Objective Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) is prevalent worldwide, but regional variations in disease endotypes have been described. The Gulf region is unique in genetic background and environmental conditions, potentially influencing disease characteristics. This study aimed to compare phenotypic traits and serum biomarkers associated with type 2 disease between CRSwNP patients in the Gulf and Canada. Study design A retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary center in Dubai, comparing newly diagnosed CRSwNP patients from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), representative of the UAE, with two Canadian cohorts: severe chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients, (Genetics of Chronic Rhinosinusitis 1 (GCRS1)) and CRSwNP patients (Genetics of Chronic Rhinosinusitis 2 (GCRS2)). Methods Serum eosinophilia, white blood cell (WBC), and immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were analyzed to identify potential differences or similarities between the populations. Results Serum eosinophil counts and the percentage of subjects with high serum eosinophilia values (≥300 cells/µL) were similar across the UAE and Canadian groups. However, total serum IgE levels were higher in the UAE cohort, while reported allergy rates were significantly lower compared to the Canadian groups. Type 2 comorbidities were more frequently reported in the Canadian cohorts, potentially reflecting differences in diagnostic practices or patient reporting. Conclusion Despite environmental and population differences, the immunological profile of CRSwNP disease in the Gulf region closely mirrors that in North America, suggesting that management strategies developed and used in Western countries are applicable in the Gulf. Eosinophil screening in CRSwNP patients remains valuable to detect elevated levels, potentially indicative of vasculitis.
Al‐Fraihat et al. (Tue,) studied this question.