Predicting acute maxillary sinusitis in a general practice population.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the diagnostic value of symptoms, signs, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C reactive protein for acute maxillary sinusitis.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Danish general practice in cooperation with the otorhinolaryngology and neuroradiology department at Aalborg County Hospital.


METHODS
174 patients aged 18-65 years who were suspected by the general practitioner of having acute maxillary sinusitis.


METHODS
The independent association of symptoms, signs, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and concentration of C reactive protein in patients with acute maxillary sinusitis defined as purulent or mucopurulent antral aspirate.


RESULTS
Only raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = 0.01) and raised C reactive protein (P = 0.007) were found to be independently associated with a diagnosis of acute maxillary sinusitis. The combination of the two variables had a sensitivity of 0.82 and a specificity of 0.57.


CONCLUSIONS
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C reactive protein are useful diagnostic criteria for acute maxillary sinusitis.
Hansen
J G
JG
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Aalborg County Hospital, Denmark.
Schmidt
H
H
Rosborg
J
J
Lund
E
E
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003718:Denmark; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015523:Maxillary Sinusitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012737:Sex Factors
D002097:C-Reactive Protein