Chronic GVHD: predictive factor for rhinosinusitis in bone marrow transplantation

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Immunology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a vital treatment for hematological diseases and immunodeficiency.
• BMT patients are susceptible to upper airway infections, particularly rhinosinusitis (RS).
• Predisposing factors for RS in BMT patients include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, viral infections, antibiotic use, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of RS in patients undergoing BMT.
• To explore the relationship between RS and GVHD.
• To identify optimal treatments for RS in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of two patient groups (35 and 24 individuals) before and after BMT.
• Assessment included ENT examinations.
• Treatment modalities comprised antibiotics, maxillary sinus puncture, and endoscopic sinusectomy.

Main Results:

• No RS was observed before BMT.
• Post-BMT, RS incidence was 42.8% in group I and 58% in group II, with overall 49% across both groups.
• A significant correlation was found between chronic GVHD and a higher incidence of RS.

Conclusions:

• RS affects 49% of BMT patients.
• GVHD is a significant predisposing factor for RS development.
• Endoscopic sinusectomy may be essential for managing RS in patients with GVHD post-BMT.