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Volume: 41 - Issue: 2

First page: 97 - Last page: 102

J.M. Nores - P. Avan - P. Bonfils

DOI: 10.4193/Rhin

Background: The management of nasal polyps is undoubtedly a controversial subject. The
medical treatment remains the undisputed therapeutic mainstay but most of the publications
are aimed at the registration of new molecules from the pharmaceutical industry which
explains why they are confined to a single agent.
Design: The aim of this study is focused on the evaluation of a dual modality on a series of
152 subjects treated according to a standardized protocol combining a short-term administration
of prednisolone and the daily intranasal spraying of beclomethasone.
Results: Over the follow-up period of one year, this modality proved to be successful in 68.5%
of the subjects; only 31.5% had to undergo surgery after its failure. In the former group, after a
six months period, the average symptom reduction reached an improvement rate varying from
35 to 80%, according to the symptom type. During the ensuing six months follow-up period,
the improvement was maintained. The average utilization of prednisolone and beclomethasone
was assessed for each individual patient.
Conclusion: Management of nasal polyps should be primarily medical. Resorting to surgical
procedures should not be envisaged before a six months trial of dual steroid therapy under
strict compliance to treatment.

Rhinology 41-2: 97-102, 2003