Procalcitonin Levels in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Immunology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common condition with two main phenotypes: CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP).
• Procalcitonin is recognized as a biomarker for bacterial infections and systemic inflammation, but its role in CRS is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare procalcitonin levels in patients with CRSwNP, CRSsNP, and healthy individuals.
• To investigate the potential association between procalcitonin levels and the severity of nasal polyposis.

Main Methods:

• A study included 67 subjects: 22 with CRSwNP, 25 with CRSsNP, and 20 healthy controls.
• Procalcitonin levels were measured in all participants.
• Nasal polyposis severity was graded using the Meltzer Clinical Scoring System.

Main Results:

• Mean procalcitonin levels were significantly higher in CRSwNP patients (0.042±0.020 μg/L) compared to CRSsNP patients (0.031±0.016 μg/L) and healthy controls (0.031±0.010 μg/L).
• No significant difference in procalcitonin levels was observed between CRSsNP patients and healthy controls.
• Procalcitonin levels did not correlate significantly with the grade of nasal polyposis.

Conclusions:

• Procalcitonin elevation in CRSwNP patients may indicate underlying chronic mucosal inflammation.
• Procalcitonin may serve as a useful inflammatory marker in distinguishing CRSwNP from CRSsNP.
• Further research with larger cohorts is recommended to validate these findings and explore the clinical utility of procalcitonin in CRS.