The Effect on Health Status in Patients with Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

Abstract

Objectives:

Assess the impact of aspirin desensitization therapy on the quality of life in patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease.

Methods:

We used the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) to establish the change in health status in all patients who underwent aspirin desensitization therapy in our unit between January 2009 and December 2012. The GBI was chosen because it is a well-validated post-intervention questionnaire that allows a direct comparison between other otorhinolaryngology interventions.

Results:

Twenty-one patients were referred for ADT, from which 10 patients were suitable, of which 5 were male and 5 were female. The mean age was 44 years old, and the median follow-up interval was 16 months. An average of 3.6 +/-1.4 surgical procedures had been undertaken. Sustained symptom relief was achieved in 6 patients. 2 patients completed the treatment but gained no perceived benefit, and 2 were unable to tolerate the treatment. Average GBI scores for those who benefitted were 38.2 +/- 13.9 (general), 0 (social), and 30.5 +/- 9.9 (physical health). For those who failed to improve, the score was 0 for all categories.

Conclusions:

GBI outcomes for aspirin desensitization therapy are comparable to middle ear surgery for hearing and BAHAs, which show a significant improvement in quality of life. Although some patients gained no benefit, no patients reported any negative outcomes.