[Rhinosinusitis in Hurler syndrome patients requiring hematopoietic stem cells transplantation]

Allogenic transplantation of hemopoetic stem cells (allo-THSC) is one of the most effective treatment methods for Hurler syndrome, aimed at maximal correction of complications related to the genetic disorder. Presence of infection in the recipient is an adverse risk factor, affecting the possibility of starting the conditioning regimen and THSC peforming in general.

To assess the condition of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in Hurler syndrome patients before the allo-THSC, dynamics of these changes after the transplantation taking into account the correction of alpha-L-iduronidase enzyme level with donor blood cells.

From February 2012 to December 2017, In the Raisa Gorbacheva Research Institute of Child Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology of the Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, eighteen Hurler syndrome patients (10 girls and 8 boys) received an allo-THSC. Median age at the time of the procedure was 23,5 months (min - 3,4; max - 24,8). Each patient with the shadowing of paranasal sinuses, rhinitis or nasal breathing difficulty received a standard rhinosinusitis treatment before the transplantation, effect of which was insignificant. Symptoms of rhinitis, condition of pharyngeal tonsil and paranasal sinuses were assessed before and auto the allo-THSC.

In the post-allo-THSC, with the correction of alpha-L-iduronidase level each evaluated parameter has improved reliably (p-value < 0,05). Comparative analysis of the condition of the nasal cavity and pharyngeal tonsil before and after THSC was conducted on 14 patients out of 18. Rhinitis symptoms decreased in 9 (64,2%) patients; in 11 patients (78,5%) adenoids size reduced. Comparative analysis of the condition of paranasal sinuses was possible in 12 patients out of 18. Sinuses aeration improved in eight (66,6%) if patients.

Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses changes in Hurler syndrome patients before and after allo-THSC is poorly studied. Our experience demonstrates the normalization of nasal cavity, pharyngeal tonsila and paranasal sinuses symptoms in the majority of the patients receiving allo-THSC. These symptoms are, it seems a consequence of the underlying disease.