# Eosinophilic Mucin Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Determining the multi-level factors that mediate disease and disparities

> **NIH NIH K23** · UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · 2023 · $154,440

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ ABSTRACT
Goal: This proposal provides a structured research training program under the guidance of mentors and advisors
in related fields to promote Dr. Levine’s development into an independent clinician-scientist. Her long-term goal
is leading a multidisciplinary research teams to develop patient-centered treatment pathways and interventions
that improve outcomes and mitigate disparities in eosinophilic mucin chronic rhinosinusitis.
Research: Chronic rhinosinusitis is a debilitating disease of the paranasal sinuses that affects up to 16% of the
United States (US) population, causing intractable congestion, smell loss, and persistent headaches that can
lead to permeant and life-threatening morbidities. Research in diverse populations demonstrates that Hispanic
and Black patients are more likely to have severe chronic rhinosinusitis disease subtypes such as eosinophilic
mucin chronic rhinosinusitis (EMRS), a subtype common in the southern US. Hispanic and Black EMRS patients
present with more advanced disease, have worse post-treatment outcomes, and have high rates of morbidity
including facial bone deformities and vision changes. The etiology behind the disparities in EMRS presentation
and outcomes are unknown. Fundamental questions about how to reduce disease burden cannot be answered
until we understand the factors that influence EMRS treatment outcomes. The goal of this proposal is generating
evidence to predict EMRS treatment outcomes and reduce health disparities. We will employ a prospective
longitudinal cohort study and use semi-structured interviews of patients and providers to identify important EMRS
treatment outcome determining factors. The central hypothesis of this proposal is that EMRS disparities result
from the interplay of individual- and community-level health determinants and environmental exposures that have
quantifiable impacts on EMRS clinical and biological outcome measures. To test this, we will: 1) develop a
computation model integrating multi-level factors to predict EMRS post-surgical outcomes; 2) determine best-
practices to facilitate efficient and effective clinician-patient communication and EMRS care; 3) develop a pilot
intervention to reduce delays in care. We will engage stakeholders in pilot intervention development and
feedback. The proposed research aligns with the NIMHD mission to develop new research methods to improve
minority health and reduce health disparities. The research results will help inform clinical practice and treatment
recommendations to improve the quality of EMRS care and reduce disparities.
Training: To accomplish these aims Dr. Levine will receive mentorship, focused didactics, one-on-one tutorials,
and hands-on training in team science and mixed methods research, incorporating important aspects of
computational modeling and qualitative research. She will establish a robust rhinology research network to
facilitate a pathway to independence. A NIMHD K23 award will provide D...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10643496
- **Project number:** 1K23MD018458-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** CORINNA GEHRETT LEVINE
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $154,440
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-07-07 → 2028-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10643496

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10643496, Eosinophilic Mucin Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Determining the multi-level factors that mediate disease and disparities (1K23MD018458-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10643496. Licensed CC0.

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