Nasal cytology in the diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis in atopic and nonatopic children.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the value of nasal cytology in the diagnosis of sinusitis and follow-up of atopic and nonatopic children before and after treatment and to compare the nasal cytologic findings with the radiologic findings.


METHODS
Open randomized investigation.


METHODS
Ministry of Health, Ankara Diskapi Children's Hospital.


METHODS
Fifty-five children with bronchial asthma and/or allergic rhinitis followed by the Allergy Department of the Ministry of Health, Ankara Diskapi Children's Education and Research Hospital and 35 control children were evaluated for the following parameters: symptoms and signs of sinusitis, total serum immunoglobulin E level and eosinophil count, skinprick tests to common allergens, paranasal sinus radiographs, and nasal cytology (by the Rhinoprobe [Synbiotics Inc. London] method and wax paper blow).


METHODS
Nasal cytology, radiologic findings, and treatment.


RESULTS
There were no significant correlations between radiologic and cytologic findings in any of the groups (p > .05). In both atopic and nonatopic chronic sinusitis patients, the Rhinoprobe method had results similar to the radiologic findings, and there was a significant relationship (p < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Nasal cytology is still a diagnostic tool in the follow-up and evaluation of chronic sinusitis in atopic children but should not be considered an adequate alternative to sinus radiography.
Basibuyuk
Tijen
T
Department of Pediatric Allergy, Ankara Diskapi Children's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Ozaydin
Eda
E
Cengizlier
Reha
R
D000293:Adolescent; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003581:Cytodiagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology* / Q000473:pathology; D011859:Radiography; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000150:complications; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000150:complications; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology