Abstract
Objective: 1) Establish baseline characteristics of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis using a novel general quality of life instrument, the European Quality of Life 5-Dimension survey (EQ-5D). 2) Compare patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with healthy individuals and with patients with common chronic medical conditions.
Method: From February 2011-2012, preoperative quality of life data were obtained from 225 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis prior to surgery at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Global function as well as to 5 distinct parameters (mobility, self-care, activity, pain, anxiety) were compared against published values for healthy and disease controls.
Results: General quality of life as measured using the EQ-5D visual analog scale revealed that patients with chronic rhinosinusitis had significantly lower scores when compared with age matched controls: 72.48 ± 17.22 vs 78.75 ± 14.92 (P < .01), 95% CI (–8.41 to −4.14). Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis also scored worse on pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression when compared to both healthy controls and individuals with diabetes or cardiovascular disease. (P < .05). Mobility, self-care, and activity level were not significantly impaired in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.
Conclusion: Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis have impaired quality of life when compared with healthy controls. Pain/ discomfort and anxiety/depression are significantly worse when compared with healthy patients and those with other co-morbidities. As a new and powerful quality of life tool, the EQ-5D appears consistent with previously studied instruments for chronic rhinosinusitis.
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