Core Outcome Measures in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps: In Practice and Research

Abstract

Heterogeneity in outcomes used in clinical trials prevents meta-analysis and contributes to research waste. Core outcome sets aim to address this by defining a small number of essential outcomes that should be measured in all effectiveness trials. Adoption in routine clinical practice can further improve outcomes for patients. There has been a rapid growth in therapeutic options available for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, but difficulty comparing results leads to uncertainty into optimum management, and there is a need to define a core outcome set. We consider whether work already undertaken needs to be modified for patients with nasal polyps. We recommend that a core outcome set should include assessment of disease specific quality of life, nasal polyp score, evaluation of sense of smell, alongside need for OCS and surgical treatment and complications from the disease or treatment. Further work is required to achieve international consensus regarding the choice of nasal polyp scoring system.