Actively Recruiting
Upper Airway Inflammation and Olfaction: Mechanisms of Loss and Recovery
Led by Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain · Updated on 2026-04-27
140
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how olfactory dysfunction (OD) develops in people with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). They want to understand if type 2 inflammation affects the regeneration of the olfactory epithelium, which may lead to loss of smell. The study also evaluates whether treatments targeting a major type 2 inflammatory cytokine can influence the mechanisms behind this smell loss. Participants with chronic rhinosinusitis will undergo smell testing using the Sniffin' Sticks Test and nasal brushing of the olfactory cleft before and after 3 months of treatment. These procedures help researchers study the olfactory epithelium and its function. The study includes one group of patients who receive this evaluation. During the study, participants will have genetic profiling through single-cell RNA sequencing and functional assessments of the olfactory epithelium over about 2 years. Researchers will track changes before and after treatment to understand recovery mechanisms. The total participation involves initial testing, treatment monitoring, and follow-up evaluations to assess olfactory function and tissue characteristics.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Upper Airway Inflammation and Olfaction: Mechanisms of Loss and Recovery
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 18 to 70 years
- At least two symptoms of nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, smell loss, or facial pain lasting 12 weeks
- Visual confirmation of bilateral sinonasal polyps via endoscopy
- Smell test score (SSI TDI) below 30.75 with subjective decrease in smell
- Blood eosinophil count over 300/µl
- Stable nasal steroid treatment for at least 4 weeks
You will not qualify if you...
- Active smoking
- Primary or secondary immune deficiencies
- Ciliary diseases such as cystic fibrosis or primary ciliary dyskinesia
- History or current nasal malignancies
- Age under 18 or over 70 years
- Unable to give consent
- Use of systemic corticosteroids or antibiotics within 4 weeks before initial visit
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 2 years
Participants will undergo smell testing and nasal brushing of the olfactory cleft to study upper airway inflammation and olfaction.
Visits scheduled as needed for sample collection and smell testing
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc
Brussels, Belgium, 1200
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
V
Valérie Hox, MD, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
1
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