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Rheologic Properties of Sinonasal Mucus in Patients with Chronic Sinusitis

Background Mucociliary clearance is impaired in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Clearance of sinonasal secretions is influenced by its rheological properties. The purpose of this study was to describe the rheological properties of sinonasal mucus in patients with CRS and correlate them with disease severity. Methods Twenty-three adult subjects with CRS underwent collection of sinonasal secretions. Samples were analyzed using the AR2000 cone and plate rheometer (TA Instruments, New Castle, DE) to determine the dynamic viscosity and elasticity. These properties were used to calculate mucus clearance indices. All patients completed the Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20). Recent sinus computed tomography (CT) scans were electronically reviewed and scored according to the Lund-McKay staging system. Results The mean dynamic elasticity and viscosity of sinus mucus at 1 Hz were 78.24 ± 103.4 Pa and 22.09 ± 29.62 Pa, respectively. The mean elasticity and viscosity values at 10 Hz were 118.9 ± 155.5 Pa and 32.36 ± 45.58 Pa, respectively. Three indices of disease severity (SNOT-20 score, Lund-McKay score, and nasal polyps) correlated with increased mucus viscoelasticity and/or worsened mucociliary clearance indices (MCIs). Conclusions This study establishes the range of rheological properties of sinonasal mucus in patients with CRS and suggests an association between disease severity and MCIs.