Release: (Embargoed until April 26, 1999)
Contact: Kenneth Satterfield (Until 4/22/99 703-519-1563;
4/23 - 4/29 760-776-8503) [email protected]
ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY PROVES TO BE HIGHLY EFFECTIVE IN TREATING SINUS DISORDERS IN HIV-POSITIVE PATIENTS
University of California-San Francisco researchers prove that surgical intervention for sinus problems enhances quality of life of patients with immune deficiency disorder.
Despite the significant advances in the treatment of patients with HIV and AIDS, there remains a prevalence of sinusitis in at least 65% of this patient group. Treating this debilitating disorder has been thwarted by recurrent infections and an increased incidence of antibiotic intolerance. When antibiotics fail to curb recurrent sinus infections, endoscopic sinus surgery has proved effective as a treatment.
A new study by otolaryngologist--head and neck surgeons provides strong evidence that endoscopic sinus surgery alleviates the sinus disorder symptoms for HIV patients. The research study was carried out by Saurabh B. Shah MD, Nadim B. Bikhazi MD, Kenneth Yu MD, and Kelvin C. Lee MD, all from the Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. The results of their findings were presented on Monday, April 26, at the annual meeting of the American Rhinologic Society, being held at the Marriott's Desert Springs, Palm Desert, CA.
Methodology: The researchers identified 41 patients diagnosed as seropositive with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and suffering from chronic sinusitis or recurrent acute sinus infections. All of the patients had undergone medical management for their sinus condition; despite aggressive medical therapy, the condition remained. Accordingly, endoscopic surgery was recommended for each.
Results: The researchers found statistically significant improvements in the patients following surgical intervention. Specifically, they found a reduction in the number of sinusitis episodes following the surgical intervention. Additionally, endoscopic sinus surgery appeared to have reduced the post-operative antibiotic requirements for patients, a necessity among a population with resistant organisms, such as the aerobic bacteria, Pseudomonas.
The researchers caution that the standards of success applied to HIV-positive patients differ from similar criteria applied to immunocopetenet patients. Many HIV-patients have major problems with nasal congestion and drainage. This may be due to hyper-allergic decreased cellular immunity. Because of this, many HIV patients will, after surgery, continue to note nasal congestion and drainage despite improvement on CT scans.
Despite the prevalence of sinusitis symptoms, endoscopic sinus surgery has, in this research effort, demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing outpatient visits for HIV patients and reducing the reliance on antibiotics.
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Contact Ken Satterfield at 703-519-1563 (until 4/22) or 760-776-8503 (4/22-4/29) for an interview with Dr. Shah or additional information.
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