Oral corticosteroid prescribing practice for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps among otorhinolaryngologists in Scotland: a nationwide survey

Abstract

Objective: Oral corticosteroids are used to treat exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Oral corticosteroid prescribing practices vary as reported from national surveys in Italy, China, Canada and the USA.

Methods: A nationwide online survey of ENT doctors practicing in Scotland was conducted using Microsoft Forms.

Results: There was a 31 per cent response rate. The most common daily doses of oral corticosteroid courses were 25 mg and 40 mg with the lengths being 14 and 7 days, respectively. Seventy-seven per cent of respondents prescribed the same daily dose throughout the course. Rhinologists prescribed longer courses with a smaller daily dose of prednisolone. Only one respondent fully agreed that there were clear guidelines regarding the daily dose and the length of oral corticosteroid course in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Conclusion: The heterogeneity of oral corticosteroid prescribing practice in different countries, including Scotland, reveals the need for clear guidelines with a specific oral corticosteroid daily dose and length of the course.

Keywords: Corticosteroids; nasal polyps; rhinosinusitis; survey.