How does measured olfactory function correlate with self-ratings of the sense of smell in patients with nasal polyposis?

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis: The objectives of this study were to investigate correlations, before and after surgery, between olfactory function self-ratings and measurements, and self-ratings of nasal obstruction and smell; and to establish cutoff points of self-rating scores for smell reduction in patients with nasal polyposis (NP). Study Design: Prospective study. Methods: A total of 80 patients with NP (36 women, 44 men; aged 49 ± 4 years) were enrolled. Self-ratings (0- to 10-point scale) and measurements of olfactory function with standardized Sniffin' Sticks odor threshold and identification tests were assessed 1 day before surgery, and at 6 weeks (26-78 days) and 7 months (132-318 days) after surgery. Relationships were studied with Spearman correlation coefficients. Cutoff points of self-rating scores for olfactory deficit were established using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: Overall, olfactory function self-ratings and measurements correlated strongly preoperatively (r = -0.66, P