ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Mol. Biosci., 03 October 2023

Sec. Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics

Volume 10 - 2023 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2023.1258374

Molecular defects in primary ciliary dyskinesia are associated with agenesis of the frontal and sphenoid paranasal sinuses and chronic rhinosinusitis

  • 1. Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany

  • 2. Clinic for Radiology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany

  • 3. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany

Abstract

Background: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD; MIM 242650) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by malfunction of the motile cilia resulting in reduced mucociliary clearance of the airways. Together with recurring infections of the lower respiratory tract, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a hallmark symptom of PCD. Data on genotype–phenotype correlations in the upper airways are scarce.

Materials and methods: We investigated the prevalence, radiologic severity, and impact on health-related quality of life (HrQoL) of CRS in 58 individuals with genetically confirmed PCD. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the predicted ultrastructural phenotype based on genetic findings.

Results: Among 58 individuals harboring pathogenic variants in 22 distinct genes associated with PCD, all were diagnosed with CRS, and 47% underwent sinus surgery. A total of 36 individuals answered a German-adapted version of the 20-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20-GAV) with a mean score of 35.8 ± 17, indicating a remarkably reduced HrQoL. Paranasal sinus imaging of 36 individuals showed moderate-to-severe opacification with an elevated Lund–Mackay Score (LMS) of 10.2 ± 4.4. Bilateral agenesis of frontal sinus (19%) and sphenoid sinus (9.5%) was a frequent finding in individuals aged 16 years or older. Subgroup analysis for predicted ultrastructural phenotypes did not identify differences in HrQoL, extent of sinus opacification, or frequency of aplastic paranasal sinuses.

Conclusion: PCD is strongly associated with CRS. The high burden of disease is indicated by decreased HrQoL. Therefore, the upper airways of PCD individuals should be evaluated and managed by ear–nose–throat (ENT) specialists. Genetically determined PCD groups with predicted abnormal versus (near) normal ultrastructure did not differ in disease severity. Further studies are needed to gain evidence-based knowledge of the phenotype and management of upper airway manifestations in PCD. In addition, individuals with agenesis of the frontal and sphenoid paranasal sinuses and chronic respiratory symptoms should be considered for a diagnostic evaluation of PCD.

1 Introduction

Motile cilia have a highly ordered ultrastructure with a canonical 9 + 2 microtubule-based organization (). Multiple motile cilia lining the cell surface of different tissues beat in a coordinated slow backward and fast forward stroke in order to clean the airways. The upper airways also comprise the nose, paranasal sinuses, and middle ears. Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD; ORPHA:244) is a rare genetic disorder affecting the function of motile cilia (). This results in impaired mucociliary clearance and a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms and manifestations in various organ systems (; ). To date, pathogenic variants in more than 50 genes are related to PCD (). The severity and course of the disease differ based on the genotypes (). Some of these ciliary defects cause ultrastructural changes that are detectable by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), whereas others do not (). Therefore, the diagnostics of PCD are complex, and several tests, including measurement of nasal nitric oxide, high-speed video microscopy of vital ciliated epithelial cells (i.e., collected by nasal brushes), immunofluorescence analyses, TEM, and genetic analyses, are needed ().

There is no cure for PCD, and its management focuses on symptomatic treatment (). As good clinical evidence is missing, the management of PCD is often adopted to experiences in the more frequent and well-investigated respiratory disease cystic fibrosis (CF) (; ). Both diseases show an impaired mucociliary clearance leading to bacterial colonization, recurring/chronic infections, and progressive changes of the upper and lower airways (i.e., bronchiectasis) (). However, the pathophysiology is different, and some highly effective therapies in CF, such as inhalation of recombinant human dornase alfa, do not benefit individuals with PCD ().

The majority of individuals with PCD suffer from symptoms related to the paranasal sinuses, and half of these patients fulfil the formal criteria for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) (; ). Zawawi et al. demonstrated that nasal congestion (83%) and nasal discharge (77%) were the most frequent upper airway symptoms in a cohort of children with PCD and that sinonasal disease can lead to a decrease in health-related quality of life (). Pifferi et al. investigated the sense of smell in individuals with PCD and showed an inverse correlation between loss of smell and radiologic grading of CRS. In the cohort, sense of smell was reduced in PCD individuals with abnormal ciliary ultrastructure compared to PCD individuals with normal ultrastructure due to pathogenic variants in DNAH11 (). However, data on CRS in individuals with PCD remain limited, including detailed genotype–phenotype correlation.

In this study, we investigated the impact of CRS in a large cohort of individuals with genetically confirmed PCD on health-related quality of life (HrQoL), and we graded CRS severity based on radiologic imaging and the Lund–Mackay scoring system. We grouped PCD individuals based on genetic defects that are predicted to cause either (near) normal or abnormal ciliary ultrastructure for genotype–phenotype correlation.

2 Materials and methods

2.1 Study design and population

We performed prospective analyses of HrQoL and retrospective analyses of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of paranasal sinuses in individuals with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of PCD.

The study population included individuals from the PCD cohort of the University Hospital Muenster, Germany (https://pcdregistry.uni-muenster.de/), who were referred between 02/2011 and 09/2021 for PCD diagnostics. Only patients with genetically confirmed PCD and available paranasal sinus imaging and/or SNOT-20-GAV were included. Each participant or their legal guardian(s) gave written informed consent prior to participation. The study was approved by the local ethics committee of the Westphalian Wilhelms-University of Muenster (Muenster, Germany; AZ 2011-270-f-S). PCD diagnosis was confirmed following the ERS diagnostic guideline ().

Mutations in many different genes can cause PCD due to marked genetic heterogeneity. We divided the individuals into two groups depending on the mutated genes, as described previously (; ). One gene group predicted abnormal axonemal ultrastructure detectable by TEM. This group comprised i) outer dynein arm (ODA)-, ii) combined inner dynein arm (IDA)/ODA-, and iii) microtubular disorganization and IDA defects (). The other gene group predicted normal or near-normal ultrastructural phenotypes [referred to as (near) normal ultrastructure] of the respiratory ciliary axonemes (; ). Please refer to Table 1 for the different gene groups.

TABLE 1

IDAllele 1Allele 2Predicted ciliary ultrastructure
MutationProtein levelVar. ClassMutationProtein levelVar. Class(Near) normalAbnormal
1-15ZMYND10(NM_015896.4):c.47T>G(p.Val16Gly)5ZMYND10(NM_015896.4):c.47T>G(p.Val16Gly)5X
1-16ODAD1(NM_144577.4):c.742G>A(p.Ala248Thr)5ODAD1(NM_144577.4):c.742G>A(p.Ala248Thr)5X
1-18ZMYND10(NM_015896.4):c.47T>G(p.Val16Gly)5ZMYND10(NM_015896.4):c.490dup(p.Gln164ProfsTer19)4X
1-19DNAI1(NM_012144.4):c.48+2dup(p.?)5DNAI1(NM_012144.4):c.912C>G(p.Tyr304Ter)5X
1-25DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.2710G>T(p.Glu904Ter)5DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.2710G>T(p.Glu904Ter)5X
1-28DNAH11(NM_001277115.2):c.4333C>T(p.Arg1445Ter)5DNAH11(NM_001277115.2):c.4942C>T(p.Gln1648Ter)4X
1-32DNAI1(NM_012144.4):c.48+2dup(p.?)5DNAI1(NM_012144.4):c.1569G>A(p.Lys523 = )4X
1-39DNAH11(NM_001277115.2): c.12751_12756del(p.Val4251_ Lys4252del)5DNAH11(NM_001277115.2):c.852_854del(p.Arg285del)4X
1-47FOXJ1(NM_001454.4):c.868_871dup(p.Thr291LysfsTer12)5X
1-49DNAAF1(NM_178452.6):c.329dup(p.Asp110GlufsTer8)5DNAAF1(NM_178452.6):c.572T>G(p.Leu191Arg)5X
1-52CFAP300(NM_032930.3): c.198_200delTTTinsCC(p.Phe67ProfsTer10)5CFAP300(NM_032930.3): c.198_200delTTTinsCC(p.Phe67ProfsTer10)5X
1-57ZMYND10(NM_015896.4):c.47T>G(p.Val16Gly)5ZMYND10(NM_015896.4):c.47T>G(p.Val16Gly)5X
1-74HYDIN(NM_001270974.2):c.6140C>G(p.Ser2047Ter)5HYDIN(NM_001270974.2):c.6140C>G(p.Ser2047Ter)5X
1-77DNAAF6(NM_173494.2):400 kb deletion(p.?)5X
1-83DNAI1(NM_012144.4):c.48+2dup(p.?)5DNAI1(NM_012144.4):c.48+2dup(p.?)5X
1-91ODAD2(NM_018076.5):c.2976del(p.Asp993ThrfsTer14)4ODAD2(NM_018076.5):c.2976del(p.Asp993ThrfsTer14)4X
1-93ODAD1(NM_144577.4):c.226C>T(p.Gln76Ter)4ODAD1(NM_144577.4):c.226C>T(p.Gln76Ter)4X
1-96DNAH11(NM_001277115.2):c.8719C>T(p.Pro2907Ser)5DNAH11(NM_001277115.2):c.8719C>T(p.Pro2907Ser)5X
1-100ODAD2(NM_018076.5):c.2528dup(p.Leu843PhefsTer52)5ODAD2(NM_018076.5):c.2528dup(p.Leu843PhefsTer52)5X
1-106DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.5563dup(p.Ile1855AsnfsTer6)5DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.5066T>A(p.Leu1689Ter)5X
1-108HYDIN(NM_001270974.2):c.6140C>G(p.Ser2047Ter)5HYDIN(NM_001270974.2):c.6140C>G(p.Ser2047Ter)5X
1-109DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.10815del(p.Pro3606HisfsTer23)5DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.13486C>T(p.Arg4496Ter)5X
1-113CFAP300(NM_032930.3): c.198_200delTTTinsCC(p.Phe67ProfsTer10)5CFAP300(NM_032930.3):c.353A>G(p.Asp118Gly)4X
1-115DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.10815del(p.Pro3606HisfsTer23)5DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.10615C>T(p.Arg3539Cys)4X
1-116DNAAF1(NM_178452.6):c.871dup(p.Ala291GlyfsTer6)5DNAAF1(NM_178452.6):c.871dup(p.Ala291GlyfsTer6)5X
1-121RSPH4A(NM_001010892.3):c.1105G>C(p.Ala369Pro)5RSPH4A(NM_001010892.3):c.1105G>C(p.Ala369Pro)5X
1-123DNAI1(NM_012144.4):c.48+2dup(p.?)5DNAI1(NM_012144.4):c.180G>A(p.?)4X
1-128DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.5177T>C(p.Leu1726Pro)5DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.885dup(p.Lys296GlnfsTer3)5X
1-134CCDC39(NM_181426.2):c.610–2A>G(p.?)5CCDC39(NM_181426.2):c.610–2A>G(p.?)5X
1-135ZMYND10(NM_015896.4):c.47T>G(p.Val16Gly)5ZMYND10(NM_015896.4):c.47T>G(p.Val16Gly)5X
1-144DNAH11(NM_001277115.2):c.5506C>T(p.Arg1836Ter)4DNAH11(NM_001277115.2): c.13065_13067del(p.Leu4356del)4X
1-148RSPH1(NM_080860.4):c.680dup(p.Pro228AlafsTer15)5RSPH1(NM_080860.4):c.680dup(p.Pro228AlafsTer15)5X
1-151DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.10384C>T(p.Gln3462Ter)5DNAH5(NM_001369.3): Duplication Exon 54-70(p.?)5X
1-153CCDC40(NM_017950.4):c.248del(p.Ala83ValfsTer84)5CCDC40(NM_017950.4):c.248del(p.Ala83ValfsTer84)5X
1-154SPAG1(NM_172218.3):c.427–2A>G(p.?)4SPAG1(NM_172218.3):c.595 + 2T>G(p.?)4X
1-171DNAAF6(NM_173494.2):c.355C>T(p.Gln119Ter)5X
1-179DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.12705 + 1G>T(p.?)5DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.10615C>T(p.Arg3539Cys)4X
1-190DNAH11(NM_001277115.2): c.12597dup(p.Pro4200SerfsTer15)5DNAH11(NM_001277115.2): c.13420C>T(p.Gln4474Ter)4X
1-193DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.12279 + 1G>A(p.?)4DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.5177T>C(p.Leu1726Pro)5X
1-194RSPH4A(NM_001010892.3):c.1391G>A(p.Gly464Glu)4RSPH4A(NM_001010892.3):c.1391G>A(p.Gly464Glu)4X
1-205DNAH9(NM_001372.4):c.5106T>G(p.Tyr1702Ter)4DNAH9(NM_001372.4):c.9211_9214dup(p.Gly3072GlufsTer8)5X
1-207CCDC40(NM_017950.4):c.940-1G>C(p.?)5CCDC40(NM_017950.4):c.940-1G>C(p.?)5X
1-211CCDC40(NM_017950.4):c.2440C>T(p.Arg814Ter)5CCDC40(NM_017950.4):c.2440C>T(p.Arg814Ter)5X
1-214DNAH11(NM_001277115.2): c.11663G>A(p.Arg3888His)4DNAH11(NM_001277115.2): c.11663G>A(p.Arg3888His)4X
1-218DNAAF4(NM_130810.4):c.583del(p.Ile195Ter)5DNAAF4(NM_130810.4):c.583del(p.Ile195Ter)5X
1-220DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.1715T>G(p.Leu572Trp)4DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.5146C>T(p.Arg1716Trp)5X
1-221CCNO(NM_021147.5):c.926del(p.Pro309ArgfsTer18)5CCNO(NM_021147.5):c.926del(p.Pro309ArgfsTer18)5X
1-226DNAAF11(NM_012472.6):c.630del(p.Trp210CysfsTer12)5DNAAF11(NM_012472.6):c.630del(p.Trp210CysfsTer12)5X
1-228DNAAF4(NM_130810.4):c.583del(p.Ile195Ter)5DNAAF4(NM_130810.4):c.808C>T(p.Arg270Ter)5X
1-232DNAAF11(NM_012472.6):c.630del(p.Trp210CysfsTer12)5DNAAF11(NM_012472.6):c.630del(p.Trp210CysfsTer12)5X
1-233ODAD4(NM_001350319.2):c.245del(p.Lys82ArgfsTer29)5ODAD4(NM_001350319.2):c.397 + 1G>A(p.?)5X
1-238CCDC40(NM_017950.4):c.248del(p.Ala83ValfsTer84)5CCDC40(NM_017950.4):c.736_755dup(p.Ser252ArgfsTer43)4X
1-242ODAD1(NM_144577.4):c.742G>A(p.Ala248Thr)5ODAD1(NM_144577.4):c.742G>A(p.Ala248Thr)5X
1-255DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.2710G>T(p.Glu904Ter)5DNAH5(NM_001369.3):c.2710G>T(p.Glu904Ter)5X
1-258RSPH4A(NM_001010892.3): c.1963_1966del(p.Asp655IlefsTer83)4RSPH4A(NM_001010892.3): c.1963_1966del(p.Asp655IlefsTer83)4X
1-261DNAAF1(NM_178452.6):c.1349dup(p.Pro451AlafsTer6)5DNAAF1(NM_178452.6):c.1349dup(p.Pro451AlafsTer6)5X
1-265SPAG1(NM_172218.3): c.1282_1294del(p.Ala428ProfsTer17)5SPAG1(NM_172218.3):c.1282_1294del(p.Ala428ProfsTer17)5X
1-292SPEF2(NM_024867.4):c.910C>T(p.Arg304Ter)5SPEF2(NM_024867.4):c.2629del(p.Ile877PhefsTer6)4X

Genetic findings and predicted ultrastructure for each individual. Abbreviation: ID, Identification number; Var. class, Variant classification; 4 likely pathogenic, 5 pathogenic.

CRS was diagnosed in accordance with the EPOS guidelines (). Basic clinical information was collected from the International PCD registry (). HrQoL was evaluated by using the German-adapted 20 item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20-GAV) (), and radiologic staging of chronic rhinosinusitis was determined using Lund–Mackay scores (LMS) ().

2.2 Genetic analyses

Genetic diagnoses were established using regular gene testing including Sanger sequencing of PCD genes. In most cases, targeted PCD gene panels were used as previously described (; ). In a few cases, whole-exome sequencing was performed, and data were analyzed only for DNA variants in previously published PCD genes. Only individuals with pathogenic autosomal-recessive bi-allelic variants or a pathogenic heterozygous dominant or hemizygous X-linked variant were included. Segregation analysis was performed when parental DNA was available. All DNA variants were evaluated according to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP) (), and only pathogenic (class 5)/likely pathogenic variants (class 4) were included. The pathogenicity of genetic variants was determined as previously described using in silico calculation programs (e.g., Varsome) (; ). Gene nomenclature was used according to the current approved HGNC [human genome organization (HUGO); (https://www.genenames.org/)] ().

2.3 Imaging analyses

We analyzed available CT and MRI scans of the paranasal sinuses stored in the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) of the University Hospital Muenster. CT scans were assessed in bone windows in axial and coronal slices, while T1-and T2-weighted coronal and axial slices were analyzed from MRI scans as described previously (). MRI was acquired on different machines with a magnetic field strength of 1.5 or 3.0 Tesla, and spin-echo sequences were used. The slice thickness varied between 3 and 5 mm. Pneumatization of the paranasal sinuses is linked to age, especially of the frontal and sphenoid sinuses (). The most recent imaging was evaluated for statistical analyses.

Scans were evaluated for mucosal thickening and opacification of each of the sinuses and the ostiomeatal complex according to the Lund–Mackay scoring system (0 = no opacification/mucosal swelling; 1 = partial opacification; 2 = complete opacification). Ostiomeatal complexes were either scored as 0 (not obstructed) or 2 points (obstructed) (). Agenesis of sinuses was scored with 0 points. Single values were summed, leading to a score between 0 (indicating no opacification at all) and 24 (indicating full opacification of all scored sites). Scoring was performed independently and blinded by both a pediatrician (AS) and a rhinologist (AGB).

Agenesis of the frontal sinus was defined as the absence of supraorbital pneumatization of the frontal bone. Agenesis of the sphenoid sinus was defined as the absence of pneumatization of the sphenoid bone. Paranasal sinus agenesis was only evaluated in individuals aged 16 years or older.

2.4 Health-related quality of life

HrQoL was evaluated by using the SNOT-20-GAV, a validated and slightly adapted German translation of the SNOT-20 (; ). The questionnaire contains 20 items addressing upper airway and general symptoms. Compared to the SNOT-20, the SNOT-20-GAV replaces two items addressing night sleep with items addressing CRS symptoms (nasal congestion and reduced sense of smell) (). Subscores were calculated as suggested by . Individuals with PCD and of at least 18 years of age answered the questionnaire during routine consultations in the outpatient clinic between June 2017 and October 2020. SNOT-20-GAV scores were correlated with LMS, where paired data were available.

2.5 Statistics

Statistics were mainly calculated with Graphpad Prism 9.2.0 for Windows. Intraclass correlation (ICC), Fisher’s exact test, and chi-squared test were calculated using IBM SPSS Statistics version 28.0.1.0. For LMS and SNOT scores, Gaussian distribution was assumed, and unpaired t-test was calculated between ultrastructural groups and sex. Correlation between LMS, SNOT-20-GAV, and their subscores was evaluated by Pearson correlation. Concordance of Lund–Mackay Scores and sinus agenesis assessment was quantified using the intraclass correlation coefficient with a two-way mixed model for absolute agreement on average measures. Dependency of ciliary ultrastructure on agenesis of paranasal sinuses was analyzed by chi-squared test, and relative risks for paranasal sinus surgery between subgroups of predicted ultrastructure were evaluated by Fisher’s exact test. Scatterplots show each data point as individual points in the graph. The horizontal line and error bars indicate mean and standard deviation. The level of significance was determined as alpha = 0.05.

3 Results

3.1 Study cohort and genetic results

The cohort contained 58 individuals with genetically confirmed PCD. Disease-causing variants were identified in 22 different PCD genes. In most cases, these genetic variants were inherited in an autosomal recessive manner (55/58), but in two individuals a rare X-linked mutation in DNAAF6 and in one individual an autosomal dominant mutation in FOXJ1 were reported (Table 1). An overview of the detected genetic defects in this study cohort is summarized in Table 1. There were 26 male and 32 female individuals included. The mean age of the study cohort was 30.9 years (±14.5 SD, range 5–65 years) (Table 2). We characterized the cohort according to the predicted ciliary ultrastructure as indicated by genetic defect. In all, 42 individuals were classified into the group with predicted abnormal ultrastructure (72%), including individuals with pathogenic variants in CCDC39 (n = 1), CCDC40 (n = 4), CFAP300 (n = 2), DNAAF1 (n = 3), DNAAF4 (n = 2), DNAAF 6 (n = 2), DNAAF11 (n = 2), DNAH5 (n = 10), DNAI1 (n = 4), ODAD1 (n = 3), ODAD2 (n = 2), ODAD4 (n = 1), SPAG1 (n = 2), and ZMYND10 (n = 4). Meanwhile, 16 individuals were classified into the subgroup with predicted (near) normal ultrastructure (28%), including individuals with pathogenic variants in CCNO (n = 1), DNAH11 (n = 6), DNAH9 (n = 1), FOXJ1 (n = 1), HYDIN (n = 2), RSPH1 (n = 1), RSPH4A (n = 3), and SPEF2 (n = 1) (Table1). All individuals in this cohort suffered from chronic rhinosinusitis (100%). Moreover, 27 individuals (47%) underwent sinus surgery at least once, 7 of whom underwent multiple surgeries (26%) (Table 2). There was no difference in relative risk for paranasal sinus surgery between the groups of predicted abnormal compared to predicted (near) normal ultrastructure (relative risk 0.77; p = 0.392).

TABLE 2

CharacteristicsPCD individuals n = 58Sinus imaging n = 36, CT = 25, MRI = 11SNOT n = 36
Sex (m:f)26:3214:2214:22
Age in years30.9 ± 14.5 (5—65)24.3 ± 10,2 (5–48)36.6 ± 13.7 (20—65)
Age on imaging/SNOT18.9 ± 9.2 (4—43)31.7 ± 13.2 (18—63)
Predicted ciliary ultrastructure (near) normal:abnormal)16:429:2712:24
Chronic rhinosinusitis [(near) normal:abnormal)]58 (100%) [16:42]36 (100%) [9:27]36 (100%) [12:24]
Paranasal sinus surgery [(near) normal:abnormal)]27 (47%) [9:18]18 (50%) [5:13]16 (44%) [5:11]
Resurgery [(near) normal:abnormal)]7/27 (26%) [3:4]5/18 (28%) [3:2]4/15 (25%) [1:3]

Clinical characteristics of the PCD cohort Shown are ratios, mean ± standard deviation (minimum—maximum), and counts (percentages). Abbreviations: PCD, primary ciliary dyskinesia; CT, computed tomography; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; SNOT, sino-nasal outcome test; m, male; f, female.

3.2 Imaging findings

Paranasal sinus CT (n = 25) and MRI (n = 11) scans were available from 36 individuals. The mean age at the time of imaging was 18.9 ± 9.2 years (range 4—43). When comparing CT and MRI scans in this cohort, there was no difference in LMS between these groups (CT 10.4 ± 4.3, MRI 9.9 ± 3.6, p = 0.74).

The amount of opacification was graded (0 = no opacification, 1 = partial opacification, 2 = complete opacification) from imaging for each paranasal sinus and ostiomeatal complex on each side (12 sites) according to the Lund–Mackay score (). The mean LMS was 10.3 ± 4.0, indicating moderate-to-severe opacification (Figure 1). There was no significant difference in radiologic grading (p = 0.98) between the PCD subgroups with predicted (near) normal and abnormal ultrastructure (Figure 1F) and between sexes (p = 0.71, Figure 2A).

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2

Analysis of individuals aged 16 years or older (Figure 3) demonstrated a high prevalence of bilateral agenesis of the frontal (4/21, 19%) and sphenoid sinuses (2/21, 9.5%). Genetic defects resulting in agenesis of the frontal (CCNO, DNAAF1, DNAH11, and HYDIN) and sphenoid (HYDIN and CCDC40) sinuses comprise genetic defects that are predicted to result in both PCD with (near) normal and abnormal ultrastructure.

FIGURE 3

3.3 Quality of life assessment

HrQoL was assessed with the standardized questionnaire SNOT-20-GAV that was answered by a total of 36 patients during routine visits at outpatient clinics. The mean SNOT-20-GAV was 35.8 ± 17 (Figure 4). This indicates a substantial reduction in HrQoL. Subscores were highest for primary nasal symptoms (44 ± 19), followed by secondary rhinogenic symptoms (33.4 ± 17.6) and general items concerning quality of life (32.7 ± 19.8). Cough, congested nose breathing, runny nose, were the complaints with the highest scores (mean 2.6—3.2) in SNOT-20-GAV. Ear pain, dizziness, facial pain/pressure, and sneezing were the least common (mean 0.66–0.83). HrQoL showed a slight tendency toward a reduced HrQoL in female individuals (mean SNOT-20-GAV ±SD 39.4 ± 3.8) compared to male individuals (mean SNOT-20-GAV ±SD 30 ± 12.3), but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.11, Figure 2B). The correlation between LMS and SNOT-20-GAV (Pearson r = 0.35) was weak and did not reach statistical significance. There was no significant difference HrQoL (p = 0.93) between the predicted (near) normal and abnormal ultrastructure groups (Figure 4).

FIGURE 4

4 Discussion

Reports on CRS in individuals with PCD are scarce. Here, we investigated the clinical phenotype of the upper airways with a focus on the paranasal sinuses in a large cohort of 58 individuals with genetically confirmed PCD. Our cohort comprised PCD individuals with disease-causing variants in 22 different genes illustrating the high genetic heterogeneity of PCD (; ). We investigated the impact of CRS based on radiologic imaging and the Lund–Mackay scoring system (LMS) and health-related quality of life (HrQoL) to grade CRS severity.

In this study, we decided not to modify LMS for the absence of sinuses compared to other investigations (; ). The modification would increase the total scores in case of sinus aplasia, implicating a higher disease severity. However, aplastic sinuses cannot become inflamed, and a modification of LMS would therefore distort the results. In addition, available sinus imaging showed a moderate-to-severe grade of opacification of sinuses, as indicated by a mean LMS of 10.3. An LMS of four or higher in adolescents and five or higher in children is considered pathologic and highly predictive for the diagnosis of CRS if applied using a CT scan (). Our cohort was evaluated by both CT and MRI. Based on previous literature, Lund–Mackay scores based on MRI scans do not overestimate sinus opacification (). This is supported by our findings. When comparing CT and MRI scans in this cohort, there was no difference in LMS between these groups (CT 10.4 ± 4.3, MRI 9.9 ± 3.6, p = 0.74). Thus, MRI can be used for future studies in order to reduce the radiation exposure.

The pneumatization of paranasal sinuses develops during adolescence () and is therefore strictly related to the age of individuals. Hence, we investigated paranasal sinus aplasia only in individuals aged 16 years or older. Increased frequency of aplasia of frontal and sphenoid sinus in PCD was also reported previously (; ; ). In our study, the frontal sinus was bilaterally aplastic in 19% of individuals (16 years of age or older), and the sphenoid sinus was aplastic in 9.5% of this cohort. This is more frequent than in the general European population, in whom frontal sinus aplasia occurs in only 5% of individuals (). We demonstrate that frontal sinus aplasia can occur in different genotypes without being prevalent in distinct genotypes or subgroups. The sample size of the subgroups for individual genes was too small for statistical analysis. Further studies with larger samples are needed to uncover potential genotype–phenotype correlations.

Sinus aplasia is not unique to PCD as individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) suffering from reduced mucociliary clearance, due to abnormally viscous mucus, show a high prevalence as well (; ; ; ). Thus, our data indicate that clinicians who examine patients with severe CRS and underdeveloped paranasal sinuses should consider a disease with reduced mucociliary clearance and, accordingly, refer them to a center specialized in CF and PCD diagnostics, especially when chronic respiratory symptoms are present.

CRS had a strong clinical impact in our cohort as at least 47% of the individuals with PCD underwent sinus surgery once or multiple times (Table 2). This rate might even be underestimated due to recall bias as many adult participants were included who primarily reported pulmonary symptoms. To reduce this bias, we analyzed the imaging for signs of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). We found seven additional individuals exhibiting signs of FESS who were not reported in electronic health records. Thus, the majority of the individuals with PCD underwent sinus surgery.

The CRS-related QoL was strongly reduced, as indicated by the mean SNOT-20-GAV score of 35. This is considerably higher than the impact of CRS in the healthy general population (a SNOT-20-GAV of 13 is expected) () but comparable to the impact of CRS in individuals with CF (mean SNOT-22 of >30) (; ) and the impact of primary CRS (). Interestingly, some individuals reached even less than 5 points in the questionnaire, emphasizing the broad spectrum of disease severity. For CRS, it has been previously reported that female people show a significant reduction in HrQoL (). Therefore, we analyzed our HrQoL-Data for sex-specific differences. We could not show any significant sex-specific differences. However, there was a tendency toward reduced HrQoL in female PCD individuals. Therefore, future studies with larger patient cohorts should address this question again.

We also consider certain limitations to this study. First, HrQoL was evaluated with SNOT-20-GAV rather than the highly regarded SNOT 22 (; ). At the time of the initiation of this investigation, SNOT-20-GAV was the only available validated German translation (; ). Due to the recent implementation of SNOT-22 in German (), we aim to use a comparable questionnaire for future meta-analyses.

Here, we further evaluated the upper airway symptoms in the genetically defined PCD cohort by grouping PCD individuals based on genetic defects that are predicted to cause either (near) normal (28%) or abnormal (72%) ciliary ultrastructure. Previous studies have shown that there are differences in diagnostic and clinical findings between PCD with abnormal and PCD with (near) normal ultrastructure (; ). Previously, we have shown that PCD individuals with (near) normal ultrastructure have a higher nasal NO production rate, more residual ciliary activity, and lower frequency of laterality defects (; ). We therefore studied if there are also differences regarding upper airway disease.

Interestingly, our analyses did not find evidence for differences in the CRS disease severity among those PCD subgroups because the HrQoL and LMS scores did not differ significantly (Figures 1, 3). Further subgroup analyses were not performed because of the marked genetic heterogeneity present in our PCD cohort (22 different PCD genes were affected).

Because of the high disease burden of CRS in PCD individuals and the frequent paranasal sinus surgeries, our findings strongly support that PCD individuals should be followed by ENT specialists on a regular basis. Current therapy mainly focuses on secretion management by nasal rinsing, nasal inhalation of hypertonic saline solution, and topical steroids (; ). Although FESS in PCD individuals showed a positive effect on HrQoL in a small clinical trial with 24 PCD individuals (), the rates of recurrence and re-intervention are high, as indicated by this investigation. Therefore, surgical interventions should be considered individually based on patient history, physical examination, and reduction of HrQoL (; ).

In summary, this is the first study to investigate the disease burden of upper airways in a genetically defined cohort of PCD individuals (n = 58). As demonstrated by the summary of affected genes in Table 1, a challenge in current PCD investigations is the broad spectrum of different affected genes () resulting in small subgroups for further genotype–phenotype correlations. Therefore, international collaborative efforts such as the ERNLUNG PCD study group aim to collect ENT data in a systematic way using the international PCD registry ().

Statements

Data availability statement

The raw data supporting the conclusion of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.

Ethics statement

The studies involving humans were approved by the Ethics committee of the Westphalian Wilhelms-University of Muenster. The studies were conducted in accordance with the local legislation and institutional requirements. Written informed consent for participation in this study was provided by the participants’ legal guardians/next of kin.

Author contributions

AS: Conceptualization, Investigation, Project administration, Visualization, Writing–original draft. JR: Data curation, Investigation, Writing–original draft, Funding acquisition, Supervision. AG: Data curation, Investigation, Methodology, Writing–review and editing. MB: Investigation, Supervision, Writing–review and editing. AB: Conceptualization, Investigation, Supervision, Writing–original draft, Writing–review and editing. HO: Conceptualization, Funding acquisition, Methodology, Project administration, Supervision, Writing–original draft, Writing–review and editing.

Funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by grants from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft {DFG OM6/7, OM6/8, OM6/10, OM6/14, CRU 326 [subprojects OM6/11 (HO), RA3522/1-1 (JR)], OL 450/1 (HO), the Interdisziplinaeres Zentrum fuer Klinische Forschung Muenster (Om2/009/12, Om2/015/16, OM2/010/20), and Registry Warehouse (Horizon2020 GA 777295)}.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the individuals with primary ciliary dyskinesia and their families for participating in our studies and especially acknowledge the German patient support group “Kartagener Syndrom und Primaere Ciliaere Dyskinesie e. V.”. The authors thank the study nurses S. Helms and M. Tekaat for their support and excellent organizational assistance. They also thank G. W. Dougherty for editing the manuscript and Heike Olbrich for analyzing the genetic reports. The Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Muenster, Germany, is a healthcare provider in the European Reference Network ERN-LUNG.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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Summary

Keywords

ciliopathy, PCD, genotype phenotype correlation, sinusitis, health related quality of life

Citation

Schramm A, Raidt J, Gross A, Böhmer M, Beule AG and Omran H (2023) Molecular defects in primary ciliary dyskinesia are associated with agenesis of the frontal and sphenoid paranasal sinuses and chronic rhinosinusitis. Front. Mol. Biosci. 10:1258374. doi: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1258374

Received

13 July 2023

Accepted

15 September 2023

Published

03 October 2023

Volume

10 - 2023

Edited by

Sara Carvalhal, University of Algarve, Portugal

Reviewed by

Leah Reznikov, University of Florida, United States

Neeraj Sharma, Johns Hopkins University, United States

Updates

Copyright

*Correspondence: Heymut Omran,

† These authors have contributed equally to this work and share first authorship

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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