Point-of-Care Computed Tomography (CT) Chronic Rhinosinusitis Study

Northwestern University40 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this research study is to determine whether or not computed tomography (CT) scans performed on patients with symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) but without any physical signs of the disease will (1) prove to be less expensive in the treatment and evaluation as compared to current practices, (2) avoid the use of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, and (3) provide a more efficient way to diagnose conditions in patients who have had CRS ruled out as a cause. The investigators hypothesize that current guidelines, when applied to subjects with symptoms of CRS in the absence of physical signs may be associated with (1) increased unnecessary prescription of antibiotics, (2) delay in further essential workup, and (3) increased overall health care costs.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

DIAGNOSTIC

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Interventions

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 70 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects actively meeting the symptomatic criteria for CRS as defined by the Taskforce on Rhinosinusitis but with physical and endoscopic examination that is within normal limits Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects who are pregnant * Subjects with a diagnosis of immune suppression or suspicion of malignancy that may be affecting the nose/paranasal sinuses * Subjects who have had prior sinus surgery or who have been previously treated with a \>3 week course of broad spectrum antibiotics for CRS

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Number of Participants in Compliance With Medical Recommendations

Number of participants in each group who complied with medical advice given at the initial appointment.

Time frame: 8 weeks

Number of Participants Having a CT Done

Total number of participants having a CT scan (sinus) done in each of the two groups over the study interval.