NO Measurements in Screening for Asthma and OSA, in Patients With CRSwNP

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a condition resulting in varying degrees of nasal congestion, nasal secretion, facial pain and reduced or absent sense of smell. In Denmark an estimated 200.000 patients suffer from this condition. It affects the quality of life in a degree equivalent to chronic cardiac and respiratory conditions.

CRSwNP is known to be associated with inflammation in the nose and sinuses. In some patients the inflammation is also present in the lower airway resulting in shortness of breath, chest constriction, wheezing and coughing. It follows that asthma is often seen in patients with CRSwNP.

Even though the association of asthma and CRSwNP is well known it is easy to overlook the asthma further reducing the quality of life. Previous studies have found that undiagnosed asthma is present in about a quarter of patients with CRSwNP. While many of the CRSwNP patients are treated in private ENT practice alone the lack of simple diagnostic tests giving a reliable measurement of airway inflammation is a challenge in diagnosing concurrent asthma.

A recent study showed measuring of fractional exhaled nitrogen oxide (FeNO) in exhaled air to be a promising diagnostic test. The concentration of this gas in the exhaled air from the nose and mouth is related to the degree of airway inflammation and can therefore be used as a surrogate measurement in a safe and easy way.

With this study the investigators want to measure the concentration of FeNO in patients with CRSwNP in private ENT practices. The aim is to explore if it can be used as a screening test for asthma. The study will also screen the patients for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Patients will be recruited from three private ENT practices in the Capital Region of Denmark.

Patients with CRSwNP will be recruited from their appointments in the ENT clinics. They will be offered inclusion in the study, and if they give an informed consent, an exhaled NO test and a thorough ENT examination including a fiberoptic examination of the upper airway will be performed. They will also be asked to fill out questionnaires on the severity of symptoms from the nose and lungs, sleep quality and their health in general. Patients will also undergo a sleep study (Cardio-Respiratory Monitoring = CRM) and tests of lung function. With signs of respiratory or sinus disease they will be referred for further investigations and treatment.

Hypothesis Exhaled nitrogen oxide (FeNO) is elevated in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps (CRSwNP). FeNO can be used as screening for concurrent asthma and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Design The study is a prospective, observational multicenter trial. Patients are recruited from three different private specialist ENT-clinics where they will be offered inclusion according to guidelines. They will not be randomized and there will not be a group of patient controls.

The patients will undergo a full ENT-examination including a fiberoptic examination of both nasal cavities and the upper airway. NO-measurements as well as tests of lung function and sleep studies (Cardio-Respiratory-Monitoring = CRM) will also be performed. Furthermore, patients will be asked to fill out three questionnaires (see below). Patients with severe snoring and mild OSA will be offered an evaluation and a DISE (Drug Induced Sedation Endoscopy) at the ENT department Rigshospitalet, Gentofte.

NO-measurements:

FeNO-measurements will be carried out using a handheld NO-device (NIOX VERO, Aerocrine AB, Solna, Sweden). The patients will be asked to blow into a mouthpiece on the device which will then calculate the level of FeNO.

Lung function:

Tests of lung function will be carried out using EasyOne Pulmonary Function Device where the patients will blow into a mouthpiece.

Sleep studies:

Sleep studies (Cardio-Respiratory Monitoring = CRM) will be done as overnight home-studies using SOMNOtouch RESP that will measure heartrate, oxygen saturation, movement of chest and abdomen. All measurements are non-invasive.

Questionnaires:

Patients will be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding nasal symptoms (Sino-Nasal Outcome Test = SNOT-22) along with questionnaires on sleep quality (Epworth Sleepiness Scale = ESS), lung function (ACQ) and general health (The Danish version of Short Form (SF-36) Health Survey) developed at RAND as part of the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS). Danish validated version by Bjørner JB et al.

Statistics Data will be processed using IBM SPSS (Chicago, USA). For categorical data Pearson's Chi2-test or Fischer's exact tests will be used. Students T-test for normally distributed data, while data that are not normally distributed will be analyzed using Mann Whitney U-test. Shapiro-Wilks test or graphic plots will be used in the evaluation of data distribution.

Calculation of Power:

FeNO levels in CRSwNP-patients compared to FeNO levels in CRSwNP-patients with concurrent asthma or OSA.

Expected incidence of a patient with CRSwNP also having asthma: 25% Expected incidence of asthma in the general population: 3% Power: 0.8 Significance: 0.5 Sample size: 10 patients with CRSwNP

Risks, disadvantages and advantages:

There are no known risks associated with the tests of lung function or FeNO measurements. A bit of discomfort with blowing forcefully into the mouthpieces during the tests might occur. The fiberoptic examination of the upper airway might also result in a bit of discomfort. It is expected that paracetamol is sufficient treatment. In the unlikely case that paracetamol is not enough patients will be instructed to contact their physician.

Inclusion in the study will provide the patients with a very thorough examination illuminating any concurrent diseases that might explain their symptoms and discomfort. If any concurrent disease is found, they will be referred for further specialist treatment.

Safety precautions The patients will all be examined by specialists in ENT, who are used to performing these examinations. All will be thoroughly informed about the tests and the motivation for performing them.

In the unlikely event of pronounced discomfort during a test, it will be stopped.

Biobank No tissue samples will be collected.

Data from patient files The investigators have requested access to the patient files in the local IT-systems in the three private ENT clinics as well as via Sundhedsplatformen and FMK (Fælles Medicin Kort) to verify any medical treatment that might interfere with the study as stated in the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Prior to inclusion, and consent to participate in the study, data on age, previous illness, current medication, and results from the ear-nose-and throat examination will be requested, in order to verify that the participants are eligible for inclusion. The information will be passed on to the investigators.

After inclusion and consent is given to participate in the study, data on allergies, weight, height, age, gender, concurrent illness, and current medication, will be requested.

Consent to participate in the study allows the investigators, sponsors, representatives of sponsors, as well as the supervisory, direct access to collection of data from patient files, including the electronic files, to get information on health-related issues necessary to conduct the research project, self-monitoring, and quality-monitoring, as obligated.

Handling of personal data:

The rules of Databeskyttelsesordningen / persondataforordning will be followed. Data will be stored in accordance with guidelines and only after approval from the local Data Protection Agency (Datatilsynet).

Responsibility for data:

A: Key investigator Eva Kirkegaard Kiær M.D., ENT-specialist Department of otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 København Ø

+ 45 35 45 66 35 / 26 70 17 10 eva.kirkegaard.kiaer.01@regionh.dk

B: Investigator Christian von Buchwald M.D., D.M.Sci Department of otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 København Ø

+ 45 35 45 20 70 christian.von.buchwald@regionh.dk

C: Investigator Nina Vibeke Backer M.D., D.M.Sci Department of Respiratory Medicine Bispebjerg Hospital Ebba Lunds Vej 48, 2400 København NV + 45 38 63 51 22 backer@dadlnet.dk

D: Investigator Andreas Tomaas Ravn M.D., ENT-specialist Frederiksberg øre-næse-halsklinik Falkoner Allé 15, 1. tv., 2000 Frederiksberg + 45 38 87 84 98 atravn@hotmail.com

E: Investigator Steffen Ørntoft M.D., ENT-specialist Øre Næse Hals Klinikken Gammel Køge Landevej 263 1. th., 2650 Hvidovre

+ 45 36 78 88 03 orntoft@dadlnet.dk

F: Investigator Christian Prætorius and Roland Welinder M.D., ENT-specialists Øre-næse-halsklinikken i Hørsholm Kongevejscentret 6, 1. Sal, 2970 Hørsholm

+ 45 45 86 46 00 chr.praetorius@dadlnet.dk

Key investigator is responsible for the safe storage of data in accordance with the guidelines from the local Data Protection Agency (Datatilsynet). Patient data will be stored in a locked cabinet in a locked office.

In accordance with the Danish Law on Health §46, 1+3, the same group of physicians will collect data, process data and publish data. Only investigators A, B and C will process data.

Initiative The initiative for the study is a collaboration between investigator A, B, C and D. All the aforementioned investigators have contributed to the outlines of the study.

Funding The study is partially funded by Fonden for Faglig Udvikling i Speciallægepraksis (FAPS) and Øre-næse-halskirurgisk og Audiologisk Klinik, Rigshospitalet.

All the funding is managed by a research account at Rigshospitalet. The key investigator is employed by the Øre-næse-halskirurgisk and Audiologisk Klinik, Rigshospitalet, but does not have a financial association to FAPS.

Remuneration The patients will not be offered remuneration.

Recruitment Patients will be recruited from three private ENT clinics (investigators D-F). Patients will make appointments for consultation in the clinics as usual, based on their symptoms, and will be offered inclusion in the study if they fall under the inclusion criteria and not the exclusion criteria. All will have the opportunity to consider inclusion in the study and will be offered a new consultation if needed.

Information In accordance with guidelines from the Ethics Committee, participating patients will be given both written and oral information about the study, purpose, and consequences. Patients will receive the folder "Forsøgspersoners rettigheder i et sundhedsvidenskabeligt Forskningsprojekt" published by National Videnskabsetisk Komité (the Central Ethics Committee).

When considering inclusion in the study patients will be offered a new consultation where they can bring an assessor. There will be time and opportunity for any questions they might have. It will take place in an undisturbed location as to ensure a comfortable environment for conversation. Patients will be informed that participation is optional, and their treatment will not be affected should they choose not to accept inclusion.

Patients will be informed of their right to decline information on essential health related issues. The informing physician is responsible for ensuring that the information is understood. The patient has the right to a minimum of one week to consider inclusion.

Informed consent On the day of inclusion, or no later than 14 days after, a written consent will be obtained. The investigator signs the informed consent stating that the patient has received both written and oral information about the project.

Patients will be informed that they can withdraw their informed consent at any given time, and that it will not affect any current or future treatment or consultation.

Should any essential information about a patient's health appear during the study they will be informed accordingly, unless they have clearly stated that they decline such information.

Publication When the results of the study are available, one of the physicians (A-F) will, as far as possible, inform the patients in the study. Information regarding patients is protected by "Lov om behandling af personoplysninger" and "Lov om patienters retstilling (sundhedsloven afsnit III)".

Results, both positive, negative or inconclusive, will be published after the completion of the study. If publication in a peer review journal is not possible, results will be published through other media channels. The study will be registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov

Ethical considerations The study is approved by the local Ethics Committee as well as the Data Protection Agency The purpose of the study is to improve treatment of patients with CRSwNP by diagnosing other conditions that might affect their treatment and quality of life if undiagnosed. The conditions of interest (OSA and asthma) have symptoms that mimic CRSwNP and can therefore be difficult to diagnose if one is not careful to look for them. With this study the investigators hope to find a simple test, associated with minimal discomfort, that might help screen these patients for OSA and asthma.

OSA and asthma are conditions associated with severe consequences on both quality of life and comorbidity. Hopefully a quick diagnosis will help the patients to relevant treatment thus reducing their risk of long-term sequelae.

Any discomfort during the study seems minimal in contrast to the health benefits it will grant patients that are diagnosed with comorbidity as OSA and asthma.

Insurance Patients are covered by "patienterstatningen" during the study period.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with CRSwNP based on the EPOS2012 criteria
* Polyps in both sides of the nose verified by fiberoptic examination of the nasal cavities

Exclusion Criteria:

* Treatment with systemic steroids in the course of the last three months
* Treatment with topical steroids in the course of the last two weeks
* Other inflammatory diseases of the upper airways (i.e. cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesis) or immune deficiencies, sarcoidosis or systemic vasculitis
* Infections in the upper airway during the past two weeks
* Smokers
* Treatment with antidepressant or sedative drugs
* Age below 18
* Patients unable to give an informed consent
* Patients that do not speak or read Danish