3-Year Outcomes of Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Ablation of the Posterior Nasal Nerve in Patients With Chronic Rhinitis

Abstract

Background

Temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) ablation of the posterior nasal nerve has been shown to improve chronic rhinitis (CR) symptoms and quality of life (QoL). This study assesses the durability of TCRF's effectiveness and safety 3 years post-procedure in patients with perennial allergic CR and nonallergic CR.

Methodology

This prospective, multicenter, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial included a sham control arm and long-term follow-up. Analysis combined patients from the active treatment and control crossover arms. Outcomes include reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS), postnasal drip (PND), and cough scores, as well as QoL measured by the Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (MiniRQLQ).

Results

Of 104 patients who underwent TCRF, 59 participated in the 3-year follow-up. The baseline mean rTNSS was 8.2 (95% confidence interval [95% CI, 7.9–8.6]), reduced to 3.5 (95% CI, 2.9–4.1) at 3 years, a 57.3% reduction and mean change of −4.7 (95% CI, −5.3 to −4.1; p < 0.0001). Most patients (79.7%) were responders. Cough scores decreased from a mean baseline of 1.5 (95% CI, 1.3–1.7) to 0.7 (95% CI, 0.5–0.9; mean change, −0.8; p < 0.0001). PND symptoms were also reduced from 2.5 (95% CI, 2.4 – 2.7) to 1.4 (95% CI, 1.2–1.7; mean change, −1.1; p < 0.0001). No severe adverse events were reported throughout the study, and no adverse events were reported between 24 months and 36 months of follow-up.

Conclusion

TCRF ablation of the posterior nasal nerve provided sustained safety and improvement in CR symptoms, cough, postnasal drip, and patient-reported QoL at 3 years, supporting its long-term safety and efficacy in CR.