Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Treatment of Nasal Polyposis
Attia TM
Published in American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy, Vol. 34 (1), pp. 43-49
Methodology
Single-blind randomised controlled trial in adults with grade II nasal polyposis. After a short course of systemic steroids until the polyps subsided, patients were split evenly between budesonide nasal spray plus 3 g/day of omega-3 fatty acids and budesonide spray alone, then compared for the incidence, grade and timing of polyp recurrence.
Key Findings
Omega-3 did not significantly change the incidence of polyp recurrence (P = .1) or the grade of recurrent polyps (P = .66), but significantly delayed the onset of recurrence (P < .0001).
Conclusions
The author concluded that omega-3 delays nasal polyp recurrence, may reduce reliance on systemic steroids, and should be considered when tailoring maintenance treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
Limitations
Single-blind with no placebo capsule; single author; the recurrence-rate and recurrence-grade outcomes were not significant; the abstract does not report EPA and DHA content, follow-up length or symptom scores.
Supplements Studied
a highly significant effect on delaying the incidence of recurrence of polyposis
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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