Topical Intranasal Fluorescein to Diagnose and Localize Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak: A Systematic Review

Objective:This study evaluates the available evidence regarding using topical intranasal fluorescein (TINF) to diagnose and localize nasal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.Methods:A literature search was conducted through PubMed, the Cochrane Database, Scopus, and Ovid to identify the articles providing insight into using TINF to diagnose CSF leak preoperatively or to localize the leak intraoperatively. The articles from the database were screened and filtered by two authors according to the selection criteria. A spreadsheet was created to collect the data including demographic characteristics, the sensitivity and specificity of TINF for diagnosing and localizing a CSF leak, the protocol of applying TINF, and the complications.Results:After excluding duplicates and articles that did not meet our selection criteria, we included five reports in the final analysis. The average age of the 94 participants was 39.5, and there was an equal distribution of males and females. The sensitivity of TINF to make a preoperative diagnosis of CSF leak was 100%, and it was 97% to localize the site intraoperatively. Complications associated with TINF were not reported in any of the reports. This review showed a grade C recommendation based on five case series.Conclusion:Based on the current evidence, TINF cannot be recommended for standard clinical practice. It can, however, be considered in situations where other gold standard tools are unavailable since it is feasible and easy to use. A standardized control trial should be conducted to yield additional unbiased evidence

European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020

The European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020 is the update of similar evidence based position papers published in 2005 and 2007 and 2012. The core objective of the EPOS2020 guideline is to provide revised, up-to-date and clear evidence-based recommendations and integrated care pathways in ARS and CRS. EPOS2020 provides an update on the literature published and studies undertaken in the eight years since the EPOS2012 position paper was published and addresses areas not extensively covered in EPOS2012 such as paediatric CRS and sinus surgery. EPOS2020 also involves new stakeholders, including pharmacists and patients, and addresses new target users who have become more involved in the management and treatment of rhinosinusitis since the publication of the last EPOS document, including pharmacists, nurses, specialised care givers and indeed patients themselves, who employ increasing self-management of their condition using over the counter treatments. The document provides suggestions for future research in this area and offers updated guidance for definitions and outcome measurements in research in different settings. EPOS2020 contains chapters on definitions and classification where we have defined a large number of terms and indicated preferred terms. A new classification of CRS into primary and secondary CRS and further division into localized and diffuse disease, based on anatomic distribution is proposed. There are extensive chapters on epidemiology and predisposing factors, inflammatory mechanisms, (differential) diagnosis of facial pain, allergic rhinitis, genetics, cystic fibrosis, aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease, immunodeficiencies, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis and the relationship between upper and lower airways. The chapters on paediatric acute and chronic rhinosinusitis are totally rewritten. All available evidence for the management of acute rhinosinusitis and chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps in adults and children is systematically reviewed and integrated care pathways based on the evidence are proposed. Despite considerable increases in the amount of quality publications in recent years, a large number of practical clinical questions remain. It was agreed that the best way to address these was to conduct a Delphi exercise. The results have been integrated into the respective sections. Last but not least, advice for patients and pharmacists and a new list of research needs are included.Peer reviewe