[The validity of the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index in chronic sinusitis]

Quality of life in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis is affected more than many other chronic diseases. In this study, we evaluated the validity of the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) in assessing deterioration in the quality of life.

The Rhinosinusitis Disability Index consisting of 30 items was administered to 355 patients (206 males, 149 females; mean age 41 years; range 21 to 57 years) with chronic rhinosinusitis before and after treatment and to 112 healthy controls (44 males, 68 females; mean age 35 years; range 18 to 48 years). A detailed history was taken from the patients and skin-prick test was performed to eliminate allergic rhinitis. The scores of patients and physicians were compared. The score of the RSDI is inversely proportional to the quality of life.

Spearman rank correlation test yielded a coefficient of 0.42 for comparisons between pre- and post-treatment scores and physician evaluation. Coefficients for correlations between the patients' and physicians' scores before and after treatment were 0.62 and 0.59, respectively. The mean RSDI scores of the patients before and after treatment were 35.2+/-14.3 and 13.9+/-10.8, respectively, compared to a score of 8.4+/-8.8 of the control group. Only 72.4% of the patients could answer the questions by themselves.

If properly administered, the RSDI is a reliable method in evaluating quality of life; however, it is affected by the socioeconomic and education levels of the participants.