International Consensus Statement on Rhinology and Allergy: Rhinosinusitis

Background: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR‐RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR‐RS‐2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence‐based findings of the document. Methods: ICAR‐RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence‐based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence‐based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results: ICAR‐RS‐2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence‐based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion: This ICAR‐RS‐2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence‐based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS

Preliminary efficacy of fluticasone delivered by a novel device in recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis

Objective: To assess whether delivery of fluticasone propionate using a novel bi-directional delivery device (Opt-FP) offers therapeutic benefits in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods: A prospective, single centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo (PBO)-controlled, parallel group study was conducted in adult subjects (n = 20) with CRS without nasal polyps or only cobblestoned mucosa. Subjects received Opt-FP 400 jig or placebo twice daily jar 12 weeks (n = 10/group). Outcome measures included symptom scores, RSOM-31, CRS VAS, nasendoscopy, peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: Endoscopy score for oedema showed a highly significant and progressive improvement (12 weeks (median scores): Opt-FP -4.0, PBO -1.0, p = 0.015). PNIF increased significantly during Opt-FP treatment compared to placebo (4 weeks: p = 0.006; 8 weeks: p = 0.03). After 12 weeks MRI scores in the Opt-FP group improved against baseline (p = 0.039) and a non-significant trend was seen versus placebo. The nasal RSOM-31 subscale was significantly improved with Opt-FP treatment (4 weeks: p = 0.009, 8 weeks: p = 0.016, 12 weeks: NS). Sense of smell, nasal discomfort and combined score were all significantly improved (p <0.05). The Opt-FP was well tolerated. Conclusions: The OptiNose breath-actuated bi-directional delivery device administering fluticasone propionate (400 mu g b.i.d.) is an effective and well tolerated treatment for recalcitrant CR

Peripheral nerve involvement in Bell's palsy

A group of patients with Bell's palsy were studied in order to disclose the presence of subclinical peripheral nerve involvement. 20 patients, 8 male and 12 female, with recent Bell's palsy as their unique disease were examined, in all cases other causes of polyneuropathy were ruled out. Patients were investigated with CSF examination, facial nerve latencies in the affected and in the sound sides, and maximal motor nerve conduction velocities, as well as motor terminal latencies from the right median and peroneal nerves. CSF laboratory examination was normal in all cases. Facial nerve latencies were abnormal in all patients in the affected side, and they differed significantly from those of control group in the clinically sound side. Half of the patients showed abnormal values in the maximal motor nerve conduction velocities and motor terminal latencies of the right median and peroneal nerves. These results agree with previous reports which have pointed out that other cranial nerves may be affected in Bell's palsy. However, we have found a higher frequency of peripheral nerve involvement in this entity. These findings, support the hypothesis that in some patients Bell's palsy is the component of a more widespread disease, affecting other cranial and peripheral nerves