Effect of oral steroids on olfactory function in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of oral steroids on olfactory disturbances in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

This is a prospective randomized non-blinded study. Selected CRSwNP patients (n=140), with hyposmia, were devided into two groups; group A received a 7-day course of oral steroids with a 12-weeks course of nasal steroids and douching; group B received a 12-weeks course of nasal steroids and douching. Assessment included Sniffin' Sticks scores, visual analogue scale score for olfaction and discomfort (VASsmell, VASdis), the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22, Greek-version (SNOT22-Gr) and the endoscopic appearance (EAS).

The main objective was to compare the olfactory effect of the different therapy in group A and group B, at 2, 12 and 24 weeks. Accessory objectives included the comparison of EAS, VASdis and SNOT22-Gr between groups, the evaluation of the therapeutic outcome duration, and, the investigation of potential correlation between the evaluated parameters.

The 2-weeks evaluation showed a significant statistical difference (P<0.001) for all parameters except VASdis. Olfactory outcomes (Sniffin' Sticks and VASsmell scale scores) were found significantly better in group A at the 24-weeks evaluation (P<0.001). Within groups, the therapeutic result remained stable between the 12-weeks and 24-weeks evaluation (P>0.05). Sniffin' Sticks score was strongly correlated at 12-weeks evaluation with EAS (rho=0.58, P<0.001).

Our results suggest that a combination treatment of oral and nasal steroids in well-selected patients with CRSwNP may result in early olfaction restoration with a possible long-term effect.