The most striking feature in these NPs was the presence of neutrophils in 4 of 10 samples — something that we almost never observe in idiopathic NPs of non-CF patients. The presence of neutrophils likely reflects trafficking of the cells in response to chemotactic stimuli different from those found in the NPs of non-CF patients. The distinguishing feature of CF lower airway disease is the almost universal colonization with bacteria — typically, gram-negative organisms. Although this is not the focus of the present study, it is reasonable to argue that CF similarly predisposes patients to colonization of the sinuses with bacteria and biofilm formation. Neutrophilia would then reflect the migration of these cells from the vasculature in response to this process. A role for PMNs is further supported by our studies regarding granulocyte biomarker expression in sinus secretions. As sinus secretions were obtained during routine clinic visits and not as a part of the polypectomy, we cannot directly correlate expression of mediators in mucus samples with polyp histology. Despite this caveat, as with the NPs, markedly elevated concentrations of myeloperoxidase were seen in half of these specimens, and again, this is something not routinely observed in non-CF chronic sinus disease. Van Zele et al found elevated levels of myeloperoxidase (as well as CXCL8 [IL-8]) in CF-derived sinus secretions, also pointing to a prominent role for PMNs. Even more impressive were our extracellular DNA concentrations, which were elevated in all of the CF specimens and to an extent higher than those we have observed in non-CF disease. Extracellular DNA is primarily derived from granulocytes, secreted as a component of neutrophils and eosinophils (mitochondrial-derived and nuclear-derived DNA nets, respectively) as part of their antibacterial response., In addition, extracellular DNA reflects cellular necrosis and the presence of inhibitors of phagocytosis of apoptotic bodies. These striking elevations in DNA content contribute to the viscosity of secretions and the inability to clear them (even with surgery and postsurgical irrigations) and will thereby contribute to the infection-remodeling-infection process. Elevations in DNA content are also consistent with reports that in attempts to reduce viscosity in the lung, CF secretions respond best to DNase.- This approach is being tested as a therapeutic option following sinus surgery. Administration of dornase alpha between 4 weeks and 12 months after surgery was associated with improved nasal symptoms and rhinoscopic findings. A recent double-blind placebo-controlled study found that dornase alpha improved quality-of-life outcome measures in subjects who had previously undergone sinus surgery., If surgery is required, patients report that it greatly improves headaches, congestion, and runny nose. One study found that people with CF had fewer hospital stays in the first six months after sinus surgery. 4 Some researchers believe that cystic fibrosis-related nasal polyps are different from nasal polyps caused by other health conditions. 5, Nasal polyps frequently appear in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The aims of this study were to focus on what problems (symptoms, endoscopic findings, and laboratory correlates) nasal polyps cause the CF patient, and how these correlate to the total health situation of this patient group..