Screening olfaction under dupilumab in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) frequently leads to olfactory dysfunction. This study aimed to assess the impact of dupilumab on CRSwNP patients, focusing on olfactory outcomes and potential correlations with other clinical factors. METHODS: CRSwNP patients eligible for dupilumab therapy received subcutaneous Dupixent® injections every two weeks (300mg/2ml dupilumab). The 12-item Sniffin' Sticks Test (SST-12), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and Nasal Polyp Score (NPS) were assessed at baseline and after one, three, and six months. Patients also completed the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) weekly. RESULTS: 26 CRSwNP patients were included. After one month, dupilumab led to substantial reductions in FeNO, SNOT scores, andNPS, whereas SST-12 scores improved significantly only after three months. A shift toward normosmia occurred, with 81% achieving normosmia after six months, and a drop in anosmia prevalence to 9.5%. Significant negative correlations between olfaction (SST-12) and polyp severity (NPS) at baseline and after six months were found, while no significant correlations were observed between SST-12 and FeNO or SNOT scores. Age did not correlate with olfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Dupilumab demonstrated efficacy in restoring olfaction in CRSwNP patients. Reaching normosmia in over 80% ofpatients after six months of treatment underscores the drug's effectiveness in managing this challenging symptom.