Rhinological studies on cystic fibrosis.

Results of clinical, morphological and biochemical studies of the nasal mucosa in 16 fibrocystic children are reported. On the basis of clinical examination and the histopathological picture, alterations of nasal mucosa fell into three degrees: normal or mild catarrhal involvement (grade 1); vasomotor or edematous rhino-pathy (grade II); rhinosinusal polyposis (grade III). Biochemical data revealed in nasal secretion an increase in Na+ and Cl- comparable to that in the sweat, confirming the systemic nature of the electrolytic unbalance present in cystic fibrosis. An increased protein content in nasal secretions was also observed correlated with ultra-structural aspects of higher proteic synthesis. Possible pathogenic factors of frequent rhinosinusal involvement in CF are discussed.