Francesca Pirola

Dr. Francesca Pirola

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

8Years (2019-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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5 February 2023 in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
CSClaudio Sampieri
Claudio Sampieri
FPFrancesca Pirola
Francesca Pirola
ACAndrea Costantino
Andrea Costantino
DKDa Hee Kim
Da Hee Kim
JHJung J. Ho
Jung J. Ho
SKSe‐Heon Kim
Se‐Heon Kim

6 October 2022 in The Laryngoscope
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
FPFrancesca Pirola
Francesca Pirola
GPGian Marco Pace
Gian Marco Pace
FGFrancesco Giombi
Francesco Giombi
EHEnrico Heffler
Enrico Heffler
GPGiovanni Paoletti
Giovanni Paoletti
LMLuca Malvezzi
Luca Malvezzi
Objective: The reboot approach could be an effective treatment option to lower recurrence rates (RRs) in recalcitrant Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP). The purpose of this study was to investigate RR, recurrence‐free survival (RFS), quality of life (QoL) improvement, and oral corticosteroid (OCS) intake in pluri‐operated CRSwNP patients treated with partial reboot surgery.Methods: A consecutive sample of patients with recalcitrant CRSwNP, ineligible for monoclonal antibodies, underwent partial reboot surgery. The 22‐item SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) scores, OCS intake, and endoscopic Nasal Polyp Score (NPS) were collected pre and postoperatively. The main outcomes were RR and RFS, and comparison of disease‐free time with previous endoscopic surgeries.Results: Thirty pluri‐operated patients were enrolled. Before the reboot, all had experienced disease recurrence at a mean recurrence time of 8.08 ± 2.83 months after surgery. After reboot, 7 (23.3%) had recurrence at a mean time of 16.67 ± 3.07 months (p = 0.02); none needed additional revision surgery till time of data collection. RR at 12, 18, and 24 months follow‐up resulted significantly lower for reboot than other previous surgeries (p = 0.010, p = 0.002, p = 0.016, respectively); RFS difference resulted significant (log‐rank test = 4.16; p = 0.04). Differences between pre‐and post‐operative total and single‐items scores of SNOT‐22 were significant (p = 0.001), as well as VAS scores (p = 0.001). Before the reboot, 21 patients (70%) took ≥2 OCS courses per year; at the latest follow‐up visit, none had taken any course of OCS after reboot.Conclusions: The reboot approach showed lower RR, longer RFS, improved QoL, and zeroing of OCS uptake. Larger samples and longer follow‐up studies are needed to assess long‐term efficacy and safety of this procedure.Level of Evidence: 4. According to the Oxford Center for Evidence‐Based Medicine 2011 level of evidence guidelines, this non‐randomized retrospective cohort study is classified as level 4 evidence Laryngoscope, 2022. Laryngoscope, 133:1584–1589, 2023

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FGFrancesco Giombi
Francesco Giombi
GPGian Marco Pace
Gian Marco Pace
FPFrancesca Pirola
Francesca Pirola
MCMichele Cerasuolo
Michele Cerasuolo
FFFabio Ferreli
Fabio Ferreli
Luca MalvezziLuca Malvezzi
Luca Malvezzi
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has recently undergone a significant paradigm shift, moving from a phenotypical classification towards an “endotype-based” definition that places more emphasis on clinical and therapeutic aspects. Similar to other airway diseases, like asthma, most cases of CRS in developed countries exhibit a dysregulated type-2 immune response and related cytokines. Consequently, the traditional distinction between upper and lower airways has been replaced by a “united airway” perspective. Additionally, type-2 related disorders extend beyond respiratory boundaries, encompassing conditions beyond the airways, such as atopic dermatitis. This necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. Moreover, consideration of possible systemic implications is crucial, particularly in relation to sleep-related breathing diseases like Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) and the alteration of systemic inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide. The trends in epidemiological, economic, and social burden are progressively increasing worldwide, indicating syndemic characteristics. In light of these insights, this narrative review aims to present the latest evidence on respiratory type-2 related disorders, with a specific focus on CRS while promoting a comprehensive perspective on the “united airways”. It also introduces a novel concept: viewing these conditions as a multiorgan, systemic, and syndemic disease.

21 December 2022 in Head & Neck
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
ACAndrea Costantino
Andrea Costantino
CSClaudio Sampieri
Claudio Sampieri
FPFrancesca Pirola
Francesca Pirola
AVArmando De Virgilio
Armando De Virgilio
SKSe‐Heon Kim
Se‐Heon Kim

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Gianmarco GiuntaGianmarco Giunta
Gianmarco Giunta
FPFrancesca Pirola
Francesca Pirola
FGFrancesco Giombi
Francesco Giombi
GMGiovanna Muci
Giovanna Muci
GPGian Marco Pace
Gian Marco Pace
Luca MalvezziLuca Malvezzi
Luca Malvezzi
In the last 20 years, growing interest in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has become evident in medical literature; nevertheless, it is still difficult to identify the real prevalence of the disease. Epidemiological studies are few and focused on heterogeneous populations and diagnostic methods. Recent research has contributed to identifying CRS as a disease characterized by heterogeneous clinical scenarios, high impact on quality of life, and elevated social costs. Patient stratification with phenotypes and identification of the pathobiological mechanism at the origin of the disease (endotype) and its comorbidities are pivotal in the diagnostic process, and they should be addressed in order to properly tailor treatment. A multidisciplinary approach, shared diagnostic and therapeutic data, and follow-up processes are therefore necessary. Oncological multidisciplinary boards offer models to imitate in accordance with the principles of precision medicine: tracing a diagnostic pathway with the purpose of identifying the patient’s immunological profile, monitoring therapeutical processes, abstaining from having only a single specialist involved in treatment, and placing the patient at the center of the therapeutic plan. Awareness and participation from the patient’s perspective are fundamental steps to optimize the clinical course, improve quality of life, and reduce the socioeconomic burden.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ERElena Russo
Elena Russo
FGFrancesco Giombi
Francesco Giombi
Giovanni PaolettiGiovanni Paoletti
Giovanni Paoletti
Enrico HefflerEnrico Heffler
Enrico Heffler
Giorgio Walter CanonicaGiorgio Walter Canonica
Giorgio Walter Canonica
CGCorrado Giua
Corrado Giua
Background: Medication overuse is an increasing global problem, especially for those rhinology diseases whose management requires over-the-counter drugs. This observational community pharmacy-based study aimed to investigate the actual use of the best-selling topical nasal medications and to characterize the clinical issues underlying their query through the pharmacist’s perception. Methods: In the pilot phase, a preliminary survey was developed by a team of researchers and tested on a small sample of practitioners to assess usability and intelligibility. Eventual amendments were made according to the feedback obtained, and the final version was submitted to practitioners working in 376 pharmacies evenly distributed over the Italian territory. Results: Two groups of customers (18–30 years old and 60–75 years old) were the ones who most frequently purchased topical decongestants. The dosage applied for sympathomimetic amines was higher than recommended in up to 44.4% and the duration of use longer than 5 days in up to 31.9% of the cases. Patients’ queries of alpha agonists and topical corticosteroids resulted in significantly higher numbers than practitioners’ prescriptions. Allergic rhinitis was the most common disease affecting patients seeking sympathomimetic amines. Conclusions: The prolonged use of sympathomimetic amines in patients suffering from rhinology diseases is a significant problem that requires greater attention in terms of social education and surveillance.