Burden of Nasal Polyps in the United States

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical and health care burden of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in the United States. Study Design Retrospective, cross-sectional design with analyses of patient visits from 2 databases. Setting National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS, 2012-2016) and State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases (SASD, 2012-2015) in available states. Methods In each analysis, we identified patients (≥18 years old) with a diagnosis of CRSwNP ( ICD-9-CM : 471.x; ICD-10-CM : J33.x) in the visit record during the study period. CRS patients without polyps (CRSsNP: ICD-9-CM : 473.x, ICD-10-CM : J32.x; without CRSwNP codes) were identified for comparison. In the SASD, we focused on visits involving relevant sinus procedures. Outcomes included comorbidities, diagnostic testing, and prescribed medication (NAMCS) and surgery visit characteristics (SASD). Results We identified 2272 NAMCS records from physician offices (183 CRSwNP, 2089 CRSsNP). Most visits were for patients aged 99%) and completed quickly (99%), followed by routine discharge (>91%); follow-up visits were common (14.9%, 13.9%). Conclusion CRSwNP compared to CRSsNP patients have a distinct clinical experience, with moderately higher medication need and more extensive surgery.