A randomized control study to compare the efficacy of intranasal fluticasone propionate and intranasal budesonide in controlling postoperative symptoms in patients with nasal polyposis after endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND. Sinonasal polyposis represents a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by nasal obstruction, reduction in the sense of smell and impaired quality of life. Intranasal steroids play an important role in preventing the postoperative recurrences in these cases. We carried out a study to evaluate and compare intra nasal budesonide and intranasal fluticasone propionate in the postoperative management of ethmoidal nasal polyposis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS. 106 patients with ethmoidal polyposis were treated with endoscopic polypectomy and were postoperatively started and maintained on intranasal steroids. 54 patients were managed with budesonide and 52 patients maintained on fluticasone propionate nasal spray. The patients were followed-up for 6 months and recurrences and control of symptoms evaluated.

RESULTS. There was a statistical difference in the SNOT-22 (p<0.0001) and Lund-Kennedy scores (p=0.015) between patients using fluticasone propionate as compared to those using budesonide intra nasal spray by the end of the 6th month.

CONCLUSION. Both intranasal budesonide and fluticasone propionate are effective in controlling symptoms after endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with sinonasal polyposis; however, intranasal fluticasone propionate was more efficacious than budesonide in the control of postoperative symptoms.