Recovery of Sense of Smell by Mepolizumab in a Patient with Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyposis

Mohamed       Abuzakouk; Omar       Ghorab; Safieeldin       Ghazala; Anastasios       Hantzakos

doi:10.2174/0250688202002022006

Abstract

Introduction: To date, there is no permanent medical treatment for nasal polyposis and loss of sense of smell. Mepolizumab is an anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of patients with eosinophilic asthma. It has been suggested that it is capable of improving olfactory dysfunction in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis.

Case: We present a 35-year-old Emirati male with progressively worsening rhinosinusitis, recurring nasal polyps and total loss of sense of smell. He was treated with oral steroids, normal saline nasal sprays and all available topical steroids without significant or permanent symptom relief. He was commenced on Mepolizumab, and upon receiving the 4th dose, he reported full recovery of his sense of smell.

Conclusion: Mepolizumab appears to be very effective in treating loss of sense of smell. Further studies should be conducted to assess the efficacy and effectiveness of Mepolizumab in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyposis and anosmia.

Keywords: Mepolizumab, Nasal polyps, Olfaction disorders, Sinusitis, Paranasal sinus diseases, Rhinosinusitis.