Patterns of Complications of Rhinosinusitis in Sokoto Nigeria

Background: Local or distant spread of paranasal sinus infection can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Aim:The aim of this study is for audit intent and to determine the patterns of the complications of rhinosinusitis and the management of the complications. Method:A 10-year retrospective chart review of patients who had complications from rhinosinusitis at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, from January 2008 to December 2017. The data extracted were biodata, duration of symptoms, site of paranasal sinus involvement, acute or chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinosinusitis, non-allergic rhinosinusitis, radiological investigations, complications encountered, treatment given and outcome of treatment. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS version 21.0. Results:The prevalence of the complication of rhinosinusitis in this study was 6.4%. The mean age was 30.9 years and the age range was 9-77 years. There were 31 (47.7%) Males and 34 (52.3%) Females with a Male: Female ratio of 1:1.1. The complications were most common in children and young adults. Non-allergic rhinosinusitis comprised 46 (70.8%) and allergic rhinosinusitis accounted for 19 (29.2%). Computerized tomographic scan of the paranasal sinuses and brain were done for 49 (75.4%) patients and plain X-rays for 16 (24.6) patients. Complications occurred predominantly in chronic rhinosinusitis, which constituted 64 (98.5%) whereas acute rhinosinusitis was responsible for complication in only one patient. The observed complications were most common with multisinusitis 35 (53.8%). Surgical intervention was mainly invasive paranasal sinus surgeries and few functional endoscopic sinus surgeries. Overall, the patients responded well to medical and invasive surgical intervention. Conclusion:The complications were predominant in chronic multisinusitis and occurred exclusively in children and young adults. Paranasal sinus wall and cavity complications were most common. Provision of low cost functional endoscopic sinus surgery is desirable, and it will reduce the number of open and invasive paranasal sinus surgeries.