MicroRNA-125b Is a Potential Predictor of Surgical Outcomes in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

Abstract

Background: Despite advances in surgical techniques, recurrence rates after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) remain high and difficult to predict.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the potential role of microRNA 125b (miR-125b) in predicting disease evolution following ESS.

Methods: We conducted a prospective study including patients undergoing first ESS for CRSwNP in our department between January 2020 and November 2021. We determined miR-125b levels from nasal polyps and pursued a standardized follow-up for at least 18 months for each patient.

Results: A total of 86 patients were included in the study. Higher postoperative endoscopy scores were associated with more severe disease at presentation on computed tomography scan, presence of concomitant asthma, and higher values of miR-125b. Even after multivariate repeated measures analysis and adjustments for confounders, miR-125b remained statistically significant. Moreover, miR-125 was the most important factor in predicting disease evolution at 18 months.

Conclusion: A clear, robust relation between nasal polyp control evaluated through objective measures and miR-125b values was observed. This finding indicates the potential role of miR-125b in predicting the course of the disease following ESS.

Keywords: biomarker; chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps; endoscopic sinus surgery; microRNA; outcomes; recurrence.