[A new system for the classification of ethmoid polyposis. Effect of combined local and systemic steroid therapy].
BACKGROUND
Nasal polyps are a common disease with in the majority of cases unknown origin. Both the medical and surgical treatment of nasal polyps present a challenge in Otorhinolaryngology.


METHODS
We developed a four-stage grading system for nasal polyps based on the endoscopic aspect of more than 300 patients. In a study of 37 patients, treated by systemically (Methylprednisolon 64 mg p.o., decreasing amounts for the first 11 days) and locally (Budesonid 400 micrograms intranasal) applied steroids for 90 days, this staging-system was tested.


RESULTS
The mean stage of polyps decreased significantly (p < 0.01) from 2.8 at day 0 to 1.7 at day 7 and further to 1.2 and to 0.7 at day 28 and day 90 respectively. The mean nasal symptom score decreased equally from 1.14 on day 1 to 0.19 and to 0.14 on day 7 and day 28 respectively. To summarize, we observed a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in polyp stages of 75% respectively a significant (p < 0.01) reduction of symptom scores of 93%.


CONCLUSIONS
Thus, we present a suitable new grading system for nasal polyps which we applied directly to assess the efficacy of combined local and systemic steroid therapy. It was shown that this treatment can reduce polyps and prevent their recurrence over the observed time.
Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkranke, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
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Kastenbauer
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D019819:Budesonide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004724:Endoscopy; D005005:Ethmoid Sinus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009298:Nasal Polyps / Q000145:classification* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010255:Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / Q000145:classification* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D019819:Budesonide; D008775:Methylprednisolone