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

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.