Assessment of the blood eosinophil count in different grades of nasal polyps

Abstract
Background
Blood eosinophil count is significantly correlated with eosinophil infiltration in the nasal polyps; so, it could be a good marker for the nasal polyp eosinophilic inflammation.

Objective
Assessment of different peripheral eosinophil counts in different nasal polyps grading in allergic rhinitis patients.

Methods
A study was applied to 160 patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Computed tomography (CT) was done preoperative then nasal polyps grading was assessed by nasal endoscopy. Peripheral eosinophil counts were checked in a blood sample for all patients. Then, a statistical analysis of the data was done.

Results
The study included 160 patients. Within 54 AR patients with no nasal polypi, eosinophil counts ranged between 0.001 × 103 μl and 0.907 × 103 μl with a mean of 0.2399 (SD = 0.2153). While within 106 patients with nasal polyps, eosinophil counts ranged between 0.05 × 103 μl and 14.7 × 103 μl with a mean of 1.6645 (SD = 3.06) with a significant difference (p = 0.0008, t = 3.418). The eosinophil counts were statistically significantly more in advanced grades of the nasal polyps (p < 0.0001, F = 9248).

Conclusion
Measuring peripheral eosinophil counts is simple, low cost, safe, and directly proportionate with different grades of nasal polyps. It can be used as a reliable marker to predict the severity of nasal polyps and consequently predict the prognosis of sinus disease and quality of life.