Controlled clinical trials in adult populations evaluating intranasal steroids for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis, with or without sinonasal polyps (SNP), that provided a specific definition of CRS, were eligible for inclusion. Studies of systemic steroids, depo-steroids or other medications were excluded, as were studies in patients with other airway diseases, perioperative patients or patients with acute or recurring sinusitis.
All the included studies evaluated CRS with SNP. The INSs evaluated were mometasone, budesonide or fluticasone; formulations and doses varied across studies. Outcomes evaluated included change in polyp size, nasal congestion, inspiratory flow measures and other nasal symptoms.
Two reviewers independently assessed the studies for inclusion in the review and disagreements were resolved by consensus.