Evaluation of long-term low-dose antibiotic therapy as an adjunct to intra-nasal corticosteroids in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluates the effectiveness of long-term, low-dose antibiotic treatment (macrolides and doxycycline) combined with intra-nasal corticosteroids in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

METHODS

A total of 72 patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, aged 18-65, were followed for at least six months. Patients were randomized into three treatment groups: group 1 (intra-nasal corticosteroids and nasal saline irrigation), group 2 (intra-nasal corticosteroids, saline irrigation and macrolides) and group 3 (intra-nasal corticosteroids, saline irrigation and doxycycline).

RESULTS

Of the 72 patients, 43 (59.7 per cent) were male, and 29 (40.3 per cent) were female, with an average age of 48.69 plus or minus 15.71 years. A significant reduction in polyp stages was observed bilaterally and unilaterally in group 3 (p < 0.05). Lund-Mackay Score showed significant improvement in group 2 and group 3.

CONCLUSION

Adding doxycycline to intra-nasal corticosteroids therapy led to significant reductions in polyp stages and Lund-Mackay Score, suggesting potential clinical and radiological benefits.