The Association Between Allergic Rhinitis, Eosinophilic Inflammation, and Postoperative Recurrence in Nasal Polyps

Although allergic rhinitis (AR) commonly co-occurs with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), its impact on tissue endotypes and prognosis remains unclear. This study examines the impact of AR on CRSwNP, focusing on its links to tissue eosinophilic inflammation and postoperative recurrence risk.

Retrospective cohort study.

Tertiary referral center.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on CRSwNP patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Based on the presence of comorbid AR, patients were categorized into AR and non-AR groups. Baseline clinical data, peripheral and tissue eosinophil levels, and prognosis were analyzed. Multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to assess associations with postoperative recurrence.

A total of 603 patients with CRSwNP were included; 202 had comorbid AR. Compared with non-AR patients, the AR group had higher rates of prior surgery and asthma and showed increased tissue eosinophil counts and percentages. During follow-up, patients who recurred had a higher prevalence of AR, elevated peripheral and tissue eosinophil levels, more prior surgery, and higher Lund-Mackay scores. Multivariable Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis identified AR as an independent predictor of postoperative recurrence. Moreover, a high tissue eosinophil burden independently associated with recurrence; within the recurrence cohort, AR patients exhibited significantly higher tissue eosinophil counts and percentages than non-AR patients.

Comorbid AR identifies a CRSwNP subgroup with marked tissue eosinophilia and increased risk of postoperative recurrence. It independently predicts earlier relapse and shorter recurrence-free survival, likely by amplifying local eosinophilic inflammation.