EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale Research Articles

Association of Health-Related Quality of Life and Work Productivity with Clinical Characteristics in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease

Introduction: Adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) suffer from periodic episodes of severe acute pain, chronic pain, fatigue, acute complications, end-organ damage and early mortality. We explored clinical characteristics associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI) in adults with SCD. Methods: Between January 2022 and June 2023, we recruited 87 adults aged ≥18 years with a diagnosis of SCD from four U.S. NASCC recognized SCD centers participating in the Globin Research Network for Data and Discovery ( GRNDaD) registry. We collected data on patient socio-demographics, fatigue, chronic pain, WPAI, and HRQoL measured by EQ-5D-5L and ASCQ-Me via patient survey. Medical history checklist (MHC) score sums 9 SCD complications and treatment history. Clinical charateristis on SCD subtype and baseline hemoglobin were obtained from the medical record. Clinical characteristics and self-reported MHC, chronic pain associated with HRQoL, and WPAI scores were assessed by Student T-tests or Pearson correlation. Results: Mean age was 38.0±13.4 (standard deviation) years, 58.6% of the sample was female, 64.3% had hemoglobin (Hb) SS disease, 73.6% reported chronic pain (experiencing pain on ≥3 days per week in the past 6 months). Mean EQ visual analogue scale (VAS) was 71.3 (lower than the U.S. 35-44 age mean of 81.8). Mean EQ index score was 0.73 (lower than the U.S. 35-44 age group population norm 0.85). Mean fatigue score was 52.1 (range 33.7-75.8) and was negatively correlated with HRQoL scores, indicating higher fatigue correlated with lower patient's self-rated health, including the EQ VAS (correlation coefficient r=-0.49, p<0.0001), EQ index score (r=-0.53, p<0.0001), and all domain of ASCQ-Me scores including pain (r=-0.52, p<0.0001), stiffness (r=-0.55, p<0.0001), sleep (r=-0.43, p<0.0001), emotion (r=-0.65, p<0.0001), and social functioning score (r=-0.64, p<0.0001). Fatigue score was correlated with pain episode frequency (r=0.29, p=<0.001, indicated more frequent pain episodes correlated with higher fatigue), and pain episode severity score (r=0.34, p=0.002). Fatigue score also correlated with overall activity impairment due to SCD (r=0.47, p<0.0001). MHC score was negatively correlated with EQ VAS (r=-0.32, p=0.003), EQ index score (r=-0.35, p=0.001), ASCQ-Me pain (r=-0.25, p=0.02), stiffness (r=-0.28, p=0.009), emotion (-0.23, p=0.03), social (r=-0.28, p=0.01), pain episode severity score (r=0.26, p=0.02) and fatigue score (r=0.35, p=0.0009). Hemoglobin was not correlated with HRQoL or fatigue scores. MHC score significantly correlated with overall activity impairment (r=0.22, p=0.04). As compared to patients who had MHC≤2, those with score>2 had significantly lower mean EQ-VAS, EQ index score, ASCQ-Me domain impacts in pain, stiffness, sleep, emotion, social funtioning, and pain episode severity, but higher fatigue score and greater absenteeism. Patients who reported chronic pain had significantly lower mean EQ VAS, EQ index score, ASCQ-Me domain impacts in pain, stiffness, sleep, emotion, social functioning, higher pain episode frequency, pain episode severity, and fatigue score, greater presenteeism score (impairment while working), overall work productivity loss and overall activity impairment than those without chronic pain. SCD subtype was not associated with HRQoL and fatigue scores. Conclusions: Hemoglobin and SCD subtype were not significantly associated with HRQoL and fatigue in this sample (possibly due to selection bias, where higher functioning patients were more likely to be selected for study participation). Fatigue in adults with SCD is moderately correlated with EQ-5D-5L scores, ASCQ-Me domains on pain, stiffness, sleep, emotion, and social functioning, as well as overall activity impairment, but weakly correlated with pain episode frequency and severity. MHC had weak correlation with EQ-5D-5L scores, ASCQ-Me domains on pain, stiffness, emotion, and social, and activity impairment. Individuals who had higher fatigue score, MHC score≥2, and reported chronic pain showed lower HRQoL and higher impairment of work productivity and activity. Future analyses will explore how multiplicity problems that SCD patients suffer impact HRQoL and work productivity and activity impairment in longitudinal data, which will identify the opportunity on intervention to improve patient care.

Discharge transitional care programme for older adults after hip fracture surgery: a quasi-experimental study.

Hip fractures require extended periods of recovery and rehabilitation, subjecting older adults to discontinuous care. Discharge transition is a critical point of heightened vulnerability for older adults. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a transitional care programme on the physical functions and quality of life (QOL) of older adults after hip fracture surgery. Seventy-five older adults were assessed from pre-discharge to 6 weeks after hip surgery, and their physical functions, including walking status and activities of daily living, were measured. The QOL was measured using the European Quality of life-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ 5D 5L). There was a significant strong effect of time (B = 10.565; 95% CI = 2.584-18.547; p = 0.009) on the EuroQol Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS) for the experimental group. However, there were no significant effects of time on physical functions and EQ-5D-5L scores. The discharge transitional care programme improved the EQ-VAS of older adults following hip fracture surgery 6 weeks post-surgery. However, there were no significant differences in physical functions and EQ-5D between the groups.

Fighting to Breathe and Fighting for Health-Related Quality of Life: Measuring the Impact of Being Dependent on Technology for Breathing on the Child and Their Caregiver.

Medical advancement has enabled children to survive congenital airway anomalies, rare diseases and critical illnesses with medical technology including tracheostomies and long-term ventilation to support breathing. This study aimed to assess (1) the validity of the EQ-TIPS and EQ-5D-Y-3L in children dependent on technology and (2) the impact of caring for these children on the EQ-5D-5L and CarerQoL. Caregivers of children aged 1 month to 18 years completed the EQ-TIPS or EQ-5D-Y-3L, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and Paediatric Tracheostomy Health Status Instrument(PTHSI) to reflect the child's health. In addition, caregivers self-completed the EQ-5D-5L and CarerQoL. Reports of problems on EQ dimensions were compared across age groups with the Fisher's exact test. Spearman and Pearson's correlation coefficients and Kruskal-Wallis H-test were used to explore the association between caregiver and child scores, concurrent validity, and known-group validity of the EQ-TIPS and EQ-5D-Y-3L. Responses from 144 caregivers were collected, 66 for children aged 1 month to 4 years completing EQ-TIPS and 78 for children aged 5-18 years completing EQ-5D-Y-3L. The EQ-TIPS showed a higher report of no problems for social interaction for children aged 1-12 months (p = 0.040) than the older age groups, there were however no differences in the level sum score (LSS) or EQ Visual Analogue Scale scores between the age groups. The EQ-5D-Y-3L showed a significantly less report of problems for mobility (p = 0.013) and usual activities (p = 0.006) for children aged 5-7 years compared with children aged 8-12 and children aged 13-18 years. Similarly, the 5-7 years of age group had a significantly lower EQ-5D-Y-3L LSS compared with the older groups (H = 12.08, p = 0.002). The EQ-TIPS and EQ-5D-Y-3L showed moderate-to-strong associations with the PedsQL. EQ-TIPS median LSS was able to differentiate between groups on the clinical prognosis with a better health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in those where weaning from technology is possible compared with those where weaning is not possible (H = 18.98, p = 0.011). The EQ-5D-Y-3L can discriminate between breathing technology, where those with only a tracheostomy reported better HRQoL (H = 8.92, p = 0.012), and between mild and moderate clinical severity (H = 19.42, p < 0.001). Neither the PedsQL nor the PTHSI was able to discriminate between these groups across the age range. Caregiver and child HRQoL scores showed moderate-to-strong associations. The EQ-TIPS and EQ-5D-Y-3L showed good validity in children dependent on the technology for breathing. The EQ-TIPS and EQ-5D-Y-3L LSS were all able to differentiate between children with known clinical variables and outperformed both the PedsQL and PTHSI, making them preferable for intervention research. The caregiver scores are associated with the child HRQoL scores and thus a spill-over should be accounted for in any interventions targeting this cohort. It is recommended that future studies investigate the reliability and responsiveness of these measures in children dependent on technology for breathing.

3-year outcomes of discharged survivors of COVID-19 following the SARS-CoV-2 omicron (B.1.1.529) wave in 2022 in China: a longitudinal cohort study

There is a paucity of data on the natural trajectory of outcomes in survivors of COVID-19 beyond 2 years after symptom onset, and no evidence exists on the effect of re-infection in people with long COVID symptoms. We aimed to investigate the 3-year health outcomes of COVID-19 survivors and the effect of omicron re-infection. In this single-centre, longitudinal cohort study, we recruited participants with confirmed COVID-19 who were discharged from the Jin Yin-tan hospital in Wuhan, China, between Jan 7 and May 29, 2020. Participants completed three follow-up visits at 6 months (June 16 to Sept 13, 2020), 1 year (Dec 16, 2020, to Feb 7, 2021), and 2 years (Nov 16, 2021, to Jan 10, 2022) since symptom onset (reported previously). At 1-year follow-up, community controls without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection were recruited from two communities in Wuhan and at 2 years were matched (1:1) with survivors of COVID-19 who underwent pulmonary function tests. We did a 3-year follow-up from Feb 23, 2023, to April 20, 2023, after the omicron (B.1.1.529) wave in winter, 2022. All eligible survivors of COVID-19 and community controls matched at 2-year follow-up were invited to the outpatient clinic at the hospital to complete several face-to-face questionnaires, a 6-min walking test (6MWT), and laboratory tests. A subgroup of survivors of COVID-19 identified by stratified sampling on the basis of disease severity scale score during hospitalisation and community controls underwent pulmonary function tests. Survivors of COVID-19 who received high-resolution CT and showed abnormal lung images at 2-year follow-up were invited for another assessment. We identified participants with and without long COVID at 2 years. The primary outcomes were sequelae symptoms, omicron infection, lung function, and chest imaging at the 3-year follow-up. Of 1359 COVID-19 survivors who completed 2-year and 3-year follow-up, 728 (54%) had at least one sequelae symptom at 3 years after symptom onset and before omicron infection, mainly mild to moderate severity. During the omicron wave, participants with long COVID at 2 years had a significantly higher proportion of re-infection (573 [76%] of 753 vs 409 [67%] of 606 without long COVID; p=0·0004), pneumonia (27 [5%] of 568 vs seven [2%] of 403; p=0·012). 3 months after omicron infection, 126 (62%) of 204 survivors with long COVID at 2 years had newly occurring or worse symptoms, which was significantly higher than the proportion in the non-long COVID group (85 [41%] of 205; p<0·0001) and community controls (81 [40%] of 205; p<0·0001), and not significantly different between COVID-19 survivors without long COVID and matched community controls (85 [41%] of 205 vs 81 [39%] of 206; p=0·66). Re-infection was a risk factor for dyspnoea (odds ratio 1·36 [95% CI 1·04 to 1·77]; p=0·023), anxiety or depression (OR 1·65 [1·24 to 2·20]; p=0·0007), EuroQol visual analogue scale score (β -4·51 [-6·08 to -2·95]; p<0·0001), but not for reduced daily activity (0·72 [0·38 to 1·37]; p=0·32) at 3 years. Lung function of survivors at 3 years was similar to that of matched community controls. We found irregular line, traction bronchiectasis, subpleural lines and ground glass opacity at 3 years, but the volume ratio of lung lesion to total lung was only 0·2-0·3%. Most long COVID symptoms at 3 years were mild to moderate, with lung function recovering to levels of matched controls. Survivors with long COVID had a higher proportion of participants with re-infection and newly occurring or worse symptoms 3 months after omicron infection than those without long COVID. Re-infection had increased symptom occurrence but not increased reduced daily activity. Although the organ function of survivors of COVID-19 recovered over time, those with severe long COVID symptoms, abnormal organ function, or limited mobility require urgent attention in future clinical practice and research. Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences, National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Health-Related Quality of Life of People Who Inject Drugs: The Enhancing Treatment of Hepatitis C in Opioid Substitution Settings Engage Study

ObjectivesThere is limited research on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among people who inject drugs (PWID). We evaluated the HRQoL and associated factors among a cohort of PWID in Australia. MethodsParticipants were enrolled in an observational cohort study (the Enhancing Treatment of Hepatitis C in Opioid Substitution Settings Engage Study) from May 2018 to September 2019 (wave 1) and November 2019 to June 2021 (wave 2). Participants completed the EQ-5D-5L survey at enrolment. Two-part models were used to assess the association of clinical and socioeconomic characteristics with EQ-5D-5L scores. ResultsAmong 2395 participants (median age, 43 years; 66% male), 65% reported injecting drug use in the past month, 20% had current hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and 68% had no/mild liver fibrosis (F0/F1). Overall, the mean EQ-5D-5L and EQ-visual analog scale scores were 0.78 and 57, respectively. In adjusted analysis, factors associated with significantly lower EQ-5D-5L scores include older ages, female (marginal effect = −0.03, P = .014), being homeless (marginal effect = −0.04, P = .040), and polysubstance use (marginal effect = −0.05, P < .001). Factors associated with significantly higher EQ-5D-5L scores were being Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander (marginal effect = 0.03, P = .021) and recent injecting drug use in the past 12 months. Current HCV infection and liver fibrosis stage were not associated with reduced HRQoL among the study participants. ConclusionsPWID experienced a lower HRQoL compared with the general population. Further research is needed to understand HRQoL in this population to facilitate the development of multifaceted care models for PWID beyond HCV cure and inform health economic analyses for identifying optimal health strategies for PWID.

Association of baseline and changes in health related quality of life with mortality following myocardial infarction: multicentre longitudinal linked cohort study

Abstract Background/Introduction Health related quality of life (HRQoL) for patients following myocardial infarction (MI) is frequently impaired and often deteriorates. However, the association between HRQoL and clinical endpoints in patients with MI is unknown. Purpose To investigate the association of baseline and temporal changes in HRQoL with long term all-cause mortality following MI. Methods This nationwide longitudinal linked health record study includes individuals with MI admitted to 77 hospitals in England between 1st November 2011 and 24th June 2015 in the EMMACE-3 and -4 studies. Self-reported HRQoL was collected using the EuroQol EQ-5D-3L (EuroQOL Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) and EuroQOL 5-Dimensional Classification (EQ-5D)) instrument during hospitalisation and at 1, 6 and 12-months following hospital discharge. Flexible parametric and multilevel survival models estimated associations of baseline and change in HRQoL with long term all-cause mortality. Results Of 9,474 individuals with MI, 25% (2,360) were women and 22.5% (2,135) participants died during the 9 years follow up period (median 6.9 years). There was an improvement in HRQoL over 12 months following MI (baseline mean, mean increase: EQ-5D 0.76, 0.003 per month; EQVAS 69.0, 0.5 per month). Better HRQoL at baseline was inversely associated with mortality (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.47-0.63) (Figure 1A). At baseline, problems with self-care (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.56-1.92), mobility (1.65, 1.50-1.81), usual activities (1.34, 1.23-1.47) and pain/discomfort (1.34, 1.22-1.46), were associated with increased mortality (Figure 1A). Improvements in EQ-5D (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.60-0.80), but not EQ-VAS reduced the risk of death (Figure 1B). Deterioration in mobility, pain/discomfort, usual activities and self-care over 12 months increased the risk of death (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.31-1.58; 1.21, 95% CI 1.11-1.32; 1.20, 95% CI 1.10-1.32; 1.44, 95% CI 1.30-1.59, respectively) (Figure 1B). Conclusions For patients with MI, poor HRQoL at baseline, its dimensions and deterioration over time are associated with mortality. Measuring HRQoL in routine clinical practice could delineate an at-risk group for targeted interventions to improve prognosis.Figure 1

Minimally invasive lateral plating for diaphyseal fractures with extension into the proximal humerus and its implications for the deltoid muscle and its distal insertion: functional analysis and MR-imaging

BackgroundIn minimally invasive lateral plate osteosynthesis of the humerus (MILPOH) the plate is introduced through a deltoid split proximally and advanced through the central portion of the deltoid insertion and between bone and brachial muscle to the distal aspect of the humerus. The fracture is then indirectly reduced and bridged by the plate. Whereas it has been shown that the strong anterior and posterior parts of the distal deltoid insertion remain intact with this maneuver, its impact on deltoid muscle strength and muscular morphology remains unclear. It was the aim of this study to evaluate deltoid muscle function and MR-morphology of the deltoid muscle and its distal insertion after MILPOH.MethodsSix patients (median age 63 years, range 52–69 years, f/m 5/1) who had undergone MILPOH for diaphyseal humeral fractures extending into the proximal metaphysis and head (AO 12B/C(i)) between 08/2017 and 08/2020 were included. Functional testing was performed for the injured and uninjured extremity including strength measurements for 30/60/90° shoulder abduction and flexion at least one year postoperatively. Constant-Murley-Score (CMS) including an age-and gender-adjusted version, were obtained and compared to the uninjured side. Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire were acquired for the affected extremity. Quality of life was measured using the EQ visual analogue scale (EQ-5D-5 L VAS). MR imaging was performed for both shoulders accordingly at the time of follow-up to assess the integrity of the distal insertion, muscle mass and fatty degeneration of the deltoid muscle. Muscle mass was determined by measuring the area of the deltoid muscle on the axial MR image at the height of the center of the humeral head.ResultsMedian follow-up was 29 months (range 12–48 months). Median difference of abduction strength after MILPOH was + 13% for 30°, 0% for 60° and − 22% for 90°. For flexion, the difference to the uninjured side was measured 5% for 30°, -7% for 60° and − 12% for 90°. Median CMS was 75 (66–82) for the operated extremity compared to 82 (77–90) for the uninjured side. Age- and gender-adapted CMS was calculated 88 (79–99) vs. 96 (89–107). Median OSS was 47 (40–48). DASH was 26 (15–36). EQ-5D-5 L VAS ranged from 81 to 95 with a median of 90. The median difference of the deltoid muscle area on MRI was 2% (-21% to + 53%) compared to the uninjured side. No fatty degeneration of the deltoid muscle was observed. The weaker central part of the distal deltoid insertion was exclusively perforated by the plate, leaving the strong anterior and posterior parts of the insertion intact in all patients.ConclusionsMILPOH was associated with good functional and subjective outcome. Minor impairment of abduction strength was observed with increasing abduction angles. The reason for this impairment is unclear since MILPOH did not affect the structural quality of the deltoid muscle and the integrity of the strong anterior and posterior parts of its insertion remained intact.Trial registration26/05/2023: ISRCTN51786146.

Improvement of Symptoms after Excision of Hydrocele of Canal of Nuck with Korean Medicine: A Case Report

Objective: The purpose of this case study is to report the hydrocele of the canal of Nuck and the effectiveness of Korean medicine in post-surgery improvement of symptoms.Method: A patient who was diagnosed with hydrocele of the Nuck canal and had symptoms after Lichtenstein’s operation was treated using Korean medicine, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and moxibustion, every day. The evaluation was performed using the Numeral Rating Scale (NRS), the 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L), the EQ visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF).Results: After treatment, changes were observed in NRS (from 8 to 2-3) and EQ-VAS (from 60 to 85), whereas there was no difference in EQ-5D-5L (both 6). There was an overall improvement in the domains of WHOQOL-BREF and subjective symptoms.Conclusion: This study suggests that Korean medicine may improve symptoms after surgery of hydrocele of the canal of Nuck and can be evaluated using an overall QoL questionnaire.

Gender-based differences in decision making, quality of life and survival among patients undergoing left ventricular assist device evaluation.

Women are less likely to receive left ventricular assist devices and are more likely to experience poor outcomes. However, how gender impacts LVAD decision-making regarding LVAD implantation and the effects of that decision remains unknown. We performed a sub-group analysis from the stepped-wedge DECIDE-LVAD trial, which tested a decision-support intervention for patients considering LVAD therapy. Excluding 9 patients who withdrew from assessments, of the 239 patients analyzed, 203 (85%) were men and 36 (15%) were women. More men received LVADs (70%) than women (61%) and more men were alive at 6 months compared to women, both among those who received LVADs (87% vs 82%) and those who did not (74% vs 50%) (p = 0.002). Compared to men, women were more likely to have decision regret, depressive symptoms and perceived stress at baseline but not at follow-up. At 6-month follow-up, men experience improvements in decisional conflict, acceptance of illness, struggle with illness, and perceived stress-none of those improvements were noted amongst women. Compared to men who received LVADs, women receiving LVADs had worse decision regret and depressive symptoms at baseline and worse acceptance of illness and perceived stress at six months. Men who received LVADs experienced improvement in decisional conflict and perceived stress, while women did not experience these improvements. Both men and women who received LVADs experienced improvement in depressive symptoms. Quality of life as assessed by EuroQol visual analog scale improved for both men and women who received LVADs but not for those who did not receive LVADs; no gender differences in quality of life were noted. Women require greater decisional support at time of decision to undergo LVAD implantation and subsequently might benefit from more intensive psychosocial support.

The patients with intrathecal baclofen pump in the age of COVID-19: a single center study

Purpose Intrathecal baclofen pump treatment is employed in the treatment of various diseases. Despite the benefits of intrathecal baclofen pump, patients may occasionally encounter severe complications. These complications may necessitate urgent assessment or intervention for patients with intrathecal baclofen pumps. This study aimed to evaluate the intrathecal baclofen pump-related problems, the utilization of health services, physical-psychosocial status, and the quality of life of patients with intrathecal baclofen pumps during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Materials and methods We conducted a cross-sectional, phone-based survey study between 1 June 2021 and 15 July 2021 with a sample of 23 patients with intrathecal baclofen pumps. The patients’ quality of life before the implantation of the pump, after one year of implantation, and during the pandemic was evaluated with the 3-level version of EQ-5D. Results Catheter migration developed in one of the patients, after which the pump was changed. While the dose of baclofen was altered in eight (38.1%) patients during the pandemic period, the filling period was modified in three (14.3%) patients. While 61.9% of the patients reported that their general health, mobility, spasticity and joint mobility were worse than before the pandemic, 90.5% of the patients stated that their communication and mood were worse than before the pandemic. The 3-level version of EQ-5D and EQ-Visual Analogue Scale scores of the patients were significantly decreased during pandemic (p < .05). Conclusions Due to the complications of the intrathecal baclofen pump, its management should continue uninterruptedly during the pandemic period.

Relationship between three dietary indices and health-related quality of life among rural elderly in China: a cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to explore the association between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and diet quality using three evidence-based dietary indices among older people in rural China. This cross-sectional study included 1,258 rural older people (mean age 72.32 years; 55.6% female). HRQOL was assessed using the European Five Dimension Health Scale (EQ-5D), and dietary intake was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Three dietary scoring indices, including the Alternate Healthy Eating Index, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and Dietary Diversity Score (DDS), were calculated to assess and analyze the relationship between these dietary indices and quality of life. The EQ-5D score was 0.95 ± 0.10, and the EQ-Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was 76.76 ± 14.44. All three groups with higher dietary indices had higher quality of life scores. After controlling for covariates in multivariate adjusted binary logistic regression analyzes, participants in the top tertile of DDS had higher quality of life scores than those in the bottom tertile. DDS was consistently associated with EQ-5D (Model 2: OR = 1.567, p = 0.001; Model3: OR = 1.351, p = 0.044) and EQ-VAS (Model 2: OR = 1.830, p < 0.001; Model 3: OR = 1.383, p = 0.047), significantly different from the other groups. Older people in rural China who adhere to various foods experience a better quality of healthy life.

Patients with depression symptoms are more likely to experience improvements of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy: a secondary analysis of effect modifiers in patients with non-cardiac chest pain in a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundNon-cardiac chest pain is common and associated with increased anxiety and reduced health-related quality of life. Randomized controlled trials on psychological interventions for patients with non-cardiac chest pain have reported mixed results. Patients with non-cardiac chest pain are a heterogeneous group. Identifying sub-groups that could potentially benefit more (or less) from an intervention would be valuable knowledge. We have conducted a randomized controlled trial where internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) had effect on reducing cardiac anxiety and increasing health-related quality of life at 12-month follow-up. The aim of the present study was to explore potential effect modifiers of iCBT in patients with non-cardiac chest pain on cardiac anxiety and/or health related quality of life at 12-month follow-up.MethodsWe analysed data from our randomized, controlled trial where 161 patients with non-cardiac chest pain were included and randomized to either iCBT or a treatment as usual (control). Cardiac anxiety measured by the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire and health-related quality of life measured by the EuroQol Visual Analog Scale at 12 month follow-up were the primary outcomes. Four potential baseline characteristics where identified as potential effect modifiers by a theory-based approach: (1) depression measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire; (2) anxiety measured by the Body Sensations Questionnaire; (3) prior healthcare contacts measured by a self-developed question; and (4) chest pain frequency measured by a self-developed question. Each potential effect modifier was analysed in a linear regression model where cardiac anxiety and EQ-VAS scores at 12-month follow-up, separately, were used as dependent variables. The potential differential treatment effect for each effect modifier was assessed by the interaction term: effect modifier x treatment group.ResultsDepression symptoms at baseline predicted a differential treatment effect at 12-month follow-up on health-related quality of life in favor of the iCBT group (regression coefficient of the interaction term: -1.85 (CI -3.28 to -0.41), p = 0.01), but not on cardiac anxiety at 12-month follow-up. Fear of bodily symptoms, chest pain frequency and prior health care contacts at baseline did not predict a treatment effect on either health-related quality of life or cardiac anxiety.ConclusionsDepression symptoms at baseline predicted a positive treatment effect of iCBT on health-related quality of life in patients suffering from non-cardiac chest pain. This indicates that it is important to identify patients with non-cardiac chest pain and co-occurring depression symptoms given that they are particularly likely to benefit from iCBT.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03096925.

Structural Equation Model for Social Support and Quality of Life Among Individuals With Mental Health Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the distribution of social support for mental health problems has likely become unequal. Family- and community-based social support has been recognized as a promising approach for mental disorders; however, limited global frameworks have been applied to developing countries such as Vietnam. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life and social support among patients with mental health disorders in Vietnam and to investigate the factors associated with quality of life among these patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 222 psychiatric patients in Hanoi from 2020 to 2022. A structured questionnaire was developed based on four standardized scales: Mental Well-Being-5 scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, EuroQoL-visual analog scale (EQ-VAS), and EuroQoL-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L) scale. Tobit regression was used to identify factors associated with the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS scores. Structural equation modeling was applied to verify the relationship between quality of life and social support. The results showed that perceived support from family scored the highest compared to support from friends and significant others. Patients with depression reported the lowest quality of life and perceived social support. Structural equation modeling showed a root mean square error of approximation of 0.055 (90% CI 0.006-0.090), comparative fit index of 0.954, Tucker-Lewis index of 0.892, and standardized root mean squared error of 0.036 (P<.001). The hypothetical model indicated statistically significant correlations between EQ-VAS score and social support (P=.004), EQ-5D-5L and mental well-being (P<.001), and social support and mental well-being (P<.001). Critical deterioration of quality of life and inconsistency in social support for patients with mental illness were also recorded. There is a need to enhance social support and service delivery in Vietnam, focusing on occupation and quality of life. The correlations between social support, quality of life, and mental health issues suggest the potential of a clinical-social integrated intervention model of care.

Quality of Life and Bidirectional Gut-Brain Interactions in Irritable Bowel Syndrome From Adolescence to Adulthood

Reports on cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between health-related quality of life (HRQoL), psychological distress, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the adolescent and young adult general population are few. We aimed to describe cross-sectional associations between HRQoL and IBS in adolescence and young adulthood, and examine bidirectional gut-brain interactions in the transition from childhood to adulthood. We included 3391 subjects from a prospective birth cohort study, with data on IBS at 16 years of age and 24 years of age. IBS was assessed using the pediatric Rome III (16 years of age) and the adult Rome IV (24 years of age) diagnostic questionnaires. HRQoL and psychological distress were assessed through EQ-5D. Sex-adjusted logistic regression models were used to examine associations between overall HRQoL/psychological distress at 16 years of age and new-onset IBS at 24 years of age (brain-gut) and between IBS at 16 years of age and new-onset psychological distress at 24 years of age (gut-brain). In subjects with vs without IBS at 16 and 24 years of age, overall HRQoL (EQ visual analog scale, EQ-5D index value) was lower, and it was more common reporting problems in 4 of 5 EQ-5D dimensions (all P < .05). EQ-5D index value at 16 years of age was inversely associated (odds ratio [OR], 0.1, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01-0.6), and psychological distress at 16 years of age was positively associated (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.3), with new-onset IBS at 24 years of age. Having any abdominal pain-related disorder of gut-brain interaction at 16 years of age was associated with new-onset psychological distress at 24 years of age (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.5). Adolescents and young adults with IBS in the general population have impaired HRQoL. Bidirectional gut-brain interactions are relevant for symptom generation in abdominal pain-related disorders of gut-brain interaction, and for HRQoL impairment and psychological distress in the transition from childhood to adulthood.

The effect of body mass index and preoperative weight loss in people with obesity on postoperative outcomes to 6 months following total hip or knee arthroplasty: a retrospective study

BackgroundFew studies have investigated the association between obesity, preoperative weight loss and postoperative outcomes beyond 30- and 90-days post-arthroplasty. This study investigated whether body mass index (BMI) and preoperative weight loss in people with obesity predict postoperative complications and patient-reported outcomes 6 months following total knee or hip arthroplasty.MethodsTwo independent, prospectively collected datasets of people undergoing primary total knee or hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis between January 2013 and June 2018 at two public hospitals were merged. First, the sample was grouped into BMI categories, < 35 kg/m2 and ≥ 35 kg/m2. Subgroup analysis was completed separately for hips and knees. Second, a sample of people with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 was stratified into participants who did or did not lose ≥ 5% of their baseline weight preoperatively. The presence of postoperative complications, Oxford Hip Score, Oxford Knee Score, EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale and patient-rated improvement 6 months post-surgery were compared using unadjusted and adjusted techniques.ResultsFrom 3,552 and 9,562 patients identified from the datasets, 1,337 were included in the analysis after merging. After adjustment for covariates, there was no difference in postoperative complication rate to 6 months post-surgery according to BMI category (OR 1.0, 95%CI 0.8–1.4, P = 0.8) or preoperative weight loss (OR 1.1, 95%CI 0.7–1.8, P = 0.7). There was no between-group difference according to BMI or preoperative weight change for any patient-reported outcomes 6 months post-surgery.ConclusionPreoperative BMI or a 5% reduction in preoperative BMI in people with obesity was not associated with postoperative outcomes to 6 months following total knee or hip arthroplasty.

Electrochemotherapy in plastic surgery: New perspectives from the pandemic experience in the treatment of advanced skin cancers in elderly and frail patients

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the surgical units involved in the treatment of skin cancers could continue their activities, but the reevaluation of cases and the adaptation of the surgical approach, to limit access and hospital stays, proved to be mandatory. The study aims to demonstrate how the electrochemotherapy (ECT) approach guarantees a chance to keep on delivering comprehensive oncologic surgical treatment in a difficult and high-risk cohort of patients. Methods: We collected 35 elderly and frail patients affected by advanced and metastatic skin cancer who were unsuitable for a standard surgical approach. They were submitted to an ECT protocol, while evaluating the impact of ECT on health-related quality of life, using the EuroQol–five dimensions–three levels (EQ-5D-3L) instrument at baseline and after treatment. Results: A general improvement in health status was reported from the preoperative (mean 56.9) to the postoperative period (mean 63.7), according to the EuroQol–visual analog scale measure. The EuroQol–five dimensions descriptive system showed a reduction of the “patients reporting problems” from the baseline, in the domains for self-care (−27%), usual activities (−24%), pain/discomfort (−43%), and anxiety/depression (−11%). Conclusions: Rapid intervention, minimum hospitalization, palliation in selected cases, and postoperative management with telemedicine may represent the only option in the hands of a surgeon to treat advanced oncologic lesions in fragile patients, especially in a pandemic scenario. ECT can be considered a safe and effective procedure, well tolerated by most elderly and “high-risk” patients.

Effects of anxiety, depression, social support, and physical health status on the health-related quality of life of pregnant women in post-pandemic Korea: a cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to examine the effects of anxiety, depression, social support, and physical health status on the health-related quality of life of Korean pregnant women using Spilker's quality of life model. This was a cross-sectional study with a correlational design. The participants included 166 pregnant women who were recruited via convenience sampling at two healthcare centers in South Korea. Questionnaires were collected from April 22 to May 29, 2023, in two cities in South Korea. The EuroQol-5D-3L, General Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-2, Perceived Social Support through Others Scale-8, and EuroQol visual analog scale were used to assess the study variables. The t-test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression tests were conducted using IBM SPSS ver. 26.0. Statistically significant correlations were identified between the health-related quality of life of pregnant women and anxiety (r=.29, p<.001), depression (r=.31, p<.001), social support (r=-.34, p<.001), and physical health status (r=-.44, p<. 001). Physical health status (β=-.31, p<.001) and social support (β=-.21, p=.003) had the greatest effect on health-related quality of life (F=15.50, p<.001), with an explanatory power of 26.0%. The health-related quality of life of pregnant women was affected by social support and physical health status. This study demonstrated that physical health and social support promotion can improve the health-related quality of life of pregnant women. Healthcare providers should consider integrating physical health into social support interventions for pregnant women in the post-pandemic era.

Health-related quality of life in stroke survivors: a 5-year follow-up of The Fall Study of Gothenburg (FallsGOT)

BackgroundThere are limited data on long-term prevalence and predictors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in stroke survivors. Therefore, the aim was to describe the prevalence of impaired HRQoL, and to identify factors in acute stroke that are associated with impaired HRQoL, 5 years after stroke.MethodsThe 305 (60.5%) stroke survivors of the original 504 participants from The Fall Study of Gothenburg were invited to participate in a 5-year follow-up including assessment of HRQoL using the EuroQol 5 Dimensions 3 Levels questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L). To identify baseline predictors of impaired HRQoL, based on the EQ-5D-3L’s five dimensions, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsA total of 129 participants (42.3% of the survivors) completed the questionnaire at a median follow-up time of 58 months. At baseline, their mean age was 70.6 years, and they had a median NIHSS score of 1. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) EQ-5D-3L index score was 0.87 (0.71–0.93) and the median (IQR) EQ-visual analogue scale was 70 (49.8–88). In total, 102 (79%) participants were classified as having impaired HRQoL, stated primarily (among 68.5%) related to Pain/Discomfort. Higher age was identified as a predictor of impaired HRQoL related to Mobility (Odds ratio (OR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.10) and Self-Care (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.17), and longer hospital stay at baseline was identified as a predictor related to Mobility (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01–1.18), Self-Care (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02–1.18)) and Usual Activities. (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.03–1.18).ConclusionAt 5 years after stroke, four out of five participants (79%) reported impaired HRQoL related to any of the five dimensions assessed by using the EQ-5D-3L. Most reported, impaired HRQoL was related to Pain/Discomfort. Higher age and longer hospital care period at index stroke were associated with impaired HRQoL. The findings could assist to identify individuals at high risk of low HRQoL, who might benefit from special attention and psychological support.

Psychometric Comparison of EQ-5D-Y, CHU-9D, and PedsQL 4.0 in Chinese Children and Adolescents With Functional Dyspepsia: A Multicenter Study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess and compare psychometric properties of the 3 health-related quality of life (HRQOL) instruments EQ-5D Youth version (EQ-5D-Y), Child Health Utility 9D (CHU-9D), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0) in children and adolescents with functional dyspepsia (FD) in China. MethodsA consecutive sample of FD outpatients were recruited from 6 tertiary medical centers in Hangzhou. The patients self-completed the 3 instruments in random order. Their feasibility, acceptability, construct validity (convergent, divergent, and known-group validity), and sensitivity were assessed. Multiple linear regression was used for identifying HRQOL-associated factors. ResultsA total of 1100 patients (mean age, 9.2 years; girl, 56.8%) completed the survey with no missing responses. Ceiling effect was quite higher in EQ-5D-Y (60.9%) than CHU-9D (33.8%) and PedsQL 4.0 (1.0%). The EQ-5D-Y and CHU-9D utility scores and PedsQL 4.0 total score were highly correlated (|r| = 0.593-0.661), except for the EuroQol visual analog scale score (EQ-VAS). The intraclass correlation coefficient between the 2 utility scores was fair (0.542). Most conceptually similar dimensions among the 3 instruments showed moderate to high correlations (|r| > 0.3) as hypothesized. The difference was statistically significant for the 2 utility scores and PedsQL 4.0 total score in varied severity groups (P < .001), and PedsQL 4.0 total score had higher relative efficiency and effect size values. The child’s age, severity of FD symptoms, and their guardian’s education had significant impact on HRQOL (P < .001). ConclusionsEQ-5D-Y, CHU-9D, and PedsQL 4.0 demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties in Chinese children with FD. PedsQL 4.0 showed superior sensitivity and is recommended. EQ-5D-Y and CHU-9D utility scores were not interchangeable. The measurement properties of EQ-VAS need to be further explored.

Long-Term Quality of Life After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Allocating resources to increase survival after cardiac arrest requires survivors to have a good quality of life, but long-term data are lacking. To determine the quality of life of survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from 2001 to 2019. This survey study used the EuroQol Health Questionnaire, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to assess the health-related quality of life of all adult survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest included in the Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry between June 1, 2001, and August 31, 2019, who were alive in October 2020 (follow-up periods, 0-1, >1-2, >2-4, >4-6, >6-8, >8-10, >10-15, and >15-20 years since arrest). The survey was conducted from October 1, 2020, through May 31, 2021. All patients who experienced an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Self-reported health was measured using the EuroQol Health Questionnaire index (EQ index) score and EQ visual analog scale. Physical and mental health were measured using the SF-12, and anxiety and depression were measured using the HADS. Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis. Of 4545 survivors, 2552 (56.1%) completed the survey, with a median follow-up since their event of 5.5 years (IQR, 2.9-8.9 years). Age was comparable between responders and nonresponders (median [IQR], 67 [58-74] years vs 68 [56-78] years), and 2075 responders (81.3%) were men and 477 (18.7%) women (vs 1473 male [73.9%] and 520 female [26.1%] nonresponders). For the shortest follow-up (0-1 year) and longest follow-up (>15-20 years) groups, the median EQ index score was 0.9 (IQR, 0.7-1.0) and 0.9 (0.8-1.0), respectively. For all responders, the mean (SD) SF-12 physical health score was 43.3 (12.3) and SF-12 mental health score, 52.9 (8.3). All 3 scores were comparable to a general Danish reference population. Based on HADS scores, a low risk for anxiety was reported by 73.0% (54 of 74) of 0- to 1-year survivors vs 89.3% (100 of 112) of greater than 15- to 20-year survivors; for symptoms of depression, these proportions were 79.7% (n = 59) and 87.5% (n = 98), respectively. Health-related quality of life was similar in survivor groups across all follow-up periods. Among this survey study's responders, who comprised more than 50% of survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Denmark, long-term health-related quality of life up to 20 years after their event was consistently high and comparable to that of the general population. These findings support resource allocation and efforts targeted to increasing survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.