The Presence and Severity of Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy in Patients with Hypertrophic Scars

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the presence and severity of inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) in patients with hypertrophic scars (HTS). Methods This case-control study was conducted with patients diagnosed with HTS during dermatologic examination and a control group without HTS. An otolaryngologist evaluated the presence and severity of inferior turbinate hypertrophy by anterior rhinoscopy. Results ITH was more common in patients with HTS compared to the control group (64%, and 34%, respectively) (p=0.014). In the HTS group, 48% of patients had grade 2, and 16% had grade 3 ITH; in the control group, 24% had grade 2, and 10% had grade 3 ITH (p=0.046). Also, ITH was higher in patients who complained of pruritus or pain (83%, and 80%, respectively) in the HTS than in asymptomatic HTS patients (p=0.020). Conclusion A higher number of patients with HTS had ITH compared to the control group, especially those who reported pruritus or pain associated with scar. Given the limited understanding of the full pathogenesis and treatment of HTS and ITH, their association potentially provides new insights into these related conditions.