Table 4 Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for cohort studies

Selection

 Representativeness of exposed cohort

Individuals with chronic rhinitis undergoing ablation

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

 Selection of the non-exposed cohort

Drawn from same community as exposed cohort

 Ascertainment of exposure?

Secured records, structured interview

*

*

*

*

*

*

 Demonstration that outcome of interest was not present at start of study?

Measurement of pre-treatment and post-treatment symptom scores

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Comparability

 Study controls for age, sex

Yes

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

 Study controls for any additional factor

Concurrent medication use

*

*

*

Outcome

 Assessment of outcome

Standardized and validated assessment tool (rTNSS, TNSS, SNOT22)

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

 Was follow-up long enough for outcome to occur?

Yes, treatment duration > 4 weeks

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

 Adequacy of follow-up of cohorts?

All subjects accounted for or small number (< 5%) lost to follow-up or description provided of those lost

*

*

*

*

*

*

 Overall Quality Score (Maximum = 9)

8

7

7

8

8

6

6

Good

Good

Good

Good

Good

Good

Fair