses some of the controversies, limitations, and advances in FESS.

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis: A review of clinical manifestations and current treatment strategies.

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis is a relatively newly characterized disease entity that commands a great deal of interest. Large amounts of information are being generated addressing the underlying etiology of the disease, its clinical presentation, and forms of treatment. Although controversy still exists, recent evidence supports the theory that AFRS represents an immunologic, rather than infectious, disease process. An improved understanding of this underlying disease process has led to an evolution in the treatment of AFRS.

Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis: a review of U.S. treatment guidelines.

Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) is a common complication of viral upper respiratory tract infections and is associated with a significant socioeconomic burden. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of ABRS have been produced in association with a number of societies in the United States; these guidelines aim to promote the rational selection of antibiotic therapy to optimize clinical outcomes while minimizing the potential for selection of antibiotic resistance. This article provides an overview of current U.S. guidelines for the treatment of ABRS, focusing on the impact of antibiotic resistance on treatment options.

Rhinosinusitis: Developing guidance for clinical trials.

The Rhinosinusitis Initiative was developed by 5 national societies. The current guidance document is an expansion of the 2004 publication, "Rhinosinusitis: Establishing definitions for clinical research and patient care" and provides templates for clinical trials in antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and symptom-relieving therapies for the following: (1) acute presumed bacterial rhinosinusitis, (2) chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) without nasal polyps, (3) CRS with nasal polyps, and (4) classic allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. In addition to the templates for clinical trials and proposed study designs, the Rhinosinusitis Initiative has developed 6 appendices, which address (1) health outcomes, (2) nasal endoscopy and staging of CRS, (3) radiologic imaging, (4) microbiology, (5) laboratory measures, and (6) biostatistical methods.

International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: The body of knowledge regarding rhinosinusitis(RS) continues to expand, with rapid growth in number of publications, yet substantial variability in the quality of those presentations. In an effort to both consolidate and critically appraise this information, rhinologic experts from around the world have produced the International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR:RS). METHODS: Evidence-based reviews with recommendations(EBRRs) were developed for scores of topics, using previously reported methodology. Where existing evidence was insufficient for an EBRR, an evidence-based review (EBR)was produced. The sections were then synthesized and the entire manuscript was then reviewed by all authors for consensus. RESULTS: The resulting ICAR:RS document addresses multiple topics in RS, including acute RS (ARS), chronic RS (CRS)with and without nasal polyps (CRSwNP and CRSsNP), recurrent acute RS (RARS), acute exacerbation of CRS (AECRS), and pediatric RS. CONCLUSION: As a critical review of the RS literature, ICAR:RS provides a thorough review of pathophysiology and evidence-based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment. It also demonstrates the significant gaps in our understanding of the pathophysiology and optimal management of RS. Too often the foundation upon which these recommendations are based is comprised of lower level evidence. It is our hope that this summary of the evidence in RS will point out where additional research efforts may be directed.

Effect of topical nasal steroid sprays on nasal mucosa and ciliary function.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review was conducted to examine current evidence focusing on the effect of nasal steroid sprays on nasal ciliary function. RECENT FINDINGS: Review of current literature suggests that long term effects of topical corticosteroid nasal sprays are safe and fail to cause damage to local nasal structure and function. SUMMARY: The use of corticosteroid nasal sprays for the treatment of allergic rhinitis is widely accepted. Popularity of this class of medications is based on a well-established combination of efficacy, tolerability, and safety. Although current literature suggests that the use of intranasal steroids is indeed safe, increasing indications for prolonged administration continue to fuel debate regarding the long-term effect on local nasal structure and function. The purpose of this article is to review current literature addressing the effects of the components of local intranasal steroid sprays on the structure and function of the nasal mucosa.