Improved outcomes after low-concentration hypochlorous acid nasal irrigation in pediatric chronic sinusitis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of low-concentration hypochlorous acid (HOCl) nasal irrigation compared to isotonic normal saline for pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis. STUDY DESIGN: This was a randomized, prospective, active-controlled study. METHODS: This study investigated the effectiveness of 4 weeks of low-concentration hypochlorous irrigation by analyzing five categorized subjective symptoms and x-ray findings in pediatric patients with rhinosinusitis. Thirty-seven patients were enrolled, and 26 patients successfully completed the study. RESULTS: Total symptom scores significantly improved with both HOCl and normal saline nasal irrigation, but there was no difference between the two groups. X-ray scores also improved in both groups; improvement was much greater in the HOCl group than the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal irrigation with HOCl is an effective adjuvant treatment compared to isotonic normal saline for pediatric sinusitis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b.