Abstract
Objective: To assess the relationship of total serum
IgE level in anticipating the manifestation of fungus in
chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP).
Methodology: This observational study was carried
out at Dow University Hospital, Dow International
Medical College, DUHS, Karachi from June 2015 to
June 2017. Patients with CRSwNP diagnosed on
anterior rhinoscopy and rigid nasal endoscopy were
treated medically for 1 month by clarithromycin
500 mg daily for 30 days, topical nasal steroids
(mometasone furoate 200 μg daily, or fluticasone
furoate 110 μg daily), and oral steroid therapy
(methylprednisolone 0.5 mg/kg/day with tapering off
doses).
Results: Twenty-six patients (29.9%) had a positive
culture for fungus; however, the double density sign
was positive in 25 (28.7%) patients and 39 (44.8%)
patients were suspected of having fungus during
surgical exploration of sinuses.
Conclusion: A strong association between raised
degrees of serum IgE with polyps, intensifying polyp
seriousness, and AFS, which in general can be used as
a screening for the presence and reaction to treatment
of fungal infection in paranasal sinuses prompting
early acknowledgment of AFS.
Keywords: Serum IgE, fungus, chronic rhino
sinusitis, nasal polyposis.
