Abstract
Abstract
Background
Collecting mucosal biopsies is invasive and creates additional inflammation, hampering a better understanding of nasal and sinus disease evolution and response to treatment. We examine whether sinus secretion collection can replace tissue biopsy for protein determination.
Methods
Prior to surgical intervention for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a piece of gelatin foam was used to collect secretions from the ethmoid mucosa. A tissue biopsy was then taken from the same location. Matrix metallopro‐teinase‐9 (MMP‐9) protein levels were measured in each sample.
Results
MMP‐9 protein levels in secretions and tissues were significantly correlated (p = 0.0033, r = 0.52, by Pearson correlation).
Conclusion
Secretion collection can replace tissue biopsy for MMP‐9 determinations, reducing morbidity. Furthermore, secretion collection allows sequential sampling from the same location. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.