Institutional Experience in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease Yields Favorable Pulmonary and Sinonasal Outcomes

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is characterized by asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps, and sensitivity to aspirin (ASA). Optimal treatment requires coordinated medical and surgical management, with prior studies showing that a single-center approach to AERD management yields improved sinonasal patient outcomes. Here, we sought to evaluate whether institutional experience enhances pulmonary and sinonasal outcomes in patients with AERD undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) followed by ASA desensitization (AD).

Single-center, retrospective cohort study evaluating patients undergoing FESS and AD from 2016 to 2024. Cohorts were defined as "early" (2016-2019) and "late" (2020-2024). Demographics, clinical history, and quality of life metrics [eg, 22-Item SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) score] were assessed. Cohorts were compared with statistical significance defined as P < .05.

Two hundred sixty-two patients (n = 145 early, 117 late) met inclusion criteria. The late cohort was younger (mean 49.6 vs 56.4 years, P = .042) with fewer prior surgeries (1.33 vs 2.64, P ≤ .001) at the time of referral. Results showed a reduced need for inhaled corticosteroids and beta-agonists in the late cohort and improved SNOT-22 rhinologic sub-scores in the early post-treatment period (post-FESS, pre-AD; 2-3 months post-treatment; 4-6 months post-treatment), with a reduced need for revision surgery (0% vs 6.9%, P = .010).

Greater institutional experience in AERD management yields significantly improved pulmonary outcomes and more rapid improvement in sinonasal outcomes. This was felt to be due to enhanced communication and coordination of care between the allergist and rhinologist, with implications for healthcare expenditures.