Pilot Study on the Efficacy of a Novel Questionnaire for Assessing Psychological Health in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps Treated with Biologics

TL;DR

This study shows that Dupilumab treatment for nasal polyps improves both physical symptoms and mental health in patients.

Contribution

A novel questionnaire was used to assess psychological health in patients with CRSwNP treated with biologics.

Findings

Dupilumab significantly improved symptoms and quality of life in 86 patients with CRSwNP.

Mental health improvements were observed after the first administration and within the first months of therapy.

The study highlights the importance of psychological well-being in chronic disease management.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) represents a debilitating disease with significant morbidity and decreased quality of life (QoL). The introduction of biologics in its management has allowed new therapeutic options, and Dupilumab represents the first approved biologic. This study aims to evaluate a possible relationship between the clinical response to biological therapy and mental health in patients with severe CRSwNP. Methods: This is a multicenter study conducted at the Otolaryngology departments of three major Italian health institutions. Participants were patients with CRSwNP treated with Dupilumab. Patients were assessed at baseline and during treatment by submitting them to a survey consisting of a dedicated questionnaire focused on psychological health and two patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs): the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for nasal symptoms. Results: 86 patients were included in the study (58 males and 28 females; mean age: 58.2 years). There was a significant improvement in both symptoms and QoL, with an enhanced psychological state observed in patients after the first administration and within the first months of therapy. Conclusions: This study evaluated the possible correlations between Dupilumab treatment and improvements in mental health in patients with CRSwNP, as assessed through a survey, and clinical conditions, assessed through SNOT-22 and VAS. Our findings showed that Dupilumab not only improved clinical symptoms but also had a positive impact on patients’ mental health, with benefits observed already after the first administration and the first months of therapy. This survey highlights the relevance of psychological well-being and its implications for patients with chronic diseases such as CRSwNP.

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