Autologous fibrin sealant co-delivered with antibiotics is a robust method for topical antibiotic treatment after sinus surgery

BACKGROUND: Most patients with cystic fibrosis have the risk of pathogenic bacteria being exchanged between their sinuses and lungs.

AIMS: A method for topical application of antibiotics where the antibiotics persist for a long period of time is needed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten patients with cystic fibrosis and bacterial sinusitis were included. Autologous platelet rich fibrin was mixed with an antibiotic solution and sprayed onto the mucosa at the end of an endoscopic sinus surgery; Colistin, a Ciprofloxacin-Colistin combination or Tobramycin was used. The antibiotic concentration was measured in the sinonasal mucus four, seven and 13 days after surgery.

RESULTS: Nine patients had Pseudomonas aeruginosa in their nose/sinuses at the time of surgery; in eight of these P. aeruginosa was not detected by culture at the final visit. In the majority of the ten included patients the antibiotics were continuously released for more than 7 days. No severe side effects were seen.

CONCLUSIONS: Autologous platelet rich fibrin co-delivered with antibiotics is a feasible method for topical antibiotic treatment in supplementary to sinus surgery.

SIGNIFICANCE: We expect that this treatment is successful for eradication of sinonasal bacterial infections in immunosuppressed patients suffering from recalcitrant sinus infections. The efficacy should be evaluated in randomized controlled trials.