NCT05343650

NOVAPAK Nasal Packing in Shellfish Allergic Patients

NOVAPAK Nasal Packing: Safety Study in Shellfish Allergic Patients

• Status: Unknown
• Phase: Phase 4
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Sponsor: London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

NOVAPAK is a sponge-like material made from materials found in shellfish. It is commonly used after nasal surgery or in nasal bleeding, as it promotes healing, decreases bleeding, and has antibacterial properties. Although NOVOPAK does not contain proteins or compounds known to be responsible for allergic reactions in people with a known allergy to shellfish, out of an abundance of caution, the manufacturer (Medtronic) has recommended avoidance in those with known shellfish allergy. There have been no reported allergic reactions in patients with shellfish allergy who were given chitosan bandages in emergencies (e.g. military applications). The study aims to investigate the safety of its use in patients with known shellfish allergy to improve healthcare quality and patient care support.

Detailed description

This is a prospective interventional study to assess whether the tested product triggers an allergic reaction in patients with known-shellfish allergies. The primary objective is to assess the safety of Novapak, a chitosan-containing nasal packing material, in patients with known shellfish allergy. The study will be conducted in two phases. First, participants will undergo an allergy test - Skin prick test (SPT) to crab, lobster, shrimp, oyster, clam, scallop, squid, and octopus -, and antibody levels analysis. Second, in a controlled setting (i.e., in a hospital clinic that includes a resuscitation cart and doctors monitoring - allergist and otolaryngologist), Novapak packing will be applied to the patient's skin for 30 minutes (on the anterior aspect of the patients' non-dominant arm). Then, provided that no allergic symptoms are observed in stage 1, the patient's nose will be anesthetized with topical lidocaine, and a piece of Novapak material will be applied to the participant's nasal cavity at the level of the inferior turbinate for 15 minutes. After removal, the participant will be monitored in the clinic for an hour. Any allergic reaction will be documented, including increased nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, or pruritis. Since Novapak contains purified chitosan, the investigators hypothesizes that no allergic reactions will be demonstrated.

Conditions

• Shellfish Hypersensitivity
• Epistaxis

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	NOVAPAK nasal packing applied to forearm	Novapak packing will be applied to the patient's skin for 30 minutes on the anterior aspect of the patients' non-dominant arm. In case of pre-existing wounds, it will be applied to the other forearm.
DEVICE	NOVAPAK nasal packing applied to nasal cavity	A piece of Novapak material will be applied to the participant's nasal cavity at the level of the inferior turbinate for 15 minutes

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-03-15
• Primary completion: 2024-12-24
• Completion: 2025-05-15
• First posted: 2022-04-25
• Last updated: 2023-09-11

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Canada