Otolaryngology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Aim: To prospectively evaluate the role of nebulized hyaluronic acid (HA) given for 10 days per months over 3 months as adjunct treatment to minimize symptoms and preventing exacerbation of chronic rhino-sinusitis (CRS). Methods: Thirty-nine eligible patients were randomized to receive nebulized 9 mg sodium hyaluronate nasal washes plus saline solution (21 pts) or 5 ml saline alone (18 pts), according to an open-label, parallel group design, with blind observer assessment. A questionnaire about main CRS discomfort and nasal endoscopy for mucous discharge and/or or mucosal oedema of nasal cavities were used to assess primary outcomes of the treatments. Secondary outcome measures included side effects and satisfaction. Results: The HA significantly improved quality of life in CRS patients according to CRS questionnaire (16? 3.72 vs. 11.52?4.28, p<0.001) contrary to saline group scores (18.92?3.09 vs. 18.21?3.21; p=0.55). The HA group showed significantly reduced osteomeatal edema (2.42 vs. 1.52, p<0.001), and secretions (0.95 vs. 0.42, p<0.001), while there was no statistically significant difference in the saline group. The compliance to the treatment was similar in both groups and no side effects were recorded. Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that intermittent treatment with topic 9 mg sodium hyaluronate plays a role in minimizing symptoms and could prevent exacerbations of chronic rhino-sinusitis. The Rinowash device allows the HA solution to reach the osteometal complex; new devices and additional studies are anyway advisable for topical sinonasal therapy.

Biography

Casale Manuele has completed his PhD at the age of 33 years from Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Italy and a fellowship from University of Navarra, School of Medicine, Pamplona, Spain. He is the Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology Department of Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome. He has published more than 65 papers in reputed international journals and serving as an Editorial Board Member of repute.