SNOT-22 in a Control Population

Abstract

Objectives:

This analysis uses data from the Chronic Rhinosinusitis Epidemiology Study (CRES). The overarching aim of CRES is to determine factors which influence the onset and severity of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) is a widely used score for nasal symptoms in many ENT clinics internationally, although there are few data characterizing SNOT-22 scores for a normal population. The aim of this analysis is to establish a dataset of normal values for SNOT-22 in a British population.

Methods:

Study-specific questionnaires including demographic and socioeconomic factors and past medical history as well as SNOT-22 and SF-36 were distributed to patients with CRS attending ENT clinics and to a control population across several centers in the United Kingdom. This analysis considered just the control population. Controls had no self-reported nasal problems in the past, no chronic conditions undergoing active treatment, and no hospital admissions in the preceding 12 months.

Results:

A total of 1529 participants were recruited; 57 with AFRS (allergic fungal rhinosinusitis), 659 CRSwNP (with nasal polyps), 577 CRSsNP (without nasal polyps), and 236 controls. Age range was 18 to 98 years. Two hundred thirteen controls included sufficient information to calculate SNOT-22 score. Score range was 0 to 85; median 9, mean 13.4.

Conclusions:

SNOT-22 is an important tool for measuring the impact of nasal symptoms and evaluating effectiveness of treatments. Data for a large population without nasal problems will be invaluable in both clinical and academic settings. Further analysis will characterize SNOT scores for different types of CRS and subgroup analysis of different elements of SNOT-22.