Evaluation of vitamin D levels in allergic fungal sinusitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis

Background Vitamin D 3 (VD 3 ) levels have been recently found to be responsible for a number of immunological, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐infectious roles. Some studies reported that some forms of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS), occurs more commonly in patients who are more susceptible to VD 3 deficiency. The aim of this work was to measure VD 3 levels in patients with AFRS and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods We report a prospective case control study conducted at Ain Shams University. It included 74 participants divided into 4 groups: group A, 25 patients with AFRS; group B, 15 patients with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP); group C: 15 patients with CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP); and group D, 19 controls. Results There was a statistically significant ( p < 0.001) difference of VD 3 between groups A and B compared with groups C and D. There were no statistically significant differences between the 4 groups regard calcium levels. Finally, there was a statistically significant difference in phosphate levels when we compared groups A and B with groups C and D ( p = 0.001). Conclusion Serum level of VD 3 in patient with CRSwNP and AFRS is significantly lower than that of patients with CRSsNP and control subjects. Although these results do not imply a specific etiological or therapeutic relationship, VD 3 levels may constitute an inexpensive prophylactic and cost‐effective option in the therapeutic armamentarium in the control of AFRS and CRSwNP, either by itself or as a synergistic agent with traditional agents.