Prospective, comparative, cohort study comparing the rhinogram, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 and Heath-Related Quality of Life questionnaire.

BACKGROUND

Many outcome measures exist for rhinosinusitis. However, few are used in the clinical setting due to their long completion times.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the validity, reliability and responsiveness of the rhinogram, compared with two validated rhinosinusitis outcome measures: the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 and the Heath-Related Quality of Life questionnaire.

METHODS

Fifty-one patients were entered into a prospective, comparative, cohort study using all three outcome measures one week pre-operatively and three months post-operatively. Outcome scores were then correlated using non-parametric Spearman's rank correlation and chi-square testing for the diagnostic criteria of all three outcome measures.

RESULTS

Statistically significant correlations were found between all three outcome measures for all symptom scores, individually as well as combined (p < 0.01 for all calculations). Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of the rhinogram, compared with the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 and the Heath-Related Quality of Life questionnaire, showed statistical significance (p < 0.05; chi-square test).

CONCLUSION

The rhinogram is a reliable, valid and responsive rhinosinusitis outcome measure which can assist patient diagnosis and management in the clinical setting. Due to its quick completion time, this outcome measure could be used in rhinology out-patient clinics.