Hyaluronan effects on symptoms and exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis

The potential role of hyaluronan in minimizing symptoms and preventing exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Article specifications

This randomized open-label study was published in 2014 in American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy (IF 2016: 1.955) by Italian specialists. This study was designed to prospectively evaluate the role of nebulized hyaluronic acid (HA) given for 10 days/mo over 3 months as adjunct treatment to minimize symptoms and preventing exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). 39 eligible patients were randomized to receive nebulized 9-mg sodium hyaluronate nasal washes plus saline solution twice a day for 10 days per months over 3 months (21 patients that 8 were female and 13 were male subjects, of a mean age of 44 years (range, 30–63 years)) or 5 mL of saline alone twice a day for 3 months ( (18 patients that 8 were female and 10 male subjects, with a mean age of 38 years (range, 34–58 years)), 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 mucosal edema of nasal cavities was used to assess primary outcomes of treatments. Secondary outcome measures included side effects and satisfaction.

 

Results

HA significantly improved quality of life in CRS patients according to the CRS questionnaire, contrary to saline group scores. The HA group showed significantly reduced osteomeatal edema and secretions, whereas there was no statistically significant difference in the saline group. The compliance to the treatment. Although today HA is widely used in many branches of medicine, this is the first pilot study showing that intermittent nasal nebulization with HA can be a new strategy for secondary prevention of CRS or recurrent acute rhinosinusitis.