ICON: chronic rhinosinusitis

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Immunology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) presents a significant public health challenge due to its complex and heterogeneous nature.
• Existing guidelines offer valuable insights but face challenges in managing severe and refractory CRS cases.
• The International Collaboration in Asthma, Allergy and Immunology (iCAALL) initiated an International Consensus (ICON) to address these complexities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a concise reference by synthesizing key messages from existing CRS guidelines.
• To identify differences in recommendations and knowledge gaps in current CRS understanding.
• To provide a unified perspective on CRS definition, pathophysiology, and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of existing international and national guidelines, position papers, and consensus documents on CRS.
• Comprehensive discussion covering disease definition, relevance, pharmacoeconomics, pathophysiology, phenotypes, endotypes, genetics, risk factors, natural history, comorbidities, and clinical manifestations.
• Inclusion of treatment options for adults and children, including pharmacotherapy, surgical interventions, and biological approaches.

Main Results:

• The consensus highlights common messages and discrepancies across existing CRS guidelines.
• It addresses the multifaceted aspects of CRS, from basic science to clinical management.
• Key areas discussed include disease heterogeneity, endotypes, and emerging biological treatments.

Conclusions:

• The ICON on CRS provides a crucial, consolidated reference for clinicians and researchers.
• It aims to improve the understanding and targeted treatment strategies for diverse CRS forms.
• Future research directions and unmet needs in CRS management are identified.