Sino-Nasal Outcome Test Scores Research Articles

A Single Layer Synthetic Dural Substitute Inlay is an Effective Sellar Reconstruction Technique in Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery.

Objectives A variety of endonasal sellar repair techniques have been described; many are complex, multilayered, and carry potential morbidity. We propose an effective, technically simple single-layer repair for select sellar defects, including those with an intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Our technique utilizes only a synthetic dural substitute inlay and dural sealant glue without packing or lumbar drainage. Design This is a retrospective review-based study. Setting This study was conducted at tertiary care center. Participants Patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma and sellar reconstruction with the aforementioned inlay technique. Patients were selected for this technique if they had an identified intraoperative CSF leak, a patulous diaphragm (expanded and thinned diaphragma sella), or a comorbidity excluding them from a simpler onlay only reconstruction. Outcome Measures Postoperative CSF leak and sinonasal morbidity included in the study. Results A total of 409 subjects were identified; 368 were initial resections. Gross total resection of the pituitary adenoma was achieved in 356 (87.0%) cases. Average tumor size was 2.6 ± 1.1 cm. Average tumor volume was 10.8 ± 12.1 cm 3 . There were 135 intraoperative CSF leaks and 196 patulous diaphragms. There were five postoperative CSF leaks (1.2%), all of which occurred in the first half of our series. Pre- and postoperative sino-nasal outcomes test-22 scores were 19.2 ± 18.2 and 18.8 ± 21.3 ( p = 0.492), respectively. Conclusion A synthetic dural substitute inlay and dural sealant glue is an excellent single-layer repair for sellar defects, even those with an intraoperative CSF leak. This technique is highly effective in preventing postoperative CSF leaks and does not utilize packing or lumbar drainage. It also avoids the potential cost and morbidity associated with more complex and multilayered closures.

Evaluation of Smoking as a Modifying Factor in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

The negative association of smoking with the respiratory tract is well known; however, the association between smoking and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has not been well characterized. To analyze whether active smoking was a risk factor for CRS development, smoking was associated with disease-specific quality of life, and smokers experience an increased symptom burden than nonsmokers. This subanalysis of the Chronic Rhinosinusitis Epidemiology Study (CRES), a prospective, questionnaire-based case-control study conducted between October 2007 and September 2013 was conducted across 30 UK tertiary/secondary care sites. Participants were identified at ear, nose, and throat outpatient clinics and classified into CRS phenotypes as per European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2012 criteria. The overall response rate of those identified to take part in the study was 66%. A total of 1535 questionnaires were returned, with 1470 considered eligible for inclusion. Data analysis was conducted in January 2020. The CRES was designed to distinguish differences in socioeconomic status, geography, medical comorbidities, lifestyle, and quality of life between patients with CRS and healthy controls. A total of 1450 patients completed the smoking question, comprising 219 controls (15.1%; mean [SD] age, 47.3 [14.9] years; 143 women [68%]), 546 participants with CRS (37.7%; mean [SD] age, 51.8 [15.3] years; 259 women [53%]) without nasal polyps (CRSsNPs), and 685 participants (47.2%; mean [SD] age, 56.0 [14.5] years; 204 women [33%]) with CRS and nasal polyps/allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (CRSwNPs+). The mean age was similar, with a greater female preponderance in the control group and male in the CRSwNP group. The greatest number of active smokers was found among control participants (33 [15%]), with a lower rate of smokers in the patients with CRSwNPs+ (9.9%) and CRSsNPs (13.9%), respectively. We found a clinically significant difference in the mean difference in Sino-nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores between active smokers and nonsmokers for both CRS phenotypes (4.49, 12.25). In both CRS subgroups active smokers had significantly worse SNOT-22 scores than nonsmokers by a mean (SD) magnitude of 10 (18.99, 24.14) points. Nonsmokers also demonstrated a higher percentage of surgical procedures (1 or more), although this was not clinically or statistically different (0.34, 1.10). This questionnaire-based case-control study demonstrated a clinically significant symptom burden associated with active cigarette smoking, with worse SNOT-22 scores in the smoking cohort by a mean magnitude of 10 points. We could find no demonstrable evidence that smoking increases the likelihood of need for revision sinus surgery. Clinicians should encourage smoking cessation alongside general CRS medical management.

The use of grafts in frontal sinus drill-outs.

A significant complication of the frontal sinus drill-out procedure is restenosis of the frontal neo-ostium. To improve postoperative healing in this region, various mucosal grafts and pedicled flaps have been designed to reconstruct the mucosal lining of the frontal neo-ostium. We provide an overview of the types of grafts described for reconstruction and discuss the latest evidence on their efficacy. Frontal neo-ostium mucosal reconstruction may be performed using free, pedicled, or a combination of grafts. There are several case series that report good outcomes and low revision rates following the use of grafts in frontal sinus drill-outs, and one randomized controlled study demonstrating increased ostial patency. However, the use of grafts did not alter the rate of revision surgery and only one study reported an improvement in Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 scores after one year. Studies have suggested that frontal sinus drill-out grafts result in favorable restenosis and graft success rates. However, larger randomized control trials will be required to determine whether frontal sinus drill-out grafts contribute to a tangible clinical benefit for patients.

Endoscopic polypectomy performed in clinic for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: study protocol for the EPIC multicentre randomised controlled trial

IntroductionChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is common, with a Canadian prevalence of 5%, and associated with significant morbidity. Understandably, CRS impairs workplace productivity but that productivity substantially increases following surgical treatment. CRS...

Assessment of mucociliary clearance as an indicator of nasal function in patients with COVID-19: a cross-sectional study.

PurposeWe assessed the effects of COVID-19 infection on nasal mucociliary activity.MethodsThe study was conducted in the pandemic wards of Adiyaman University Training and Research Hospital during April and May 2020. All patients admitted to the COVID-19 pandemic wards during the study period were invited to participate in the study. The study included 40 adults who agreed to participate and underwent a mucociliary clearance test successfully. The primary outcome was mucociliary clearance time and the secondary variables of interest were age, sex, and sino-nasal outcome test-22 scores. The control group included 40 concomitant healthy patients who visited the outpatient ear, nose and throat clinic with non-nasal symptoms.ResultsThe study included 40 COVID-19-positive patients and 40 healthy controls. The mean mucociliary clearance times of the study (15.53 ± 5.57 min) and control (9.50 ± 3.70 min) groups were significantly different (Z = 4.675, p < 0.001). However, the mucociliary clearance time was not significantly different between males and females (t = 0.590, p = 0.558).ConclusionsNasal mucociliary clearance time was prolonged in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls. Thus, we conclude that smell and taste are crucial symptoms that should not be overlooked in patients suspected of COVID-19 disease.

Use of Nonmedicated Control Substances in Randomized Clinical Trials of Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis

The effect of nonmedicated control substances in chronic rhinosinusitis remains unclear. To assess the association of nonmedicated control substances in randomized clinical trials with disease outcomes in patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis. In this single-arm systematic review and meta-analysis, the Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for randomized clinical trials with a preintervention and postintervention design for chronic rhinosinusitis that were published between 1946 and January 23, 2019. Paired reviewers independently extracted data. The analyses used random-effects models and the Cochrane risk of bias assessment to rate the quality of the evidence. The primary outcomes were the association of nonmedicated control substances with 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores or nasal symptom scores when SNOT-22 was not available. A total of 2305 abstracts were identified and screened, 725 articles were reviewed in full text, and 38 articles met the study criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Among the 38 included studies, a total of 2258 adults (mean age range, 27-53 years; 20.0%-72.5% women) were randomized to receive nonmedicated control substances or sham interventions. Topical nonmedicated control substances were associated with significant reduction in SNOT-22 scores (mean difference [MD], -8.81; 95% CI, -12.60 to -5.03). A subgroup analysis of topical therapies, limited to saline irrigation and nasal spray diluents, found that topical diluents were associated with a greater reduction in SNOT-22 scores (MD, -11.45; 95% CI, -13.50 to -9.41) compared with saline irrigation (MD, -13.60; 95% CI, -19.95 to -7.25). Nonmedicated control substances were associated with a significant reduction in nasal obstruction scores (standardized MD [SMD], -0.42; 95% CI, -0.81 to -0.03). No significant change was found in rhinorrhea scores (SMD, -0.34; 95% CI, -1.37 to 0.69), postnasal drip scores (SMD, -0.96; 95% CI, -2.18 to 0.25), facial pain scores (SMD, -0.57; 95% CI, -1.68 to 0.55), or loss of smell scores (SMD, -0.18; 95% CI, -0.68 to 0.32). This systematic review and meta-analysis of the use of nonmedicated control substances in randomized clinical trials of chronic rhinosinusitis outcomes suggests that the use of nonmedicated control substances is associated with limited improvements in SNOT-22 and nasal obstruction scores. These findings highlight potential areas of future research directions and the importance of randomized clinical trials to accurately estimate treatment effect.

Effects of Omalizumab Treatment in Patients With Recalcitrant Nasal Polyposis and Mild Asthma: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a clinical entity with specific features that impacts significantly on patient quality of life (QoL). CRSwNP is often associated with asthma and is difficult to control and manage despite pharmacological and/or surgical treatment. Omalizumab, a monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, has emerged as a putative therapeutic option. To evaluate the effects of omalizumab on nasal polyp (NP) size and QoL assessed by Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) in patients with recalcitrant CRSwNP and mild asthma. A multicenter retrospective analysis of patient data from the Community of Valencia (Spain) was performed. Adult patients with recalcitrant CRSwNP and comorbid mild asthma receiving compassionate use of omalizumab were included. NP size measured by total nasal endoscopic polyp score (TPS) and QoL evaluated through the SNOT-22 questionnaire were assessed at baseline and monthly over 12 months. An ordinal regression model was built to analyze the results. A total of 23 CRSwNP patients with a mean age (± SD) of 54.78 ± 9.46 years were included. Nineteen suffered from aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). In all patients, a significant and sustained reduction in TPS was observed over time, accompanied by improvements in QoL reflected in lower SNOT-22 scores. In the ordinal regression model, time but not total IgE, age or tissue eosinophilia impacted on NP size and SNOT-22 outcomes. Additionally, improvements in QoL were not explained by reductions in the size of polyps. Omalizumab was effective for the treatment of patients with recalcitrant CRSwNP and mild asthma, even when AERD was present, by reducing NP size and improving QoL; treatment time was a key factor. SNOT-22 improvements were not explained by decreases in TPS, indicating that omalizumab may be effective in all patients, regardless of polyp size.

The Role of Surgery in Treating Nasal Obstruction to Control Asthma.

IntroductionMost patients with asthma, either allergic or non-allergic, usually exhibit some level of concurrent rhinitis. Treatments for rhinitis and asthma can affect both conditions.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to examine asthma-specific outcomes in patients with chronic rhinitis (CR) and asthma after surgery for nasal obstruction, and to identify the patient group most likely to experience improved asthma control after surgery.MethodsAsthmatic patients with CR and nasal obstruction were prospectively recruited for evaluations of nasal and asthma-specific outcomes before and after surgery for nasal obstruction.ResultsTwenty-eight participants were enrolled. There was a significant association between the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 scores, both at the preoperative and 3-month postoperative assessments. Patients demonstrating ACT improvement after nasal surgery had worse preoperative ACT scores and predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s.ConclusionNasal symptom severity was closely associated with the extent of asthma control in asthmatic patients with CR and nasal obstruction. Assessment of CR and nasal obstruction in patients with poorly controlled asthma should be considered an essential approach to improve the response to treatment and patients’ quality of life.

Frequency of inflammatory cell types in polyps of patients with diffuse sinonasal polyposis and association with effective factors in recurrence

Background: Sinonasal polyposis (SNP) is a chronic disease of nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa. Nasal polyps can be divided into two groups based on inflammatory cells’ types, namely eosinophilic and neutrophilic polyps. Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis responds to corticosteroids; however, this response is less in the neutrophilic type. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the frequency of inflammatory cell types in the polyp tissue of patients with diffuse SNP and its association with effective factors in recurrence. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 130 patients with diffuse SNP referring to the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) clinics of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran, using random sampling. The severity of the disease was assessed by the Sinonasal Outcome Test 20 (SNOT-20) questionnaire filled out by an ENT surgeon. Computed tomography scans were graded by the Lund-Mackay score. The variety of the cells were determined following hematoxylin-eosin staining and pathologist LM examination; then, the obtained data were statistically evaluated and their associations with the previously known factors of recurrence in other studies were reported. Results: The most frequent cells were eosinophils, and mast cells showed the lowest frequency of inflammatory cells in the polyps of patients with diffuse SNP. Eosinophilic polyps were more common in female patients. There was no significant difference between inflammatory cells associated with age, history of surgery, and SNOT-20 score. A significant relationship was only observed between the Lund-Mackay scores of neutrophil and mast cell polyps. Conclusions: The investigation of the dominant inflammatory cell in the histopathology sample of the sinonasal polyps can help in tracking and rationalizing patient management and expectations.

Manuka honey versus saline sinus irrigation in the treatment of cystic fibrosis-associated chronic rhinosinusitis: A randomised pilot trial.

Manuka honey attacks biofilms, which contribute to bacterial persistence in cystic fibrosis sinusitis. The primary objective was to determine feasibility of investigating manuka honey as an irrigation treatment for cystic fibrosis sinusitis and secondarily to assess the treatment's preliminary effectiveness. Prospective, single-blinded (clinician only), randomised, parallel two-arm pilot trial. Tertiary rhinology clinic. Subjects had recalcitrant cystic fibrosis sinusitis and previous sinus surgery. They received manuka honey or saline sinus irrigations twice daily for 30days. Main outcomes were recruitment/retention rates and tolerability. Preliminary effectiveness was assessed based on quality-of-life Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic change scores and post-treatment culture negativity. Over 10months, 13 subjects were enrolled, and 77% (10/13) were included in the analysis. Manuka honey irrigations were well-tolerated. The quality-of-life change score was clinically significant for manuka honey (-9 [-14,-6]) but not saline (-5 [-9,-1]), although the difference was not statistically significant (P=.29). Lund-Kennedy endoscopic change score was significantly better for manuka honey (-3 [-5,-3]) versus saline (0 [0,0]) (P=.006). There was no difference in post-treatment culture negativity between manuka honey (1/5, 20%) and saline (0/5, 0%) (P=1.00). Manuka honey irrigations were well tolerated, and retention rates were high. Preliminary data showed that manuka honey achieved a clinically important difference in quality-of-life score and a significantly better endoscopic outcome. Microbiological control was difficult to achieve. A future definitive trial would require multi-institutional recruitment.

Add-on effect of clarithromycin to oral steroids as post- operative therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a randomised controlled trial.

Evidence is lacking regarding the efficacy of macrolides and oral corticosteroids in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Therefore, we examined the benefits of adding clarithromycin to oral pred- nisolone as post-ESS medical therapy in patients with CRSwNP. In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients were enrolled and allocated to three study groups receiving different post-ESS medical therapies: group A (placebo for 14 weeks), group B (oral prednisolone [15 mg twice daily] for 2 weeks, followed by placebo for 12 weeks), and group C (oral prednisolone [15 mg twice daily] for 2 weeks, followed by clari- thromycin [500 mg daily] for 12 weeks). All enrolled patients received the perioperative care following a routine protocol, which included oral amoxicillin/clavulanate, and intranasal corticosteroid spray. The baseline and post-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Sino-nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores, and Lund-Kennedy endoscopy scores (LKES) were determined as the primary outcomes. One hundred twenty-six patients who received ESS for bilateral CRSwNP were randomised into group A (n=43), B (n=42), or C (n=41). Compared to groups A and B, group C showed greater VAS and SNOT-22 score improvement at 12 weeks after ESS. Group C showed significantly better LKES than did groups A and B at 8, 12, and 24 weeks after ESS. On stratifying the LKES results according to the presence/absence of tissue eosinophilia, greater add-on effects of clarithromycin were observed in the patient subgroup without tissue eosinophilia. Adding low-dose clarithromycin to oral corticosteroids as post-ESS therapy was well tolerated and showed benefi- cial subjective and objective outcomes in patients with CRSwNP, especially those without tissue eosinophilia.

Azithromycin in high-risk, refractory chronic rhinosinusitus after endoscopic sinus surgery and corticosteroid irrigations: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains a significant burden for patients, often leaving them with few therapeutic options that provide low-morbidity, long-term, and meaningful symptomatologic and endoscopic disease improvement. Macrolides have long been thought to offer both an immunomodulatory and antimicrobial effect. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose, long-term azithromycin in a carefully selected high-risk population failing appropriate medical therapy of budesonide nasal irrigations (BNIs) and endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was completed in a single tertiary-care center assessing the addition of 250 mg azithromycin, 3 times per week for 16 weeks, in adults failing ESS and high-volume BNIs. Associated comorbidities, as well as symptomatologic, microbiologic, and serologic values, were systematically collected. A total of 128 patients were enrolled and underwent ESS followed by BNI. At the 4-month post-ESS visit, 48 patients showed disease persistence and were randomized to azithromycin or placebo. Overall, azithromycin, when compared with placebo, did not show a statistically significant difference in disease clearance (54% vs 33%, respectively; p = 0.146), although patients with disease clearance who were on azithromycin showed significantly better 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test score improvements than patients on placebo (18 vs -0.9, respectively; p = 0.046). In a subgroup analysis excluding aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) patients, azithromycin significantly improved disease clearance when compared with placebo (71% vs 35%, respectively; p = 0.031), with a number needed to treat of 3 (2.8). Low-dose azithromycin is a therapeutic option with few side effects. Its use can show favorable clinical outcomes in this difficult-to-treat population, especially if patients are AERD-negative.

A prediction modeling based on SNOT-22 score for endoscopic nasal septoplasty: a retrospective study.

BackgroundTo create a nomogram prediction model for the efficacy of endoscopic nasal septoplasty, and the likelihood of patient benefiting from the operation.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 155 patients with nasal septum deviation (NSD) was performed to develop a predictive model for the efficacy of endoscopic nasal septoplasty. Quality of life (QoL) data was collected before and after surgery using Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) scores to evaluate the surgical outcome. An effective surgical outcome was defined as a SNOT-22 score change ≥ 9 points after surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was then used to establish a predictive model for the NSD treatment. The predictive quality and clinical utility of the predictive model were assessed by C-index, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis.ResultsThe identified risk factors for inclusion in the predictive model were included. The model had a good predictive power, with a AUC of 0.920 in the training group and a C index of 0.911 in the overall sample. Decision curve analysis revealed that the prediction model had a good clinical applicability.ConclusionsOur prediction model is efficient in predicting the efficacy of endoscopic surgery for NSD through evaluation of factors including: history of nasal surgery, preoperative SNOT-22 score, sinusitis, middle turbinate plasty, BMI, smoking, follow-up time, seasonal allergies, and advanced age. Therefore, it can be cost-effective for individualized preoperative assessment.

Sinonasal Quality of Life Outcomes after Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery with Posterior Septum Free Mucosal Graft Reconstruction.

Objective Quality of life (QoL) outcomes following endoscopic endonasal transphenoidal surgery (EETS) across a variety of reconstructive methods improve by 2 to 6 months. An option for sellar reconstruction, in the absence of a significant intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, is a free mucosal graft (FMG) from the posterior septum. We analyze sinonasal QoL outcomes in patients undergoing EETS with FMG reconstruction. Study Design This study was a retrospective review. Setting This study was conducted at tertiary care academic center. Participants This study group consisted of patients undergoing EETS for pituitary adenomas from 2013 to 2018. Main Outcome Measures Tumor and surgical factors were included, along with postoperative complications. Patients completed Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) questionnaires. Pre- and postoperative scores were compared among the entire cohort using linear multilevel regression. A subcohort analysis was performed among patients who completed questionnaires during the preoperative visit and two postoperative visits (within 1 month and between 2 and 3 months, respectively); pre- and postoperative total and individual domain SNOT-22 scores were compared using paired t -tests. Results A total of 243 patients underwent EETS with FMG reconstruction. Four patients (1.6%) developed a postoperative CSF leak requiring reoperation. Among the entire cohort, SNOT-22 scores increased at the first postoperative visit ( p < 0.01) but returned to baseline by the second, third, and fourth postoperative visits ( p = 0.27, p = 0.18, and p = 0.21). Among 48 patients who completed both preoperative and two postoperative questionnaires, scores increased within the first month ( p < 0.01) but returned to baseline at 2 to 3 months ( p = 0.67). Conclusion Posterior septum FMG reconstruction of sellar defects is an effective option, demonstrating early recovery of baseline sinonasal QoL by 2 to 3 months.

Symptoms and Clinical Findings in Primary Headache Syndrome Versus Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

Primary headache syndrome (PHS) patients frequently present to otolaryngologists with sinonasal complaints and diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) due to symptomatic overlap. In this study, we compare demographic, subjective, and objective clinical findings of patients with PHS versus CRS. We retrospectively reviewed a database of patients presenting to a single tertiary care Rhinology clinic from December 2011-July 2017. Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT) scores and Lund-Kennedy endoscopy scores were obtained. Lund-MacKay CT scores were calculated, if available. Requirement of headache specialist management was compared between PHS and CRS groups. Patients with both CRS and PHS (CRScPHS) that required headache specialist management were compared to patients with CRS without PHS (CRSsPHS) and patients with PHS alone using Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were carried out to determine significant diagnostic thresholds. One-hundred four PHS patients and 130 CRS patients were included. PHS patients (72.1%) were more likely than CRS patients to require headache specialist management (6.9%, p<0.0001). CRSsPHS patients had significantly higher Nasal domain scores compared to PHS patients (p = 0.042) but not compared to CRScPHS patients (p>0.99). CRScPHS (p = 0.0003) and PHS (p<0.0001) subgroups of patients had significantly higher Aural/Facial domain scores compared to CRSsPHS patients. PHS patients also had significantly higher Sleep domains scores compared to CRSsPHS patients (p<0.0001). Both CRScPHS and CRSsPHS subgroups had significantly higher nasal endoscopy scores (p<0.0001) and CT scores (p = 0.04 & p<0.0001, respectively) compared to the PHS group. Aural/Facial domain score of 4, nasal endoscopy score of 4, and CT score of 2 were found to be reliable diagnostic thresholds for absence of CRS. The SNOT-22 may be used to distinguish PHS from CRS based upon the Aural/Facial and Sleep domains. Patients with CRS have more severe Nasal domain scores and worse objective endoscopy and CT findings.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the sino-nasal outcome test (snot)-22 for Finnish patients

PurposeThe Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) is the most commonly used disease-specific quality of life questionnaire in rhinology. The purpose of this prospective study was to translate and validate SNOT-22 into Finnish.MethodsThe validation process followed the guidelines proposed for cross-cultural adaptation of health-related measures of quality of life. The study consisted of three groups: rhinologic out-patients (N = 96), FESS patients (N = 49) and healthy controls (N = 79). Out-patient and FESS groups completed the questionnaire twice (answers A and B), out-patients after two weeks and FESS patients after 3 months. Validity, reliability and responsiveness were evaluated.ResultsThe mean SNOT-22 sum score of the out-patient questionnaires were 35.3 points (answer A) and 32.4 points (answer B). ICC in out-patient group was 0.879. For the FESS patients, the mean pre- and postoperative (answer A and B) SNOT-22 sum scores were 46.8 and 21.9 points, respectively (p < 0.0001). The mean SNOT-22 of healthy controls was 8.9 points. The out-patients (answer A) and healthy controls had statistically significant difference in SNOT-22 scores (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe results of our study show that the validated Finnish version of the SNOT-22 questionnaire demonstrates good validity, reliability and responsiveness.

Comparison of nasal functional outcomes of let down rhinoplasty and open technical rhinoplasty using spreader graft.

This study aimed to compare open technique rhinoplasty with spreader graft and Let Down rhinoplasty using Nasal Symptom Obstruction Evaluation (NOSE), Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). A total of 50 patients were included in the study. Patients with a hump greater than 4mm and mild septal deviation participated in the study. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 26 patients who underwent Let Down rhinoplasty, while Group 2 consisted of 24 patients who underwent open rhinoplasty with spreader graft. NOSE, SNOT-22, and VAS scales were completed by both groups preoperatively and postoperatively. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age and gender. Postoperative values of scales were significantly lower than preoperative values in Group 1 (p < 0.001). In Group 2, postoperative values were significantly lower than preoperative values (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups according to NOSE, SNOT-22 and VAS scores. According to the comparison of scale scores, both Let Down rhinoplasty and open technique rhinoplasty using spreader graft improved nasal functional results such as nasal obstruction.

Efficacy of corticosteroid solution administration via Mygind's position for the management of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether direct steroid application via Mygind's position improved objective and subjective measures of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP).MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed on patients seen by the senior author in a Rhinology Clinic of a tertiary academic center over a 2 year period. Patients whose only change in medical regimen was initiation of corticosteroid administration via Mygind's position were included for this analysis. The main subjective and objective outcome measures were Sino‐nasal Outcome Test‐22 (SNOT‐22) and endoscopy scores, respectively. Patient scores before and after the change in treatment were compared and analyzed using Student's t test and Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.ResultsTwenty‐two patients were identified for inclusion. There was a statistically significant decrease in overall nasal endoscopy scores for both the right (P = .001) and left (P = .001) sides. A statistically significant and clinically meaningful decrease in total SNOT‐22 scores (12.7 points, P = .008) was also seen. Intolerance to the regimen was observed in 5/48 patients reviewed for inclusion (10.4%), with issues including neck pain, burning, pressure, and thrush.ConclusionThe direct application of topical corticosteroids, specifically via Mygind's position, may improve both objective exam findings and clinical symptomatology in patients with CRSwNP compared to indirect application. Intolerance to the regimen can be observed.Level of Evidence4—Case series (with or without comparison).

Disease control after surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis: prospective, multi-institutional validation of the Sinus Control Test.

The Sinus Control Test (SCT) is a 4-question, patient-reported questionnaire that assesses disease control in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This prospective, multicenter study examines SCT outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), further validating its use as a control instrument for CRS. Adults with CRS undergoing ESS were prospectively enrolled from 5 centers across North America. The SCT was administered at baseline and once 6 months after surgery. Quality of life and disease burden were evaluated using the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and Lund-Kennedy endoscopy scores. Linear regression was used to determine whether specific demographic, comorbidity, or disease severity measures were independently associated with changes in SCT scores postoperatively. A total of 218 patients, 111 females (50.9%) and 107 males (49.1%), were enrolled, with mean ± standard deviation age of 50.1 ± 15.6 years. Mean SCT score improved from 8.9 ± 3.5 to 4.3 ± 3.7 postoperatively (p < 0.001). Preoperatively, 21.6% were uncontrolled, 71.5% partially controlled, and 6.9% controlled. Postoperatively, 6.0% were uncontrolled, 42.6% partially controlled, and 51.4% controlled (p < 0.001). Change in SCT score correlated independently with change in SNOT-22 (r = 0.500, p < 0.001) and endoscopy scores (r = 0.310, p < 0.001). Endoscopy scores did not correlate with control status among patients with CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) nor between uncontrolled and partially controlled patients. Demographics and comorbidities were not associated with changes in SCT. Improvement in disease control following ESS as measured by the SCT correlated with improvements in SNOT-22 and endoscopy scores. The SCT is an easily administered instrument that provides information complementary to existing patient-reported and objective measures of disease severity.

Are objective 'findings' the same as subjective 'severity'? A study of the relationship between computed tomography findings and subjective severity in preoperative CRSwNP patients.

In pre-surgical patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs), positive findings on computed tomography (CT) scans and an exacerbation of symptoms are two possible factors that indicate surgery. However, the relationship between these factors remains unclear. Confirmed CRSwNP patients ready for sinus surgery were consecutively enrolled. The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) and visual analog scale (VAS) scoring were completed by these patients, and scores were subjected to factor analysis using a principal component analysis (PCA) to evaluate subjective symptom components related to CRS. Patient CT scores, measured by the Lund-Mackay score (LMS), together with their demographics, medical treatment, and atopy status, were collected and analyzed. A total of 288 patients who met the criteria for CRSwNP and underwent CT scanning prior to surgery in the Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University were enrolled. Five components were identified from the PCA of the SNOT-22 results and VAS scores related to subjective symptoms. More severe ‘nasal’ symptoms (P=0.03; 95% CI, 0.092-1.824), loss of smell and taste (P<0.001; 95% CI, 0.961-1.767) and lower facial pain (P=0.001; 95% CI 1.811 to -0.475), derived from the SNOT-22, were significantly associated with total CT score. For the VAS PCA components, less severe ‘ocular’ symptoms (P=0.004; 95% CI -1.852 to -0.352), a reduced ‘pain’ component (P<0.001; 95% CI -2.133 to -0.715), a higher ‘nasal’ symptom component (P<0.001; 95% CI 0.752-2.257) and, again, loss of smell and taste (P<0.001; 95% CI 0.437-0.811) showed an association with total CT score. ‘Allergy-associated symptoms’ in both the SNOT-22 and VAS scores and ‘loss of smell or taste’ and ‘hyposmia’ were significantly more severe in patients with ethmoid sinus/maxillary sinus (E/M) ratios of >2.59 compared with patients with E/M ratios <2.59. Loss of smell and taste alone was correlated with the LMS in patients with highly positive CT scores. The present study demonstrated associations between several subjective symptoms and objective severity in preoperative CRSwNP patients. Nasal symptoms, including olfaction loss, were correlated positively with CT scores, while ocular- and pain-related symptoms showed an opposite pattern. However, this relationship was not confirmed in patients with highly positive CT scores. A subset analysis confirmed, in terms of symptoms, the value of the E/M ratio for indicating eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis.