Abstract:
Introduction. Hypertrophic chronic rhinitis in children is frequently associated with inferior turbinate
enlargement, leading to persistent nasal obstruction, sleep disturbances, and reduced quality of life.
Surgical reduction techniques such as laser diode and bipolar cauterization are widely used; however,
postoperative inflammation and delayed mucosal recovery remain clinical challenges. Cell-based
regenerative approaches may enhance tissue repair and functional restoration. The aim of this study
was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of postoperative autologous mononuclear cell therapy in
children undergoing inferior turbinate reduction.
Materials and methods. A prospective comparative study included 40 children aged 7–17 years
diagnosed with hypertrophic chronic rhinitis. Patients were allocated into four parallel groups (n=10
each): laser diode (LD), laser diode plus cell therapy (LD+CT), bipolar cauterization (CB), and bipolar
cauterization plus cell therapy (CB+CT). Autologous mononuclear cells were obtained from peripheral
blood and administered locally in the early postoperative period under endoscopic guidance. Patients
were followed for 24 months. Primary outcomes included symptom severity (NOSE score),
rhinomanometric nasal resistance, and endoscopic evaluation of edema and crusting. Secondary
outcomes included acoustic rhinometry parameters, complications, and recurrence rate. Statistical
analysis involved repeated-measures models and intergroup comparisons with p<0.05 considered
significant.
Results. All groups demonstrated postoperative improvement; however, patients receiving adjunctive
cell therapy showed significantly greater and sustained symptom reduction. At 24 months, mean NOSE
scores decreased from 73 to 14 in the LD+CT group compared with 30 in LD alone and 36 in CB.
Rhinomanometric resistance showed greater reduction in LD+CT (0.45 to 0.20 Pa/cm³/s) compared to
non-cell therapy groups. Postoperative inflammatory signs and recurrence rates were lower in both cell
therapy groups, with the most favorable outcomes observed in the laser diode plus cell therapy
combination.
Conclusions. Postoperative autologous mononuclear cell therapy enhances mucosal recovery, reduces
inflammation, and improves long-term functional outcomes in pediatric hypertrophic rhinitis. The
combination of laser diode surgery and cell therapy demonstrated the best clinical profile over 24
months, supporting further development of regenerative strategies in rhinologic surgery.
