Practical recommendations for managing severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in the era of biologics
Eugenio De Corso, Carlotta Pipolo, Elena Cantone, Giancarlo Ottaviano, Stefania Gallo, Matteo Trimarchi, Sara Torretta, Carlo Cavaliere, Daniela Lucidi, Veronica Seccia, Stefano Settimi, Frank Rikki Canevari, Ernesto Pasquini, Ignazio La Mantia, Massimiliano Garzaro, Gianluca Bellocchi, Michele De Benedetto, Nicola Lombardo, Alberto Macchi, Luca Malvezzi, Gaetano Motta, Claudio Vicini, A. Maselli, Valeria Dell’Era, Alberto Giulio Dragonetti, Francesco Asprea, Valentina Lupato, Angelo Ghidini, Simonetta Masieri, Davide Mattavelli, Francesco Antonio Salzano, Desiderio Passàli, Jacopo Galli, Fabio Pagella
Abstract
Objective: We conducted a national survey to understand how rhinology practice has changed with the advent of biologics and how this affected patients with uncontrolled, severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). We aimed to analyse the results of the survey and infer practical recommendations for clinical practice. Methods: A group of ear, nose, and throat specialists (ENTs) experienced in the management of CRSwNP developed a 74-question survey. ENTs from rhinology centres authorised to prescribe biologics in the context of the national health system were invited to answer it between 01/05/2022 and 31/07/2022. The responses underwent descriptive analyses, and the authors discussed the results and derived practical recommendations for clinical practice. Results: ENTs working in rhinology centres changed their practices coinciding with the advent of biologics. CRSwNP evaluations have become more complex because they involve diagnostic confirmation, determining the patients' immunologic profile, and other factors. We observed heterogenous behaviours in practice that may be conditioned by the novelty of the topic. The results of the survey were used to develop practical recommendations for ENTs and are summarised herein. Conclusions: Clinical practice in rhinology outpatient clinics has changed profoundly in the era of biologics. Our practical recommendations for clinicians working in rhinology centres are expected to help standardise practice and improve care.