METHODS: Narrative review of the literature, identifying and describing outcome measures that may be used in the evaluation of CRSwNP and for assessment of treatment responses.
RESULTS: In this review, we identify many different outcome measures for CRSwNP that fall under the categories of PROM, objective test, psychophysical test or biomarker. We describe the history of each - including seminal studies - and demonstrate the formal validation, psychometric performance, and limitations of each.
CONCLUSIONS: PROMs, objective tests, psychophysical tests and biomarkers represent different classes of outcome measures that are complementary means of assessing CRSwNP disease status and treatment efficacy. The choice or interpretation of a CRSwNP outcome measure should be undertaken with full knowledge of its formal validation, psychometric performance, and limitations.
METHODS: To develop this tool, published literature on assessment tools was searched on various databases. A panel of 12 steering committee members conducted an advisory board meeting to review the findings. Specific outcome measures to be included in a comprehensive assessment tool and follow-up sheet were then collated following consensus approval from the panel. The tool was further validated for content and revised with expert recommendations to arrive at the finalized Nasal Polyp Patient Assessment Scoring Sheet (N-PASS) tool.
RESULTS: The N-PASS tool was developed by integrating the subjective and objective measures for CRS assessment. Based on expert opinions, N-PASS was revised to be used as an easy-to-use guidance tool that captures patient-reported and physician-assessed components for comprehensively assessing disease status and response to treatment.
CONCLUSION: The N-PASS tool can be used to aid in the diagnosis and management of CRS cases with nasal polyps. The tool would also aid in improved monitoring of patients and pave the way for an international disease registry.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Oxford Level 3.
METHODS: Consensus on a novel endoscopic sphenoid surgery classification system by running the Delphi procedure with 16 rhinology experts from around the world.
RESULTS: Four Delphi rounds were required to reach a consensus on all stages of the classification. The average percentage of agreement on the stages of classification progressively increased from 70.83% in the first round to 87.68% in the last round. The rejection rates continuously decreased from 8.81% in the first round to 4.44% in the last round. The classification system was developed as follows: stage 1, presphenoid surgery; stage 2A, partial sphenoidotomy; stage 2B, complete sphenoidotomy; stage 2C, transpterygoid sphenoidotomy; stage 3A, Rostral sphenoidectomy; and stage 3B, extended sphenoid drill-out.
CONCLUSIONS: This novel endoscopic sphenoid surgery classification system facilitates the description of different sphenoid sinus procedures, providing surgeons with better opportunities for discussion and communication.