title: Treatment of nasal polyposis and chronic rhinosinusitis with fluticasone propionate nasal drops reduces need for sinus surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Steroid treatment is the mainstay of therapy for nasal polyps and rhinosinusitis. Oral steroids have considerable systemic side effects, and nasal sprays do not sufficiently reach the middle meatus, where polyps originate. Nasal drops might be a more useful formula to deliver steroids into the middle meatus.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We sought to investigate whether treatment with fluticasone propionate nasal drops (FPNDs) can reduce the need for surgery, as measured by signs and symptoms of nasal polyposis and chronic rhinosinusitis, in patients who are on the waiting list for functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-four patients (28 male) with severe nasal polyposis, chronic rhinosinusitis, or both indicated for FESS were included in a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Use of intranasal steroid spray was stopped at least 4 weeks before randomization. Signs and symptoms were recorded before, during, and at the end of the study period. At the end of the study, a computed tomographic scan was performed, and the need for operation was reassessed by using a standardized scoring method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  FESS was no longer required in 13 of 27 patients treated with FPNDs versus 6 of 27 in the placebo group (P < .05). Six patients from the placebo group dropped out versus 1 from the FPND group. Symptoms of nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, postnasal drip, and loss of smell were reduced in the FPND group (P < .05). Peak nasal inspiratory flow scores increased significantly (P < .01). Polyp volume decreased in the FPND group (P < .05), and computed tomographic scores improved in both groups (P < .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Treatment with FPNDs in patients indicated for FESS can reduce the need for surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. aaukema@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Albertien A C
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Aukema
authors.forename: Paul G H
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Mulder
authors.forename: Wytske J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Fokkens
mesh_terms: D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000730:Androstadienes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D000068298:Fluticasone; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009298:Nasal Polyps / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012996:Solutions
chemical_list: D000730:Androstadienes; D012996:Solutions; D000068298:Fluticasone