Nasal fractional exhaled nitric oxide analysis with a novel hand-held device.

Aim: To assess the performance of a novel hand-held nitric oxide (NO) analyzer in the measurement of nasal fractional exhaled NO (FE(NO)).

Methods: In ten healthy subjects (controls) and ten patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), oral and nasal FENO were obtained with the NIOX MINO Airway Inflammation Monitor (Aerocrine AB, Solna, Sweden) on two consecutive days, complying with current standards.

Results: Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of oral FENO was 0.

Effect of nasal antifungal therapy on nasal cell activation markers in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Objective: To examine the effect of nasal antifungal treatment on eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and tryptase levels in samples of nasal lavage fluid from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps.

Design: Prospective double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Setting: Tertiary surgical center.

Fungus culture and PCR in nasal lavage samples of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects approximately 15 % of the adult population in industrialized countries. Fungi have been recognized as important pathogens in CRS in the immunocompromised host. Recently, fungi have been detected in more than 90 % of nasal lavages (NLs) in immunocompetent patients with CRS.

Topical antifungal treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

Background: Recently, fungal elements were suspected to be the causative agent of chronic rhinosinusitis, and benefits of topical amphotericin B therapy have been reported.

Objective: The effects of amphotericin B versus control nasal spray on chronic rhinosinusitis were compared in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

Methods: Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were administered 200 microL per nostril amphotericin B (3 mg/mL) or saline nasal spray 4 times daily over a period of 8 weeks.

Effects of low-toxicity particulate matter on human nasal function.

Chronic nasal and paranasal sinus problems affect approximately 15% of the population in industrialized countries. Recent studies suggest that particulate matter might contribute to this condition. The effects of acute exposure to low-toxicity particulate matter on human nasal airflow, mucociliary transport, and nasal discomfort should be assessed.

Nasal allergen provocation with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in patients with chronic rhinitis referred to a rhinologic surgical center.

Background: Skin tests and specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E determinations identify the presence of some immune response to allergens, but frequently do not correlate to allergic disease in vivo.

Objective: To compare clinical history, skin tests and specific IgE determinations with the results of nasal provocation tests (NPT) to confirm clinically relevant allergy to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) in patients with chronic rhinitis referred to a rhinologic surgical center.

Methods: Clinical data of 2,194 patients with chronic nasal disorders treated at two rhinologic referral centers between 1992 and 1998 were evaluated.