Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College | 2026
Authors: Khan R.; Sajjad W.; Iqbal J.; Idrees M.
DOI: 10.37939/jrmc.v30i1.2919
Journal: Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College
Year: 2026
Publisher: Rawalpindi Medical University
Document Type: Article
Open Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access
Cited by: 0
Objective: To determine the frequency of fungal infection among patients, as well as its characteristics and features, in patients with nasal polyps presenting at tertiary care hospitals. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study for 6 months after project approval, from September 18, 2023, to March 18, 2024. After setting the inclusion criteria, patients were enrolled, and informed written consent was obtained after explaining the study's aims, benefits, and risks. Demographic details, including age, sex, and address, were recorded, and participants underwent physical and medical assessments. Patients diagnosed with nasal polyps were tested for fungal infections through histopathology using biopsy specimens to identify fungal growth, hyphae, and branching patterns. All observations were documented on pre-defined proformas. Results: out of 195 patients, the mean age was 42.30 ± 11.05 years. Participants were distributed across age groups as follows: 10.3% (18–30 years), 36.4% (31–40 years), 30.3% (41–50 years), and 23.1% (>50 years). Of the total, 41.5% were men, 58.5% were women, 66.7% were employed, and 33.3% were unemployed. Most had unilateral (55.4%) rather than bilateral (44.6%) nasal polyps. Fungal infection was present in 45.6% of the patients. The mean weight, height, and BMI were 38.66 kg, 1.437 meters, and 18.43, respectively. Stratification by age, sex, employment status, polyp type, and BMI revealed no significant associations with fungal infection, as indicated by p-values above 0.05 in all categories. Conclusion: Patients with nasal polyps showed a high frequency of fungal infections. © 2026.
Body Mass Index; Fungal Sinusitis; Nasal Polyps