Increased Risk of Nasal Septal Abscess After Septoplasty in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective/Hypothesis: To investigate the risk of nasal septal abscess (NSA) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after septoplasty. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study through Taiwan National Health Insurance database. Methods: The Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database was used to conduct this retrospective cohort study. A total of 382 patients with T2DM (DM group) diagnosed between 2000 and 2010 and 382 matched patients without a DM diagnosis (non-DM group) were enrolled. Patients were followed up until death or December 31, 2013. NSA incidence was the main outcome. Results: After septoplasty, the cumulative incidence of NSA in the DM group was significantly higher than that in the non-DM group (P <.001). Cox proportional hazards regression indicated a significant association between T2DM and higher NSA incidence (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.44–3.61; P <.001). However, subgroup analysis and sensitivity testing demonstrated that the effect of T2DM on NSA risk was stable. In addition, the subgroup with a Diabetes Complications Severity Index (DCSI) of ≥1 had higher NSA risk than that with DCSI = 0 (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.58; 95% CI, 2.10–6.09; P <.001). The treatment type for NSA did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: T2DM is an independent risk factor for NSA in patients undergoing nasal septoplasty, and the NSA risk is greater among patients with high DM severity. Level of Evidence: IV Laryngoscope, 131:E2420–E2425, 2021.