Nasal polyposis in children with cystic fibrosis: a long-term follow-up study

Abstract

The incidence of nasal polyposis among children 5 to 18 years of age with cystic fibrosis (CF) was investigated with a systematic examination of all children on the local CF register. Out of 23 children with CF, 13 had endoscopic evidence of nasal polyposis. Four children had grade 2 polyposis, and 9 children had grade 3 polyposis. Complete opacity of the maxillary sinus was identified on a computed tomographic sinus scan in all but 2 of the children. Only 1 child had a developed frontal sinus. Between 1989 and 2000, 12 children underwent radical endoscopic sinus surgery for their nasal polyposis. There was good postoperative improvement in all of the children; however, 7 eventually required revision surgery because of recurrence of the nasal polyps. The median interval between repeated sinus surgeries was 4 years (range, 18 months to more than 6 years). This information can help in the counseling of parents when sinus surgery is considered for children with CF.