Regular Treatment With Aspirin 300 mg/day After Desensitization in Patients With N-ERD: 12-Year Results.

Abstract

Objective: Aspirin desensitization is recommended for patients with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) hypersensitivity, in whom asthma is uncontrolled despite medical treatment, and/or frequent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is required due to nasal polyps. There are few studies in the literature on long-term follow-up of patients undergoing regular aspirin treatment after desensitization. This study aims to evaluate the effect of regular aspirin treatment on respiratory function, symptom control, quality of life, and the number of nasal surgeries required during a period of 12 years.

Material and methods: A total of 18 patients were included in the study in 2006; 11 patients were excluded and 7 patients regularly taking aspirin for 12 years were evaluated. Oral aspirin desensitization was performed at 4-6 weeks following the ESS. Patients receiving 300 mg/day aspirin were followed up in control visits every 3 months. Nasal and respiratory system examinations and pulmonary function test were performed, and all patients responded to the SF-36 Quality of Life scale during each visit.

Results: There was no change in respiratory function parameters following the12-year aspirin treatment. There was no statistically significant improvement in the quality of life; however, the need for ESS due to the recurrence of nasal polyps decreased significantly (P = .000). At the 12-year follow-up, all symptom scores improved, but improvement in the postnasal drip score was statistically significant (P = .046).

Conclusion: Long-term regular treatment with aspirin at a dose of 300 mg/day in patients with N-ERD improved symptom scores, and alleviated the need for ESS due to nasal polyp recurrence.