Rhinosinusitis Task Force symptoms versus the Sinonasal Outcomes Test in patients evaluated for chronic rhinosinusitis

Authors: Ling, Francis T. K.; Kountakis, Stilianos E.

Source: American Journal of Rhinology, Volume 21, Number 4, July-August 2007 , pp. 495-498(4)

Publisher: OceanSide Publications, Inc

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Abstract:

Background: The aim of this study was to compare Rhinosinusitis Task Force (RSTF) symptom scores with Sinonasal Outcome Test 20 (SNOT-20) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and controls.

Methods: An analysis was performed of prospectively collected data in patients with CRS (n = 201) and controls (n = 100). The severity of individual RSTF major and minor symptom scores graded on a visual analog scale and total symptom scores were compared between the two groups. Correlation of the RSTF symptoms with the SNOT-20 was performed using data collected from the CRS group at baseline and at 1 year postoperatively.

Results: CRS patients had higher RSTF symptom scores compared with control patients when asked to rate the severity of nasal obstruction, facial pain/pressure, facial congestion, alteration of smell, nasal discharge, postnasal drip, headache, halitosis, fatigue, cough, and ear pain (p < 0.005). No statistically significant difference was seen for the symptoms of dental pain and fever. Total RSTF scores were 54.5 ± 1.9 in CRS patients versus 23.4 ± 3.0 in controls. Total SNOT-20 scores were 28.7 ± 0.8 in CRS patients versus 15.2 ± 0.6 in controls. In CRS patients, total RSTF scores correlated with total SNOT-20 scores at baseline (r = 0.36; p < 0.0001) and 1-year postoperatively (r = 0.37; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Total RSTF symptom scores are significantly different in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis compared with those without this disease. The total RSTF symptom scores also correlate with a validated outcome measures instrument.

Keywords: Chronic rhinosinusitis; rhinosinusitis diagnosis; rhinosinusitis outcomes; Rhinosinusitis Task Force; sinus surgery; SNOT-20; symptom scores

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2500/ajr.2007.21.3052

Affiliations: 1: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia

Publication date: 2007-07-01

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