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A follow-up study with acoustic rhinometry in children using nasal insulin
Lotta E Haavisto1, Tero J Vahlberg, Jukka I Sipilä
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Turku University Hospital, and Department of Biostatistics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. lotta.haavisto@tyks.fi
Insights
Acoustic rhinometry effectively monitors children, showing no differences in nasal symptoms or nasal passage size between those receiving nasal insulin or placebo. Normal growth does not significantly impact results over two years.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Nasal Physiology
- Diabetes Research
Background:
- Acoustic rhinometry (AR) is a non-invasive technique for assessing nasal cavity geometry.
- Its utility in pediatric populations, particularly concerning growth effects, requires further investigation.
- Nasal insulin administration is explored for Type 1 Diabetes management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate differences in rhinometric findings and nasal symptoms in children treated with nasal insulin versus placebo.
- To assess the suitability of acoustic rhinometry for longitudinal follow-up in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A subcohort of 77 children (aged 1-12 years) from the Type I Diabetes Prediction and Prevention Study underwent acoustic rhinometry.
- Participants received daily nasal insulin or a placebo over a two-year follow-up period.
- Nasal symptoms, minimal cross-sectional area (MCA), and nasal volume were assessed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in nasal symptoms, MCA, or nasal volume between the nasal insulin and placebo groups.
- Acoustic rhinometry values showed no significant increase during the two-year follow-up period.
- These findings suggest AR is stable in children over this timeframe, irrespective of nasal insulin treatment.
Conclusions:
- Acoustic rhinometry is a reliable method for objective follow-up in children.
- While AR is suitable for pediatric follow-up, normal growth factors should be considered in long-term studies.
- Nasal insulin administration did not alter nasal cavity dimensions or symptoms in this pediatric cohort.
Abstract:
Acoustic rhinometry is a widely used method especially suitable with children, since it has no side-effects and is easy to perform. The role of normal development of height or body surface area, and their effect on acoustic rhinometric results, is still a matter of debate. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of any differences in rhinometric findings or nasal symptoms between children receiving daily administered nasal insulin or placebo. The usefulness of acoustic rhinometry for follow-up in children was also considered. A subcohort of 77 children taking part in the Type I Diabetes Prediction and Prevention Study was invited for a follow-up study with acoustic rhinometry. Children aged 1-12 years received daily either nasal insulin or a placebo. There was no difference between the two groups in nasal symptoms, minimal cross-sectional area or nasal volume measured with acoustic rhinometry. There was likewise no significant increase in rhinometric values during the two years of the follow-up. We conclude that acoustic rhinometry is a suitable method for objective follow-up in children. In a long-term follow-up the normal growth of the child should be taken into account.
