Use of the long-term quality of life assessment in the decision to indicate surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis / Uso da avaliação da qualidade de vida em longo prazo na decisão de indicação cirúrgica em pacientes com rinossinusite crônica

Abstract Introduction: Quality-of-life questionnaires have been used to support decision-making in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis in the past decade. The choice of treatment in practice, however, also considers the patient's decision. Objective: To assess the long-term quality of life of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who decided to avoid surgery. Methods: This is a prospective longitudinal study with a group of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, with and without indication for surgery, with application of the questionnaire SNOT-22 in two periods: between 2011 and 2012 and between June and August 2016, via email. Results: Data were collected from 42 patients, of which 13 presented indications for surgery and 29 were not indicated for surgery. The average quality of life score was 42.1 (±16.4) in the group with an indication for surgery and 40.6 (±23.4) in the group without this indication, p = 0.84. All the patients were assessed by a single doctor with blinding in relation to the initial score. No differences were detected between the groups. The impact of the chronic rhinosinusitis was reduced even among the patients with the indication for surgery. Both groups scored over 40. Conclusion: This study can help predict the impact of the chronic rhinosinusitis over time and better adjust expectations with non-surgical treatment.

Resumo Introdução: Questionários de qualidade de vida têm sido usados na última década para apoiar a tomada de decisão em pacientes com rinossinusite crônica. Entretanto, na prática, a escolha do tratamento também considera a decisão do paciente. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida em longo prazo de pacientes com rinossinusite crônica que decidiram não se submeter à cirurgia. Método: Estudo longitudinal prospectivo com um grupo de pacientes com rinossinusite crônica, com e sem recomendação de cirurgia, com aplicação do questionário Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22, teste de desfecho sinonasal) em dois períodos: entre 2011 e 2012 e entre junho e agosto de 2016, via e-mail. Resultados: Foram coletados dados de 42 pacientes, dos quais 13 tiveram recomendação para cirurgia e 29 não tiveram. O escore médio de qualidade de vida foi de 42,1 (± 16,4) no grupo com indicação de cirurgia e de 40,6 (± 23,4) no grupo sem essa indicação, p = 0,84. Todos os pacientes foram avaliados por um único médico, cegado para o escore inicial. Não foram detectadas diferenças entre os grupos. O impacto da rinossinusite crônica foi reduzido mesmo entre os pacientes com indicação de cirurgia. Ambos os grupos apresentaram um escore acima de 40. Conclusão: Este estudo pode ajudar a prever o impacto da rinossinusite crônica ao longo do tempo e ajustar de forma mais adequada as expectativas com o tratamento não cirúrgico.

Use of the long-term quality of life assessment in the decision to indicate surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

INTRODUCTION: Quality-of-life questionnaires have been used to support decision-making in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis in the past decade. The choice of treatment in practice, however, also considers the patient's decision. OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term quality of life of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who decided to avoid surgery. METHODS: This is a prospective longitudinal study with a group of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, with and without indication for surgery, with application of the questionnaire SNOT-22 in two periods: between 2011 and 2012 and between June and August 2016, via email. RESULTS: Data were collected from 42 patients, of which 13 presented indications for surgery and 29 were not indicated for surgery. The average quality of life score was 42.1 (±16.4) in the group with an indication for surgery and 40.6 (±23.4) in the group without this indication, p=0.84. All the patients were assessed by a single doctor with blinding in relation to the initial score. No differences were detected between the groups. The impact of the chronic rhinosinusitis was reduced even among the patients with the indication for surgery. Both groups scored over 40. CONCLUSION: This study can help predict the impact of the chronic rhinosinusitis over time and better adjust expectations with non-surgical treatment.

Rhinitis as an associated factor for anxiety and depression amongst adults / Rinite como fator associado para ansiedade e depressão entre adultos

Abstract Introduction: Anxiety and depression are frequent disorders of chronic diseases, yet there is no conclusive information to their association with rhinitis. Objective: The objective is to determine the frequency of anxiety and depression and its possible association to allergic rhinitis (AR) and non-allergic rhinitis (NAR). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which procured subjects with AR (n = 111), NAR (n = 34) and a control group (n = 96) from the university hospital. The presence of anxiety and depression was considered when it reached a score > 13 based on The Beck Anxiety Inventory Test and The Beck Depression Inventory II Test, respectively. The association between AR and NAR with anxiety and depression was adjusted with the Mantel-Haenszel Method and logistic regression. Results: The frequency for anxiety in AR, NAR and the control group was 45.9%, 52.9%, 10.4%, respectively (p < 0.001); depression frequency was 38.7%, 47.1%, 16.6% (p = 0.0003), respectively. Both AR and NAR were associated to anxiety and depression in women, but not to men. After adjusting the sex: AR was associated to anxiety (OR = 5.7, p < 0.001) and depression (OR = 2.5, p = 0.015), while NAR was also associated to anxiety (OR = 7.8, p < 0.001) and depression (OR = 3.3, p < 0.014). In multivariate analysis it was identified that AR, NAR and the individual's sex (women) were factors associated to anxiety and depression. Results showed that age was only associated to anxiety. Conclusion: AR and NAR are diseases associated to anxiety and depression, at least in women.

Resumo Introdução: Ansiedade e depressão são distúrbios frequentes em doenças crônicas, embora não haja informação conclusiva sobre sua associação com a rinite alérgica. Objetivo: Determinar a frequência de ansiedade e depressão e sua possível associação a rinite alérgica (RA) e rinite não alérgica (NRA). Método: Estudo transversal, no qual indivíduos com RA (n = 111), NRA (n = 34) e um grupo controle (n = 96) foram recrutados a partir do hospital universitário. A presença de ansiedade e depressão foi considerada quando atingiu uma pontuação > 13 no Teste do Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck e no Teste II do Inventário de Depressão de Beck, respectivamente. A associação entre a RA e RNA com ansiedade e depressão foi ajustada com o Método de Mantel-Haenszel e regressão logística. Resultados: A frequência de ansiedade na RA, RNA e grupo controle foi de 45,9%, 52,9%, 10,4%, respectivamente (p < 0,001); a frequência de depressão foi de 38,7%, 47,1%, 16,6% (p = 0,0003), respectivamente. Tanto a RA como a RNA foram associadas a ansiedade e depressão em mulheres, mas não para os homens. Depois de ajustar o sexo: RA foi associada à ansiedade (OR = 5,7, p < 0,001) e depressão (OR = 2,5, p = 0,015), enquanto a RNA foi associada a ansiedade (OR = 7,8, p < 0,001) e depressão (OR = 3,3, p < 0,014). Na análise multivariada identificou-se que a RA, RNA e o sexo do indivíduo (mulheres) foram fatores associados a ansiedade e depressão. Os resultados mostraram que a idade só foi associada à ansiedade. Conclusão: RA e RNA são doenças associadas a ansiedade e depressão, pelo menos em mulheres.

Rhinitis as an associated factor for anxiety and depression amongst adults.

INTRODUCTION: Anxiety and depression are frequent disorders of chronic diseases, yet there is no conclusive information to their association with rhinitis. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to determine the frequency of anxiety and depression and its possible association to allergic rhinitis (AR) and non-allergic rhinitis (NAR). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study in which procured subjects with AR (n=111), NAR (n=34) and a control group (n=96) from the university hospital. The presence of anxiety and depression was considered when it reached a score>13 based on The Beck Anxiety Inventory Test and The Beck Depression Inventory II Test, respectively. The association between AR and NAR with anxiety and depression was adjusted with the Mantel-Haenszel Method and logistic regression. RESULTS: The frequency for anxiety in AR, NAR and the control group was 45.9%, 52.9%, 10.4%, respectively (p<0.001); depression frequency was 38.7%, 47.1%, 16.6% (p=0.0003), respectively. Both AR and NAR were associated to anxiety and depression in women, but not to men. After adjusting the sex: AR was associated to anxiety (OR=5.7, p<0.001) and depression (OR=2.5, p=0.015), while NAR was also associated to anxiety (OR=7.8, p<0.001) and depression (OR=3.3, p<0.014). In multivariate analysis it was identified that AR, NAR and the individual's sex (women) were factors associated to anxiety and depression. Results showed that age was only associated to anxiety. CONCLUSION: AR and NAR are diseases associated to anxiety and depression, at least in women.

The Portuguese version of the RhinoQOL Questionnaire: validation and clinical application, / Versão portuguesa do Questionário RhinoQOL: validação e aplicação clínica

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Rhinosinusitis constitutes an important health problem, with significant interference in personal, professional, and social functioning. This study presents the validation process of the Portuguese version of the RhinoQOL, to be used as a routine procedure in the assessment of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that the Portuguese version of the RhinoQOL is as valid as the English version to measure symptoms and health-related quality of life in chronic rhinosinusitis. METHODS: The Portuguese version of the RhinoQOL was administered consecutively to 58 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps, assessed for endoscopic sinus surgery. A follow-up survey was completed three months after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed to determine its psychometric properties. RESULTS: Face and content validity were confirmed by similar internal consistency as the original questionnaire for each sub-scale, and strong correlation between individual items and total score. The questionnaire was easy and quick to administer (5.5 min). At three months, there was a significant decrease from baseline for all sub-scale scores, indicating clinical improvement, with an effect size considered as large. CONCLUSION: This study provides a questionnaire that is equivalent to the original English version, with good responsiveness to change, which can be especially valuable to measure the outcome of surgery.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: A rinossinusite constitui um importante problema de saúde, com interferência significante na vida pessoal, e sócio-profissional dos pacientes. Este estudo apresenta o processo de validação da versão do RhinoQOL na língua portuguesa para ser usado em pacientes portadores de rinossinusite crônica. OBJETIVO: Demonstrar que a versão do RhinoQOL na língua portuguesa é tão válida quanto a versão inglesa na medição dos sintomas e qualidade de vida dos pacientes com rinossinusite crônica. MÉTODO: A versão em português do RhinoQOL foi aplicada consecutivamente a 58 pacientes com rinossinusite crônica, com e sem pólipos nasais, previamente à cirurgia endoscópica nasal, tendo sido reavaliados aos 3 meses de pós-operatório. Análise estatística foi realizada para determinar as suas propriedades psicométricas. RESULTADO: A validade de conteúdo foi confirmada por uma consistência interna similar à do questionário original, para cada sub-escala, e por uma forte correlação entre cada item e o score total. A aplicação do questionário foi fácil e rápida (5,5 min). Aos 3 meses, verificou-se uma redução significativa dos scores de todas as sub-escalas, indicando melhoria clínica, com um tamanho de efeito considerado grande. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo fornece um questionário que é equivalente à versão original, com boa sensibilidade à mudança, o que pode ser especialmente útil na medição do impacto da cirurgia.

The Portuguese version of the RhinoQOL Questionnaire: validation and clinical application.

INTRODUCTION: Rhinosinusitis constitutes an important health problem, with significant interference in personal, professional, and social functioning. This study presents the validation process of the Portuguese version of the RhinoQOL, to be used as a routine procedure in the assessment of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that the Portuguese version of the RhinoQOL is as valid as the English version to measure symptoms and health-related quality of life in chronic rhinosinusitis. METHODS: The Portuguese version of the RhinoQOL was administered consecutively to 58 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps, assessed for endoscopic sinus surgery. A follow-up survey was completed three months after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed to determine its psychometric properties. RESULTS: Face and content validity were confirmed by similar internal consistency as the original questionnaire for each sub-scale, and strong correlation between individual items and total score. The questionnaire was easy and quick to administer (5.5min). At three months, there was a significant decrease from baseline for all sub-scale scores, indicating clinical improvement, with an effect size considered as large. CONCLUSION: This study provides a questionnaire that is equivalent to the original English version, with good responsiveness to change, which can be especially valuable to measure the outcome of surgery.

Biofilm-forming bacteria and quality of life improvement after sinus surgery.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear how much chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients with bacterial biofilms can benefit from functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). We aimed to evaluate whether biofilm-forming bacteria was associated with quality of life (QOL) improvement after FESS. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included adult CRS patients who underwent FESS from 2008 to 2011. Sinus samples were taken to evaluate for biofilm-formation in vitro using a modified Calgary Biofilm Detection Assay. QOL was measured before FESS, and 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month after FESS using 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores. Patients' characteristics and medications were collected. Clinical significant QOL change was defined as a difference of at least 0.5 standard deviation (SD) of baseline SNOT-22 score in the reference group. RESULTS: A total of 156 patients had complete data, and 15% had biofilm-forming bacteria (n = 24). Patients with biofilm-forming bacteria had significantly worse preoperative SNOT-22 scores compared to patients without biofilm-forming bacteria (48 ± 20 vs 38 ± 23, p = 0.048). Both groups had clinically significant QOL improvement after FESS, and the differences in their 1-month (23 ± 19 vs 17 ± 20) and 3-month (27 ± 18 vs 18 ± 19) post-FESS SNOT-22 scores were not significant. However, patients with biofilm-forming bacteria demonstrated significantly less QOL improvement than patients without biofilm-forming bacteria from pre-FESS to 6-month post-FESS visits after adjusting for clinical factors (35 ± 25 vs 14 ± 15; ß-coefficient = 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13 to 1.28; p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: CRS patients with biofilm-forming bacteria demonstrated clinically significant QOL improvement following FESS, but the degree of improvement was decreased overtime and became significantly worse than patients without biofilm-forming bacteria by 6-month follow-up. This QOL worsening was independent of other risk factors for CRS.

Evaluation of the quality of life of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis by means of the SNOT-22 questionnaire.

UNLABELLED: SNOT-22 is a questionnaire used to assess the quality of life of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). It is broadly utilized to assess the surgical treatment of patients with CRS. In Brazil there are no studies utilizing the SNOT-22 in non-surgical patients. OBJECTIVE: To use the SNOT-22 questionnaire to assess the quality of life of individuals with chronic rhinosinusitis without previous surgery and with indication for clinical treatment. METHOD: Prospective and analytical cohort and cross-sectional controlled clinical trial. We had 2 groups, one made up of patients with CRS and another one with adult individuals without the sinonasal disease, consecutively seen in an otorhinolaryngology clinic in Salvador, Bahia, between August of 2011 and June of 2012. They all filled out the Consent Form, a registration form and the SNOT-22. RESULTS: 176 patients, 78 with CRS and 98 without the disease, the groups matched as far as gender, medication and respiratory allergies were concerned. Age was 40.7 + 13.5 years in the study group and 37.8 + 12.9 in controls (p = 0.26). The SNOT-22 median value in the study group was 53, compared to 8 in the control group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Chronic rhinosinusitis reduces the quality of life of patients, according to the SNOT-22 questionnaire.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida de pacientes com rinossinusite crônica por meio de questionário SNOT-22 / Evaluation of the quality of life of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis by means of the SNOT-22 questionnaire

O SNOT-22 é um questionário para avaliação da qualidade de vida dos pacientes com rinossinusite crônica (RSC). Ele é largamente utilizado para avaliação do tratamento cirúrgico na RSC. No Brasil, não existem estudos utilizando o SNOT-22 em pacientes não cirúrgicos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar por meio do questionário SNOT-22 a qualidade de indivíduos com rinossinusite crônica sem cirurgia prévia e com indicação de tratamento clínico. MÉTODO: Estudo clínico prospectivo e analítico, tipo corte transversal com controle. Foram dois grupos, sendo um constituído de pacientes com RSC e outro por indivíduos sem doença nasossinusal, adultos, atendidos consecutivamente num serviço de otorrinolaringologia em Salvador, Bahia, de agosto de 2011 a junho de 2012. Todos preencheram o termo de consentimento, um cadastro e o SNOT-22. RESULTADOS: Cento e setenta e seis pacientes, sendo 78 com RSC, e 98 sem a doença. Os grupos foram homogêneos quanto ao gênero, alergias medicamentosas e respiratórias. A idade foi de 40,7 + 13,5 anos no grupo caso e 37,8 + 12,9 no controle (p = 0,26). A mediana do SNOT-22 no grupo caso foi 53 contra 8 do controle (p = 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A rinossinusite crônica reduz a qualidade de vida do paciente de acordo com o questionário SNOT-22.

SNOT-22 is a questionnaire used to assess the quality of life of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). It is broadly utilized to assess the surgical treatment of patients with CRS. In Brazil there are no studies utilizing the SNOT-22 in non-surgical patients. OBJECTIVE: To use the SNOT-22 questionnaire to assess the quality of life of individuals with chronic rhinosinusitis without previous surgery and with indication for clinical treatment. METHOD: Prospective and analytical cohort and cross-sectional controlled clinical trial. We had 2 groups, one made up of patients with CRS and another one with adult individuals without the sinonasal disease, consecutively seen in an otorhinolaryngology clinic in Salvador, Bahia, between August of 2011 and June of 2012. They all filled out the Consent Form, a registration form and the SNOT-22. RESULTS: 176 patients, 78 with CRS and 98 without the disease, the groups matched as far as gender, medication and respiratory allergies were concerned. Age was 40.7 + 13.5 years in the study group and 37.8 + 12.9 in controls (p = 0.26). The SNOT-22 median value in the study group was 53, compared to 8 in the control group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Chronic rhinosinusitis reduces the quality of life of patients, according to the SNOT-22 questionnaire.

SNOT-22: adaptação cultural e propriedades psicométricas para a língua portuguesa falada no Brasil / SNOT-22: psychometric properties and cross-cultural adaptation into the portuguese language spoken in Brazil

A rinossinusite apresenta alta prevalência, gera gastos vultosos e o seu impacto vem sendo demonstrado por questionários genéricos de qualidade de vida. Todavia, instrumentos genéricos podem não detectar efeito de intervenções e tratamentos. O SNOT-22 figura entre os principais instrumentos doença-específico na avaliação da qualidade de vida dos pacientes com rinossinusite. Contudo, não existe versão validada deste questionário no Brasil. OBJETIVO: Adaptar culturalmente para o português falado no Brasil o SNOT-22 e avaliar suas propriedades psicométricas. MÉTODO: A versão em português foi desenvolvida obedecendo robusta metodologia preconizada pela literatura e incluiu 1) Preparação 2) Tradução para o português por três médicos, independentemente 3) Conciliação para versão única em português 4) Retradução 5) Comparação da retradução com a versão original 6) Avaliação pela autora do SNOT-22 da retradução 7) Revisão da versão em português por especialistas 8) Desdobramentos cognitivos 9) Versão final. A segunda fase: estudo prospectivo que verificou as propriedades psicométricas por meio da consistência interna e confiabilidade teste-reteste. RESULTADOS: A adaptação cultural do instrumento apresentou compreensão, aceitabilidade e propriedades psicométricas adequadas. CONCLUSÃO: Conduzimos a adaptação cultural do SNOT-22 para o português falado no Brasil, produzindo um instrumento de grande importância clínica e para estudos científicos.

Rhinosinusitis is a highly prevalent disease and a major cause of high medical costs. It has been proven to have an impact on the quality of life through generic health-related quality of life assessments. However, generic instruments may not be able to factor in the effects of interventions and treatments. SNOT-22 is a major disease-specific instrument to assess quality of life for patients with rhinosinusitis. Nevertheless, there is still no validated SNOT-22 version in our country. OBJECTIVE: Cross-cultural adaptation of the SNOT-22 into Brazilian Portuguese and assessment of its psychometric properties. METHOD: The Brazilian version of the SNOT-22 was developed according to international guidelines and was broken down into nine stages: 1) Preparation 2) Translation 3) Reconciliation 4) Back-translation 5) Comparison 6) Evaluation by the author of the SNOT-22 7) Revision by committee of experts 8) Cognitive debriefing 9) Final version. Second phase: prospective study consisting of a verification of the psychometric properties, by analyzing internal consistency and test-retest reliability. RESULTS: Cultural adaptation showed adequate understanding, acceptability and psychometric properties. CONCLUSION: We followed the recommended steps for the cultural adaptation of the SNOT-22 into Portuguese language, producing a tool for the assessment of patients with sinonasal disorders of clinical importance and for scientific studies.

SNOT-22: psychometric properties and cross-cultural adaptation into the Portuguese language spoken in Brazil.

UNLABELLED: Rhinosinusitis is a highly prevalent disease and a major cause of high medical costs. It has been proven to have an impact on the quality of life through generic health-related quality of life assessments. However, generic instruments may not be able to factor in the effects of interventions and treatments. SNOT-22 is a major disease-specific instrument to assess quality of life for patients with rhinosinusitis. Nevertheless, there is still no validated SNOT-22 version in our country. OBJECTIVE: Cross-cultural adaptation of the SNOT-22 into Brazilian Portuguese and assessment of its psychometric properties. METHOD: The Brazilian version of the SNOT-22 was developed according to international guidelines and was broken down into nine stages: 1) Preparation 2) Translation 3) Reconciliation 4) Back-translation 5) Comparison 6) Evaluation by the author of the SNOT-22 7) Revision by committee of experts 8) Cognitive debriefing 9) Final version. Second phase: prospective study consisting of a verification of the psychometric properties, by analyzing internal consistency and test-retest reliability. RESULTS: Cultural adaptation showed adequate understanding, acceptability and psychometric properties. CONCLUSION: We followed the recommended steps for the cultural adaptation of the SNOT-22 into Portuguese language, producing a tool for the assessment of patients with sinonasal disorders of clinical importance and for scientific studies.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT): 22 to Brazilian Portuguese.

UNLABELLED: Quality of life questionnaires have been increasingly used in clinical trials to help establish the impact of medical intervention or to assess the outcome of health care services. Among disease-specific outcome measures, SNOT-22 was considered the most suitable tool for assessing chronic rhinosinusitis and patients with nasal polyps. AIMS: To perform translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the SNOT-22 to Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: Prospective study involving eighty-nine patients with chronic rhinosinusitis or nasal polyps submitted to functional endoscopic sinus surgery, who answered the questionnaire before and after surgery. Furthermore, 113 volunteers without sinonasal disease also answered the questionnaire. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, measure validity, responsiveness and clinical interpretability were assessed. RESULTS: Mean preoperative, postoperative and no sinonasal disease scores were 62.39, 23.09 and 11.42, respectively (p<0.0001); showing validity and responsiveness. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.9276). Reliability was sufficiently good, considering inter-interviewers (r=0.81) and intra-interviewers within a 10 to 14 day-interval (r=0.72). Surgery effect size was 1.55. Minimally important difference was 14 points; and scores up to 10 points were considered normal. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian Portuguese SNOT-22 version is a valid instrument to assess patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT): 22 to Brazilian Portuguese / Tradução, adaptação cultural e validação do questionário Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT): 22 para a Língua Portuguesa (BR)

Quality of life questionnaires have been increasingly used in clinical trials to help establish the impact of medical intervention or to assess the outcome of health care services. Among disease-specific outcome measures, SNOT-22 was considered the most suitable tool for assessing chronic rhinosinusitis and patients with nasal polyps. AIMS: To perform translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the SNOT-22 to Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: Prospective study involving eighty-nine patients with chronic rhinosinusitis or nasal polyps submitted to functional endoscopic sinus surgery, who answered the questionnaire before and after surgery. Furthermore, 113 volunteers without sinonasal disease also answered the questionnaire. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, measure validity, responsiveness and clinical interpretability were assessed. RESULTS: Mean preoperative, postoperative and no sinonasal disease scores were 62.39, 23.09 and 11.42, respectively (p<0.0001); showing validity and responsiveness. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.9276). Reliability was sufficiently good, considering inter-interviewers (r=0.81) and intra-interviewers within a 10 to 14 day-interval (r=0.72). Surgery effect size was 1.55. Minimally important difference was 14 points; and scores up to 10 points were considered normal. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian Portuguese SNOT-22 version is a valid instrument to assess patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps.

Os questionários de qualidade de vida têm sido utilizados para determinar o impacto promovido por uma intervenção ou avaliar os resultados dos serviços de saúde. Dentre os questionários específicos, o SNOT-22 foi considerado o mais adequado para avaliar pacientes com rinossinusite crônica (RSC) e polipose nasossinusal (PNS). OBJETIVO: Realizar a tradução, adaptação cultural e validação do SNOT-22 para o Português Brasileiro (BR). MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo com 89 pacientes no pré e pós-operatório de cirurgia endoscópica nasossinusal por RSC ou PNS e 113 voluntários sem doença nasossinusal. RESULTADOS: O escore médio no pré-operatório foi de 62,39 pontos; no pós-operatório, de 23,09 e dos sem doença nasossinusal, de 11,42 (p<0,0001), mostrando a validade e responsividade. A consistência interna foi alta (alfa de Cronbach de 0,9276). A reprodutibilidade foi suficiente na aplicação interentrevistadores (r=0,81) e intraentrevistadores com 10 a 14 dias de intervalo (r=0,72). O tamanho de efeito da cirurgia foi de 1,55. A diferença minimamente importante foi de 14 pontos e escores até 10 pontos foram considerados como normais. CONCLUSÃO: A versão para Português Brasileiro do questionário SNOT-22 é um instrumento válido para avaliar pacientes com RSC e PNS.