International consensus statement on allergy and rhinology: rhinosinusitis 2021

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Allergy and Immunology
• Rhinology

Background:

• The International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR-RS) provides updated guidance on rhinologic diseases.
• Significant advancements in understanding and treating rhinologic conditions have occurred since the initial 2016 publication.
• ICAR-RS-2021 incorporates over 40 new topics and updates to 140 existing topics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To consolidate evidence-based findings and recommendations from the ICAR-RS-2021 document.
• To summarize the highest-grade recommendations for the medical and surgical management of rhinosinusitis.
• To present a comprehensive evidence-based management algorithm for rhinosinusitis.

Main Methods:

• The ICAR-RS-2021 document includes over 180 topics presented as evidence-based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence-based reviews, and literature reviews.
• This executive summary focuses on the highest-grade structured recommendations from the EBRR sections.
• Recommendations are based on rigorous review of scientific literature.

Main Results:

• The ICAR-RS-2021 executive summary presents grade A/B evidence-based recommendations for 22 topics on the medical management of rhinosinusitis (RS).
• Additionally, 4 topics concerning the surgical management of RS with grade A/B evidence are included.
• A comprehensive evidence-based management algorithm for RS is provided.

Conclusions:

• The ICAR-RS-2021 executive summary offers a compilation of evidence-based recommendations for treating common forms of rhinosinusitis.
• These guidelines support optimal medical and surgical management strategies for patients with RS.
• The document serves as a critical resource for clinicians managing rhinologic conditions.