Effect of dupilumab therapy in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) on quality of life and control of the comorbidity asthma bronchiale

Introduction A common comorbidity in patients with CRSwNP is bronchial asthma. The monoclonal antibody dupilumab is approved as an add-on therapy for CRSwNP and severe bronchial asthma with type 2 inflammation. The study investigated the effect of dupilumab therapy in patients with CRSwNP on quality of life and control of the comorbidity bronchial asthma.

Methods Since September 2019, 9 patients with CRSwNP with the comorbidity bronchial asthma were newly treated with dupilumab in our clinic. Data on asthma-related quality of life (AQLQ) and asthma control (modified ACQ) after at least 16 weeks of therapy (n=9) were evaluated. In addition, data on polyp score, symptom severity (VAS) and quality of life (SNOT-20) related to CRSwNP were evaluated (n=9).

Results There was a significant improvement in bronchial asthma-related quality of life (day 0: mean (M)=137.7; after 16 wks: M=202.3; p<0.01) as well as a significant improvement in asthma control (day 0: M=14.1; after 16 wks: M=4.7; p<0.01). When the bronchial asthma-related quality of life was divided into different sub-areas (symptoms, impairment in activities, emotional life, environmental stimuli), a significant improvement was shown in all sub-areas (p<0.01). The polyp score decreased significantly (day 0: M= 4.0; after 16 w.: M=2.0; p<0.01). Moreover, quality of life (SNOT-20: day 0: M=52.6, after 16 weeks: M=17.4; p<0.01) and symptom severity (VAS: day 0: M=8.4, after 16 weeks: M=3.1; p<0.01) related to CRSwNP improved significantly.

Conclusion There is positive experience with the efficacy of biologics in clinical practice. Patients with CRSwNP with the comorbidity of bronchial asthma additionally benefit by a significant improvement of their bronchial asthma.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 May 2022