Allergic sensitization does not predispose to sinus inflammation in externalized paranasal sinuses

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Allergy Immunology

Background:

• Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has complex causes, with ongoing debate regarding the role of inhalant allergies.
• Understanding allergy's impact on sinonasal inflammation is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if inhalant allergy predisposes patients to increased inflammation after paranasal sinus tumor resection.
• To assess the effect of allergy status on postsurgical outcomes in patients undergoing sinus surgery.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study included patients without prior CRS who had paranasal sinus tumor resection.
• Allergic sensitization was confirmed via serum ImmunoCAP testing.
• Outcomes were evaluated using the modified Lund-MacKay endoscopic score and the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) at least 6 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• 61.17% of 103 patients showed allergic sensitization.
• No significant differences in postsurgical endoscopic scores (modified Lund-MacKay) were observed between allergic and non-allergic groups (p=0.15).
• Symptom scores (SNOT-22, rhinitis, sleep, facial pain, psychological) were similar between allergic and non-allergic patients post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• Externalizing sinuses in patients with inhalant allergy does not lead to significant additional inflammation post-tumor surgery.
• Allergy status does not appear to be a major factor in postsurgical outcomes for this patient cohort.