Use of nebulized antibiotics for acute infections in chronic sinusitis.
OBJECTIVE
Infections in patients with chronic sinusitis after surgery can be difficult to treat. Nebulized antimicrobial therapy was studied as a treatment option.


METHODS
Patients with chronic sinusitis, previous sinus surgery, and an acute infection were offered nebulized antibiotics or standard therapy. Cultures were taken and sensitivity testing was performed. Retrospective chart reviews were also performed.


RESULTS
Forty-two patients were included. The most common side effects were sore throat and cough. Symptomatic and endoscopic data before and after nebulized therapy showed a longer infection-free period (average, 17 weeks) compared with standard therapy (average, 6 weeks). Improvements in posterior nasal discharge, facial pain/pressure, and emotional consequences were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
Nebulized therapy was safe and effective in this cohort. Endoscopy and outcome measure changes showed consistent improvements.


CONCLUSIONS
A novel therapy for acute sinus infections in patients with chronic sinusitis and previous endoscopic sinus surgery is presented.
Vaughan
Winston C
WC
Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sinus Center R135, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-5328, USA. sinusmd@aol.com
Carvalho
Gerard
G
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents