Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared topically administered corticosteroids (at any dosage) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps, compared with placebo or alternative topically administered corticosteroids, were eligible for inclusion. Trials using co-interventions including oral steroids, antihistamines, decongestants, antibiotics and/or surgery were eligible.
The primary outcome of interest was overall improvement in symptoms and signs as defined by study authors. Secondary outcomes included combined or individual symptom scores, nasal resistance, radiological findings, endoscopic findings, and adverse effects.
The drugs evaluated (fluticasone, budesonide, beclomethasone, dexamethasone and tixocortol) and co-interventions (antibiotics, systemic steroids, surgery and other interventions) varied between the trials. The trial duration ranged from 1.6 to 52 weeks. Three trials included some patients with nasal polyps; two of these did not report separate data for those with and without polyps. Outcomes assessed and definition of response to treatment varied between trials.
Two reviewers independently selected the eligible studies.