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Chronic Sinusitis (chronic + sinusitis)
Selected AbstractsGene Expression Profiling of Nasal Polyps Associated With Chronic Sinusitis and Aspirin-Sensitive Asthma,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 5 2008Konstantina M. Stankovic MD Abstract Objective: To identify genes whose expression is most characteristic of chronic rhinosinusitis and aspirin-sensitive asthma through genome-wide transcriptional profiling of nasal polyp tissue. Study Design: Prospective, controlled study conducted at a tertiary care institution. Methods: Thirty genome-wide expression microarrays were used to compare nasal polyp tissue from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis alone (CRS, n = 10) or chronic rhinosinusitis and a history of aspirin-sensitive asthma (ASA, n = 10) to normal sinonasal mucosa from patients who underwent surgery for non-sinus related conditions (controls, n = 10). Genes found to be most characteristic of each polyp phenotype, as determined from bioinformatic analyses, were validated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry in different patient sets. Results: The transcriptional signature of the control mucosa was distinctly different from that of either polyp phenotype. Genes most characteristic of the CRS phenotype included two upregulated genes,met proto-oncogene (MET) and protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 9B (PPP1R9B),and two downregulated genes, prolactin-induced protein (PIP) and zinc alpha2-glycoprotein (AZGP1). The gene most characteristic of the ASA phenotype was periostin (POSTN), which was upregulated relative to controls. Differences between the CRS and ASA phenotypes were associated with alterations in the 6p22, 22q13, and 1q23 chromosomal regions. Conclusions: Nasal polyps appear to have characteristic transcriptional signatures compared to normal sinonasal mucosa. The five genes identified in this study likely play roles in the pathogenesis of polyps associated with CRS and ASA, and are therefore attractive targets for novel medical therapies for these common debilitating diseases. [source] Nasal Interleukin-5, Immunoglobulin E, Eosinophilic Cationic Protein, and Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 in Chronic Sinusitis, Allergic Rhinitis, and Nasal PolyposisTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 6 2000Matthias F. Kramer MD Abstract Objective To compare concentrations of interleukin-5 (IL-5), immunoglobulin E (IgE), eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in nasal secretion and serum of patients with chronic nonallergic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and nonallergic nasal polyposis to obtain information about the pathogenesis of these diseases. Methods Nasal secretion and serum were analyzed by routine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. Nineteen patients with chronic nonallergic sinusitis, 24 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, and 18 patients with nonallergic nasal polyposis were included in the study. Eight healthy, nonallergic probands served as control subjects. Results Significantly elevated concentrations of IL-5 (5-fold, P < .05) and IgE (15-fold, P < .01) were detected in nasal secretion of patients with allergic rhinitis (IL-5, 51.8 ± 13.2 pg/mL; IgE, 41.9 ± 20.9 kU/L) or nonallergic nasal polyposis (IL-5, 57.9 ± 36.9 pg/mL; IgE, 40.5 ± 20.2 kU/L) compared with controls (IL-5, 10.6 ± 7.8 pg/mL; IgE, 2.8 ± 0.5 kU/L) or with patients with chronic nonallergic sinusitis (IL-5, 16.5 ± 13.2 pg/mL; IgE, 5.4 ± 3.1 kU/L). There were no significant differences between patients with allergic rhinitis and those with nonallergic nasal polyposis. Concentrations of ECP were significantly elevated (sixfold, P < .01) in patients with allergic rhinitis (297.8 ng/mL ± 173.1) compared with controls (52.4 ± 28.0 ng/mL) or patients with chronic nonallergic sinusitis (44.8 ± 40.1 ng/mL), whereas twofold higher concentrations (not significant) of ECP were observed in patients with nonallergic nasal polyposis (107.1 ± 26.6 ng/mL). Significantly elevated concentrations of sICAM-1 in nasal secretion (threefold, P < .05) were detected only in patients with chronic nonallergic sinusitis (79.4 ± 45.6 ng/mL). The elevated sICAM-1 nasal secretion values in this group correlated significantly (P < .05) to the serum values. Conclusions Equally elevated concentrations of IL-5 and IgE in patients with allergic rhinitis and nonallergic nasal polyposis implicated similar pathogenic processes in both diseases. Whereas the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis is IgE-specific, the pathogenesis of nasal polyps is not as clear. IL-5 was suggested to play a pivotal role in tissue eosinophilia, which was confirmed by data in the present study. Elevated concentrations of ECP were suggested to result from tissue eosinophilia,a characteristic of both diseases. Elevated concentrations of sICAM-1 in patients with chronic nonallergic sinusitis pointed to its key role in the recruitment of neutrophils into the inflamed tissue, whereas an important role in eosinophil recruitment was ruled out. [source] Matrix metalloproteinases MMP-7, MMP-9 and their tissue inhibitor TIMP-1: expression in chronic sinusitis vs nasal polyposisALLERGY, Issue 1 2004J. B. Watelet Background:, Nasal polyps (NP) are characterized by pseudocyst formation, whereas the mucosa in chronic sinusitis (CS) only shows a limited oedema. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases able to degrade the extracellular matrix. Differences in histological features between CS and NP might be related to the respective expression of MMPs and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). Objective:, The aim of this study was to investigate MMP-7, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 proteins in NP and CS in comparison with normal mucosa. Methods:, Nasal samples, obtained from controls (n = 10), from NP (n = 8) and from CS (n = 10), were analysed by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results:, In NP, compared with controls, staining for MMP-9 and MMP-7 appeared in blood vessels. Matrix metalloproteinase-9-positive inflammatory cells could be detected in increased numbers in pseudocyst formations. Concentrations of MMP-9 protein was found significantly increased in both CS and NP compared with controls, while MMP-7 was significantly increased in NP compared with controls and CS. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 protein was significantly increased in CS and NP when compared with controls. Conclusions:, Chronic sinusitis and NP show different pattern of MMP-7/-9 and TIMP-1 expression. We suggest that this difference in regulation of enzymes is related to the respective tissue remodelling observed in both diseases. [source] Does gastroesophageal reflux contribute to the development of chronic sinusitis?DISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 6 2006A review of the evidence SUMMARY., Although recent studies suggest that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may contribute to a variety of ear, nose and throat and pulmonary diseases, the cause-and-effect relationship for the vast majority remains far from proven. In this article, the evidence supporting a possible causal association between GERD and chronic sinusitis has been reviewed. The evidence would suggest that: (i) a higher prevalence of GERD and a different esophagopharyngeal distribution of the gastric refluxate occurs in patients with chronic sinusitis unresponsive to conventional medical and surgical therapy compared to the general population; (ii) a biologically plausible pathogenetic mechanism exists whereby GERD may result in chronic sinusitis; and (iii) clinical manifestations of chronic sinusitis respond variably to antireflux therapy. While these findings suggest that GERD may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic sinusitis in some patients, it is apparent that the quality of the evidence supporting each of these three lines of evidence is low and therefore does not conclusively establish a cause-and-effect relationship. A number of unresolved issues regarding prevalence, pathophysiological mechanism, diagnosis and treatment exist that deserve further investigation in order to solidify the relationship between GERD and chronic sinusitis. In conclusion, given the possible relationship between GERD and chronic sinusitis, until more convincing data are available, it may be prudent to investigate for GERD as a potential cofactor or initiating factor in patients with chronic sinusitis when no other etiology exists, or in those whose symptoms are unresponsive to conventional therapies. [source] Extensive xanthelasma associated with anaplastic large cell lymphoma and hyperimmunoglobulin E syndromeINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 12 2003Mi-Woo Lee MD A 57-year-old woman presented with a 6-month history of an extensively spreading, yellowish patch on the periorbital areas and cheeks. A diagnosis of hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome had been made at the age of 22 years on the basis of an eczematous eruption, recurrent furunculosis, and a persistently elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) level. Her past medical history revealed that she had suffered from numerous recurrent bouts of chronic sinusitis, otitis media, oral candidiasis, orbital cellulitis, acne rosacea, and pneumonia caused by cytomegalovirus since her twenties. In addition, 1 year ago, anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the cervical lymph node (stage IIIb) developed, and she received six cycles of cyclophosphamide,doxorubicin,vincristine,prednisolone (CHOP) chemotherapy with partial remission. None of her family had any of these problems. Cutaneous examination showed extensive, symmetric, noninfiltrated macular areas of distinct yellow discoloration around the eyes and on both cheeks (Fig. 1). There were also erythematous papulonodular eruptions on the nose and both cheeks, which were thought to be acne rosacea. Laboratory findings were normal, except for an elevated IgE level (8157 IU/mL). Serum concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM were normal. Serum complement levels were normal, as evidenced by normal C3, C4, and CH50. Although she had a previous history of a decreased level (12%) of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test (control, 53%), NBT test at our institute was normal. Neutrophil function tests, including neutrophil chemotaxis, neutrophil phagocytosis, neutrophil respiratory burst, and neutrophil microbial killing test, by flow cytometry, showed normal results. The serum lipid levels, including total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, were normal. Serum lipoprotein electrophoresis was normal. A biopsy specimen revealed scattered foamy cells throughout the dermis. The larger clusters of foamy cells tended to group around the blood vessels of the dermis (Fig. 2). Figure 1. Extensively distributed, yellowish, flat xanthelasma on the face Figure 2. Clusters of foamy cells around the blood vessels of the dermis (hematoxylin and eosin, ×400) [source] Matrix metalloproteinases MMP-7, MMP-9 and their tissue inhibitor TIMP-1: expression in chronic sinusitis vs nasal polyposisALLERGY, Issue 1 2004J. B. Watelet Background:, Nasal polyps (NP) are characterized by pseudocyst formation, whereas the mucosa in chronic sinusitis (CS) only shows a limited oedema. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases able to degrade the extracellular matrix. Differences in histological features between CS and NP might be related to the respective expression of MMPs and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). Objective:, The aim of this study was to investigate MMP-7, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 proteins in NP and CS in comparison with normal mucosa. Methods:, Nasal samples, obtained from controls (n = 10), from NP (n = 8) and from CS (n = 10), were analysed by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results:, In NP, compared with controls, staining for MMP-9 and MMP-7 appeared in blood vessels. Matrix metalloproteinase-9-positive inflammatory cells could be detected in increased numbers in pseudocyst formations. Concentrations of MMP-9 protein was found significantly increased in both CS and NP compared with controls, while MMP-7 was significantly increased in NP compared with controls and CS. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 protein was significantly increased in CS and NP when compared with controls. Conclusions:, Chronic sinusitis and NP show different pattern of MMP-7/-9 and TIMP-1 expression. We suggest that this difference in regulation of enzymes is related to the respective tissue remodelling observed in both diseases. [source] Imaging techniques in the diagnosis and management of rhinosinusitis in childrenPEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2007F. Triulzi Sinusitis in children is a common problem. The diagnosis of both acute and chronic rhinosinusitis in the pediatric population, should be made first of all clinically, and not on the basis of imaging findings alone. Plain radiography may be used as a screening method for various pathological conditions of sinuses, but computed tomography (CT) remains the study of choice for the imaging evaluation of acute and chronic rhinosinusitis. In acute sinusitis, CT is indicated in patients with symptoms persisting after 10 days of appropriate therapy and in patients with suspected complications (especially in the brain and in the orbit). In addition to CT scanning, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the sinuses, orbits, and brain should be performed whenever extensive or multiple complications of sinusitis are suspected. In chronic sinusitis, CT scanning is the ,gold standard' for the diagnosis and the management, because it also provides an anatomic road map, when surgery is required. Nuclear medicine studies and ultrasound are rarely indicated in acute and chronic rhinosinusitis. [source] Nitric Oxide and the Paranasal SinusesTHE ANATOMICAL RECORD : ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 11 2008Jon O. Lundberg Abstract The discovery within the paranasal sinuses for the production of nitric oxide (NO) has altered the traditional explanations of sinus physiology. This review article reports the ongoing investigation of sinus physiology beginning with the discovery of NO gas production in the paranasal sinuses that occurred in 1995, and the impact that finding has had both in the basic science and clinical arenas. It was shown that healthy paranasal sinus epithelium expresses an inducible NO synthase that continuously generates large amounts of NO, a pluripotent gaseous messenger with potent vasodilating, and antimicrobial activity. This NO can be measured noninvasively in nasally exhaled breath. The role of NO in the sinuses is likely to enhance local host defense mechanisms via direct inhibition of pathogen growth and stimulation of mucociliary activity. The NO concentration in a healthy sinus exceeds those that are needed for antibacterial effects in vitro. In patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and in cystic fibrosis, nasal NO is extremely low. This defect NO generation likely contributes to the great susceptibility to chronic sinusitis in these patients. In addition, the low-nasal NO is of diagnostic value especially in PCD, where nasal NO is very low or absent. Intriguingly, NO gas from the nose and sinuses is inhaled with every breath and reaches the lungs in a more diluted form to enhance pulmonary oxygen uptake via local vasodilation. In this sense NO may be regarded as an "aerocrine" hormone that is produced in the nose and sinuses and transported to a distal site of action with every inhalation. Anat Rec, 291:1479,1484, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Role of Local Immunoglobulin E Specific for Alternaria alternata in the Pathogenesis of Nasal Polyposis,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 1 2008Albert Sabirov MD Abstract Objective/Hypothesis: The role of fungal pathogens in the etiology of nasal polyposis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a correlation between the presence of Alternaria -specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibodies, eosinophilic inflammation, and the development of nasal polyps. Study Design: Prospective study. Methods: Serum and nasal tissue homogenates from 21 patients with manifestations of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps were compared with specimens from 13 chronic sinusitis patients without polyps and 8 healthy controls. The Phadia ImmunoCAP and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to quantify levels of total IgE and Alternaria -specific (IgE, IgG, and IgA) antibodies. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and tryptase levels were measured in tissue homogenates, whereas the inflammatory response was evaluated using tissue eosinophil counts in tissue samples. Results: Serum analysis revealed no difference in the levels of total IgE and Alternaria -specific IgE, IgG, and IgA antibodies between the study groups. In contrast, the levels of Alternaria -specific IgE in tissue with polyps were significantly higher than in nonpolyp tissue. Increases in total tissue IgE paralleled increased levels of Alternaria -specific IgG and IgA antibodies in chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps as compared with control groups. A positive correlation was found between Alternaria -specific IgE and ECP in tissue. Increased mean levels of ECP corresponded to increased eosinophil counts in the group of patients with polyps. Conclusions:Alternaria -specific IgE and eosinophilic inflammation in nasal tissue correlates with the incidence of nasal polyps irrespective of specific IgE antibodies in serum. Together, the correlation between the local immune responses and the eosinophilic inflammation in nasal polyps suggests a possible role of Alternaria in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis. [source] Upper Airway Mucin Gene Expression: A ReviewTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 5 2007Mahmoud S. Ali MSc Abstract Introduction: The gel-like properties of mucus depend primarily on its content of mucins. The protein backbones of mucins are encoded by mucin genes. Of the currently known 20 mucin genes that encode protein backbone of mucins, 16 have been identified in the airways. Method: We explored the current knowledge about upper airway mucin expression in health and disease conditions using a Medline search. We have also studied upper airway mucin gene expression and compared our results with the results from other studies. Results: MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC2 are the principal gel-forming mucins secreted in the airway. However, the spectrum of mucin expression in chronic upper airway diseases such as nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, middle ear effusion, and cystic fibrosis is generally wide and variable. Discussion: The wide spectrum of upper airway mucin expression is possibly caused by various anatomic and histologic features as well as physiologic and pathologic variables. These variables have not been fully explored yet, and the majority of airway mucin expression studies used small numbers of samples. Conclusion: Studies including adequate numbers of samples (patients) are more likely to reveal a clearer profile and more precise expression patterns. Generating a clear profile of mucin expression patterns in health and disease requires the analysis of different variables, which can alter that expression. It is also essential to understand the various molecular mechanisms controlling mucin gene and protein expression. This could lead to the invention of novel therapeutic modalities to treat upper airway diseases. [source] Mixed Nasal Mucus as a Model for Sinus Mucin Gene Expression StudiesTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 2 2002FRCS, Mahmoud S. Ali MSc Abstract Objective/Hypothesis It is necessary to obtain sinus mucus from the paranasal sinus cavities to study mucin gene expression occurring in the sinuses during chronic sinusitis. This requires an invasive procedure to access the sinus cavity. There are embryological as well as histological similarities between nasal and sinus epithelia; therefore, we postulated that the mucin expression in the secreted nasal and sinus mucins might be similar. Nasal mucus, which can be obtained easily, could then replace sinus mucus in these studies. Study Design Sinus and nasal mucus from six patients with chronic sinusitis were analyzed in this study. Methods High-molecular-weight glycoproteins (mucins) were isolated and purified by sequential density gradient centrifugation in caesium chloride (CsCl). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to identify the antigenic identity of these mucins. Results The MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC5B mucin genes were all expressed in the nasal and sinus mucus secretions. Antigenic studies showed an inverse relationship between MUC2 and MUC5AC expression in nasal and sinus mucus secretions. The MUC5B gene was the major mucin gene expressed in sinus mucus but not in nasal mucus. Expression of MUC2 was significantly higher in sinus mucus. Expression of MUC5AC was different between nasal and sinus mucus. Conclusions Individual mucin expression in sinus and nasal mucus was markedly different. From this preliminary study, we conclude that nasal mucus is not a suitable substitute for sinus mucus in sinus mucin gene studies and that different pathological processes are taking place in nasal and sinus tissue in chronic sinusitis. [source] The Diagnosis of a Conductive Olfactory Loss,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 1 2001Allen M. Seiden MD, FACS Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis Two of the most common causes of olfactory loss include upper respiratory infection (URI) and nasal or sinus disease. The etiology of most URI-related losses is thought to be viral and, as yet, there is no available treatment. In contrast, nasal or sinus disease produces an obstructive or conductive loss that often responds dramatically to appropriate therapy. Therefore, the distinction is important but in many cases may be difficult because such patients often present with no other nasal symptoms, and routine physical findings may be nonspecific. The purpose of this report is to characterize those aspects of the history and physical examination that will help to substantiate the diagnosis of a conductive olfactory loss. Study Design A retrospective, nonrandomized study of consecutive patients presenting with a primary complaint of olfactory loss. Methods This study reviewed 428 patients seen at a university-based taste and smell clinic from July 1987 through December 1998. Of this total, 60 patients were determined to have a conductive olfactory loss. All patients were referred specifically because of a primary chemosensory complaint. The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT; Sensonics, Inc., Haddon Heights, NJ) was administered in all cases. Results The most commonly diagnosed etiologies of olfactory loss were head injury (18%), upper respiratory infection (18%), and nasal or sinus disease (14%). Of the 60 patients with a conductive loss, only 30% complained of nasal obstruction, whereas 58% described a history of chronic sinusitis. Only 45% reported that their olfactory loss at times seemed to fluctuate in severity. Anterior rhinoscopy failed to diagnose pathology in 51% of cases, whereas nasal endoscopy missed the diagnosis in 9%. Systemic steroids elicited a temporary reversal of conductive olfactory loss in 83% of patients who received them, offering a useful diagnostic maneuver, whereas topical steroids did so in only 25%. Conclusions The etiology for olfactory loss can in many cases be difficult to determine, but it is important to establish prognosis and to predict response to therapy. Diagnosis requires a thorough history, appropriate chemosensory testing, and a physical examination that should include nasal endoscopy. A trial of systemic steroids may serve to verify that the loss is indeed conductive. [source] Saccharin Test of Maxillary Sinus Mucociliary Function After Endoscopic Sinus SurgeryTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 1 2000Kazuyasu Asai MD Abstract Objectives: To determine the usefulness of the saccharin time (ST) test for evaluating the mucociliary function of the maxillary sinus after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic sinusitis. Study Design: Methods: This study was conducted on 88 maxillary sinuses of 74 patients after ESS. The maxillary sinus fontanel was broadly opened via the middle meatus using an endoscope, and a saccharin granule was adhered to the bottom of the maxillary sinus mucosa. The time until the patient recognized the sweet taste was recorded. Before the ST test, the bilateral maxillary sinuses were classified into the following four groups on the basis of the post-ESS severity of mucosal edema and swelling as revealed by endoscopic observation: normal (45 sinuses), mild mucosal edema and swelling (24), moderate mucosal finding (14), and severe mucosal finding or filling of the sinus with a polyp(s) (5). Results: The mean ST values in the normal group and the groups with mild, moderate, and severe mucosal edema and swelling were 35.7, 38.1, 63.6, and 88.0 minutes, respectively. Thus the ST increased with the post-ESS severity of the mucosal lesion. However, for the group with mild mucosal edema and swelling, scanning electron microscopic observation of three maxillary sinuses in which the ST exceeded 120 minutes and four sinuses in which the ST was 40 minutes revealed extensive cilia loss in the former sinuses, but not in the latter. A second post-ESS endoscopic observation was performed in 17 patients, revealing improvement in 11 sinuses, no change in 5 sinuses, and aggravation in 1 sinus (compared with the initial test). The ST test was also repeated, revealing that the ST became shorter in most of the endoscopically improved sinus group. However, a few sinuses showed a discrepancy between the change in the endoscopic findings and the ciliary function (ST). Conclusion: Measurement of the maxillary sinus ST is a simple, accurate, and useful technique for assessing the post-ESS mucociliary function in conjunction with endoscopy, and the information gained can help in deciding subsequent therapy. [source] The role of allergic rhinitis in upper respiratory tract inflammatory diseasesCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY REVIEWS, Issue 1 2004Y. Kurono Summary The number of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) is increasing. Furthermore, patients with otitis media with effusion (OME) and chronic sinusitis (CS) are frequently complicated with AR. These findings suggest that AR has an impact on the pathogenesis of both OME and CS. The direct and indirect influence of AR on OME and CS was investigated by clinical and experimental studies to clarify the mechanism by which type I allergic reaction is associated with OME and CS. Clinical findings of patients with OME or CS complicated with AR were analysed and compared with those of nonallergic subjects. Samples such as sinus effusions and middle ear effusions (MEE) were collected from the patients and infiltration of inflammatory cells and concentrations of inflammatory cytokines determined. In addition, previous reports discussing the relationship between AR and OME or CS are reviewed. Eosinophil infiltration and oedema were remarkable in paranasal sinus mucosa of patients with CS complicated with AR, suggesting the presence of type I allergic reaction in sinus mucosa. However, there was little evidence of eosinophils in sinus effusions. Endotoxin was frequently detected in sinus effusions of patients with CS having AR as well as suppurative CS. Hypoxia was also considered an important factor inducing sinus pathology. Eosinophils and IgE antibodies in MEE were not increased in OME patients with AR. Anti-allergic medicine was effective in OME patients complicated with AR and improvement of nasal symptoms significantly correlated with that of ear symptoms. AR might be directly and indirectly associated with the pathogenesis of OME and CS. [source] |