Annesi-Maesano et al developed the Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) to evaluate the patients with findings suggestive of allergic rhinitis. It is easy to perform and can be used in population studies. The authors are from 5 hospitals in France.
Parameters:
(1) nasal symptoms (blocked nose, runny nose, sneezing) in past years
(2) months of years affected
(3) combination of nasal symptoms and itchy eyes (rhinoconjunctivitis)
(4) triggering antigens
(5) perceived allergic status
(6) previous positive allergic tests
(7) previous medical diagnosis of allergy
(8) familial history of allergy, eczema or allergic rhinitis
|
Parameter (Symptoms and Months) |
Finding |
Points |
|
blocked nose in past year |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
1 |
|
runny nose in past year |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
1 |
|
sneezing in past year |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
1 |
|
perennial symptoms |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
1 |
|
symptoms during pollen season |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
1 |
|
combination of one or more nasal symptoms plus itchy eyes |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
2 |
from Table 1, page 109
|
Remaining Parameters |
Finding |
Points |
|
triggering antigens |
pollen, house dust mites, dust |
2 |
|
|
animals (cats, dogs) |
1 |
|
|
other |
0 |
|
perceived allergic status |
present |
2 |
|
|
absent |
0 |
|
previous positive allergic tests |
present |
2 |
|
|
absent |
0 |
|
previous medical diagnosis of allergy |
present |
1 |
|
|
absent |
0 |
|
familial history of allergy |
present |
2 |
|
|
absent |
0 |
from Table 1, page 109
SFAR =
= SUM(points for all of the parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 16
• The higher the score, the more likely the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.
• A score >= 7 was used to diagnose allergic rhinitis, based on the ROC curve and Youden index.
Specialty: Immunology/Rheumatology
