The Utility of the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT) as a Treatment Outcome Measure in Nonsinogenic Facial Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to assess the strength of correlation between the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT) subdomains to determine which bore the greatest disease burden so that it could be used as a suitable measure of clinical response.

Methods:

Prospective clinical audit of patients attending the Liverpool Multi-Disciplinary Facial Pain Clinic. The Brief Pain Inventory–Facial (BPI-F) was used as a comparator and surrogate measure of quality of life.

Results:

Fifty patients (38 female) were reviewed, of whom 66% had midfacial segment pain. The total SNOT score was highly correlated with the BPI-F. Both the sleep function and psychological issues were the most highly correlated SNOT subdomains with the BPI-F, followed by ear-facial symptoms. The rhinologic symptom subdomain had a weak correlation with the BPI-F. The total SNOT score was most significantly correlated with the sleep function and psychological issues subdomains.

Conclusion:

This study supports the utility of the SNOT questionnaire as a measure of clinical outcome for nonsinogenic facial pain. The total SNOT score is highly correlated with the BPI-F, which has been used as a surrogate measure of quality of life. In addition, the sleep function and psychological issues subdomains are suitable variables to measure response to treatment.