Does idiopathic nasal polyposis exist in children?

Nasal polyposis, a rare disease in childhood, can present itself as an idio pathic disease. The aim of this study was to describe some of the clinical features of idiopathic nasal polyposis in children and to emphasize this co ndition as a specific clinical entity. Population and methods, - The study was based on a retrospective analysis o f 26 cases of idiopathic nasal polyposis that were studied to our departmen t between 1979 and 1996 In addition, a questionnaire was sent to parents of which 20 were returned completed. Results. - The clinical characteristics of idiopathic nasal polyposis in ch ildren (11 males and nine females; median: 12 years; range: 8-15 years) wer e very similar to those observed in adults (median: 50 years), in particula r the relation to asthma (ten of 20 cases) and aspirin intolerance (two Fer nand-Widal syndromes of 20 cases). Recurrent ENT infections during the matu ring period of the immunological system (0-7 years) did not seem to play a role. There appeared, however, to be a strong genetic component as half of our cases had a family history of nasal polyposis and/or asthma. Discussion, - Idiopathic nasal polyposis should be recognized as an entity among nasal polyps in childhood. Management of idiopathic and secondary nas al polyposis is however different. Although the pathogenesis of nasal polyp osis is not well understood the study of this disease in children leads one to suspect a genetic transmission (C) 1999 Elsevier, Paris.