Ibuprofen therapy and nasal polyposis in cystic fibrosis patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects on nasal polyposis from high-dose ibuprofen therapy used in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary disease.

DESIGN: Retrospective case series.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Presence or absence of nasal polyps.

RESULTS: Twenty-two patients treated with high-dose ibuprofen therapy to benefit pulmonary function were identified from 235 patients with CF. Sinonasal disease was present in 19 patients, of whom 12 had nasal polyposis. All 12 patients had observed absence of nasal polyps at some point during their ibuprofen course. Nasal polyps were present in five patients during ibuprofen therapy, and all resolved with increased ibuprofen doses. Polyps occurred in six of eight patients after ibuprofen therapy ceased. Five of the 12 patients required endoscopic sinus surgery for polyposis.

CONCLUSION: High-dose ibuprofen therapy chronically administered at appropriate weight-based dosing is a possible treatment option for children and young adults with CF polyposis. More testing is indicated.