Assessment of Autonomic Dysfunction in Patients With Empty Nose Syndrome Using the Composite Autonomic Symptom...

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurology

Background:

• Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) can arise after turbinate surgery.
• Host factors, potentially including autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation, may influence ENS development.
• The ANS innervates nasal mucosa, suggesting a role in ENS pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction in patients with Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS).
• To compare ANS dysfunction between ENS patients and asymptomatic controls using the Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale-31 (COMPASS 31).

Main Methods:

• Enrolled 26 ENS patients and 43 controls.
• Diagnosed ENS based on surgical history, reduced turbinate volume, and ENS6Q scores (≥11 or clinical suspicion with positive cotton test).
• Administered the COMPASS 31 questionnaire to assess ANS dysfunction.

Main Results:

• ENS patients exhibited significantly higher total COMPASS 31 scores compared to controls.
• No correlation was found between total ENS6Q and COMPASS 31 scores.
• A positive correlation existed between the crusting subscore of the ENS6Q and total COMPASS 31 scores (p=0.012).

Conclusions:

• Patients with ENS demonstrate elevated autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction.
• The crusting symptom in ENS is associated with higher ANS dysfunction.
• ANS dysfunction is suggested as a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of Empty Nose Syndrome.