Comparison of the Distribution of Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey Scores Between Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients

Abstract

Background:

The Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS) is a validated patient-reported outcome measure that evaluates subjective cosmetic and functional complaints. The goal of this study was to compare scores between patients with and without nasal complaints.

Methods:

This is a retrospective review of SCHNOS-O (obstructive) and SCHNOS-C (cosmetic) scores in patients presenting for functional or cosmetic concerns between 2019 and 2020. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the score that best separated symptomatic from asymptomatic patients. SCHNOS scores were also subdivided to define severity of presenting complaints.

Results:

In total, 414 patients were included. A SCHNOS-O score of 40 differentiated patients with and without nasal obstruction. Patients may be categorized as having mild (<40), moderate (45–70), and severe (75–100) nasal obstruction based on the SCHNOS-O score. A score of 30 on the SCHNOS-C differentiated patients with and without aesthetic concerns. Patients may be categorized as having mild (<33.3), moderate (33.3–66.6), and severe (>66.6) aesthetic distress based on the SCHNOS-C.

Conclusion:

An understanding of SCHNOS scores that differentiate symptomatic for asymptomatic patients can aid in the preoperative evaluation of rhinoplasty patients.