Efficacy of Long-Term Low Dose Macrolide Therapy in Preventing Early Recurrence of Nasal Polyps After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of long-term, low-dose clarithromycin (250 mg/day) in reducing symptoms, improving endoscopic and radiologic scores, and preventing early recurrence of nasal polyps after endoscopic sinus surgery. Conducted at the ENT Department of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, the study included patients aged 15-75 undergoing surgery for nasal polyps. Group A received clarithromycin for three months in addition to standard therapy, while Group B received standard therapy alone. Patients treated with clarithromycin showed significantly greater improvements in SNOT, Lund-Kennedy, and Lund-Mackay scores at 8 and 12 weeks compared to controls (p<0.05). Polyp recurrence at three months was also lower in the macrolide group (12%) than in the non-macrolide group (32%).

Overall, low-dose clarithromycin was found to be safe and effective in enhancing postoperative outcomes and reducing early recurrence of nasal polyps after endoscopic sinus surgery.