Efficacy of fluticasone exhalation delivery system in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis: what is the evidence?

BACKGROUND: Intranasal steroids have become part of the mainstay in the long-term management of chronic rhinosinusitis. A long-standing problem remains in efficient and easy-to-use delivery of topical corticosteroids to the nasal mucosa. Currently available means of intranasal steroid delivery include sprays, which are generally limited to treating the anterior nasal cavity, and rinses, which are not FDA-approved for this indication. The exhalation delivery system is a novel method of delivering fluticasone to the deeper areas within the nasal cavities, including the posterior nasal cavity and middle and superior meatuses.

METHODS: Comprehensive literature review.

RESULTS: Recent large scale studies have suggested its efficacy and safety in the use of patients with both chronic sinusitis with polyposis and without polyps. Specifically, studies have demonstrated decreased Sinonasal Outcome Test scores of 20 points following treatment, as well as improvement of polyp grade by 1 or more point in more than 60% of patients. Furthermore, among patients with nasal polyps, there was approximately 60-70% decreased indication for surgery following EDS-FLU use.

CONCLUSION: EDS-FLU is an important adjunct therapy for sinonasal inflammatory disease.