Myeloperoxidase in nasal secretion as a cell-activation marker in acute sinusitis.

Background: Acute bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract, including the nasal sinuses, lead to an activation of neutrophil granulocytes. The protein myeloperoxidase (MPO) is released by this cell type only and therefore can act as a marker for activity of inflammation.

Methods: In a prospective multicenter study, 45 patients with acute bacterial sinusitis (diagnosed by clinical examination, ultrasonography, and X ray or computed tomography scan) were treated with two different antibiotics (Cefditoren or Cefuroxim twice a day for 10 days).