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Introduction: Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is common among people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF). The Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders (QOD) is a validated instrument that evaluates olfactory‐specific quality‐of‐life. The QOD minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and factors associated with olfactory improvement after elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor have not been determined for PwCF. Methods: Prospective observational data were pooled from three studies that enrolled adult PwCF with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). QOD scores and disease characteristics were assessed. To evaluate internal consistency and calculate the QOD MCID, Cronbach's alpha and four distribution‐based methods were employed. For participants who enrolled prior to elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor, QOD scores were obtained at baseline and after elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor initiation. Multivariable regression was used to identify factors associated with QOD improvement. Results: Of 129 PwCF included, 65 had QOD scores before and 3–6 months after starting elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor. Mean baseline QOD score was 6.5 ± 7.9. Mean Cronbach's alpha was ≥0.85. The MCID estimates were as follows: Cohen's effect size = 1.6, standard error of measurement = 2.5, ½ baseline standard deviation = 4.0, and minimal detectable change = 6.9. Mean MCID was 3.7. Of those with pre/post elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor QOD scores, the mean change in QOD was −1.3 ± 5.4. After elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor, QOD improvement surpassed the MCID in 22% of participants (14/65). Worse baseline QOD scores and nasal polyps were associated with improved QOD scores after elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (both p < 0.04). Conclusion: The QOD MCID in PwCF was estimated to be 3.7. Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor led to qualitative but not clinically meaningful improvements in QOD score for most PwCF; PwCF with worse baseline QOD scores and nasal polyps improved in a clinically significant manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research note discusses the role of individual sinus inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and olfaction after highly effective modulator therapy. The study found that individual sinus opacification (ISO) can be measured using a convolutional neural network approach. ISO decreased over a two-year period after initiating modulator therapy. However, ISO did not correlate with quality of life or olfaction in adults with cystic fibrosis. The study highlights the importance of understanding disease in specific sinuses for targeted treatments. Another article discusses the relationship between sinus opacification (SO) and patient outcomes in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) who have undergone highly effective modulator therapy. The study found that greater sphenoid SO was correlated with worse rhinologic and extranasal rhinologic scores after 24 months of therapy. However, the clinical significance of this correlation is unknown. The study also found that there was no consistent correlation between SO and other outcome measures such as health utility value and smell identification test scores. The findings suggest that further research is needed to understand the impact of individual sinus inflammation on chronic rhinosinusitis and olfaction in individuals with CF. [Extracted from the article]

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder that results in deranged ion transport and affects multiple organ systems, including the upper and lower respiratory tracts. People with CF (PwCF) often develop chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with or without nasal polyposis. CRS can significantly decrease quality of life for PwCF and can lead to more frequent pulmonary exacerbations. The management of CRS in PwCF is different from that in individuals without CF. Novel therapies have emerged in the last several years that have drastically altered the progression of both pulmonary and sinonasal disease in people with CF. It is critical for providers who manage CF-related CRS to understand the unique characteristics and challenges that coincide with this disease process. This review article aims to provide readers with an overview of the pathophysiology of CF and to summarize best practice strategies for the management of CF-related CRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treating AECRS based on culture results can improve antibiotic stewardship; however, this can also put patients at risk for worsening symptoms due to treatment delays. Keywords: bacteriology; chronic rhinosinusitis; medical therapy of chronic rhinosinusitis; sinusitis EN bacteriology chronic rhinosinusitis medical therapy of chronic rhinosinusitis sinusitis 950 953 4 04/25/23 20230501 NES 230501 INTRODUCTION The 2021 International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology defines acute exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis (AECRS) as a sudden worsening of CRS symptoms with a return to baseline, often after treatment with corticosteroids and/or antibiotics.[1] Bacterial infections are thought to have a significant role in the development of AECRS.[[1]] Studies have cited I Staphylococcus aureus i , I Pseudomonas aeruginosa i , I Streptococcus pneumoniae i , I Haemophilus influenzae i , and anaerobic species as common pathogens in AECRS.[[3], [5]] Patients seen in clinic for AECRS can either be started on empiric antibiotics, or treatment can be delayed for culture-directed therapy (CDT). Empiric antibiotics and CDT are both reasonable treatment strategies for AECRS, and the approach taken can be chosen based on clinical judgment, severity of symptoms, and patient preference. [Extracted from the article]

• HEMT improves multiple measures of sinusitis through 2 years of therapy in adults. • Sinus CT scans analyzed via machine learning methods and sinus symptoms improved. • Health utility increased and productivity loss decreased with 24 months of HEMT. • HEMT initiated in adulthood did not fully resolve chronic rhinosinusitis in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]