EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale Scores Research Articles

Population Norms and Disutility Catalog for Chronic Conditions in Sri Lanka

ObjectivesThis study aimed to produce Sri Lankan population norms of utility values, EuroQol visual analog scale scores, and reported problems in each domain of the EQ-5D-5L, as well as a disutility catalog, based on a representative set of Sri Lankan preferences. MethodsData from a nationally representative sample of 6415 adults from the Sri Lanka Health and Ageing Study in 2018 to 2019 were used. Sri Lankan preferences were applied to EQ-5D-5L scores to produce utility values. Descriptive statistics were produced for responses by EQ-5D-5L dimension, mean utility values, and EuroQol visual analog scale scores, disaggregated by demographic and disease group. Multivariable logistic regression assessed associations with problems in each dimension, and demographic and chronic diseases. Robust ordinary least squares and tobit regressions were performed to estimate the marginal disutility of demographic covariates and disease conditions. ResultsThe mean utility value for the overall population was 0.867. Utility values decreased with age and increased with increasing education and richer socioeconomic quintiles. Males had higher utility values than females (0.89 vs 0.84; P < .001). Utility values declined by 0.007 with each year increase in age (P < .001) and statistically significant differences (P < .05) in utility were found by ethnicity, socioeconomic quintile, and disease conditions such as stroke, diabetes, cancer, depression, and musculoskeletal conditions, using a tobit regression. ConclusionsThis study provides the first nationally representative set of population norms based on a local value set for key demographic groups and selected chronic disease conditions for Sri Lanka. It also provides a catalog that can be easily used to calculate quality-adjusted life-years for cost-utility analysis when modeling public health interventions.

Validation of a holistic composite outcome measure for the evaluation of chronic pain interventions.

Chronic pain is a personal experience influenced by multiple biopsychosocial factors. Using a pain intensity measure alone to assess the effectiveness of a chronic pain intervention fails to fully evaluate its impact on the multifaceted chronic pain experience. The holistic minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is a composite outcome developed to provide a comprehensive assessment of chronic pain in response to intervention, across 5 outcome domains: pain intensity, health-related quality of life, sleep quality, physical, and emotional function. To focus on domains where the individual need is greatest, the holistic MCID reflects the cumulative MCID averaged over only the domains where subjects were impaired preintervention. To assess the internal and construct validity of the Holistic MCID score to inform its future use as an evidence-based tool. This validation study was undertaken using data from the EVOKE trial with 111 patients up to 24-month follow-up. Internal consistency of the holistic MCID was assessed using Cronbach alpha statistic and dimensional exploration using principal component analysis. The holistic MCID measure demonstrated strong internal consistency with Cronbach alpha >0.7 at all follow-ups. Principal component analysis showed one overarching holistic dimension to be present in the composite. Construct validity was demonstrated by an increase in the holistic MCID score being associated with both increased Patients' Global Impression of Change, EuroQol visual analogue scale score, and each of the outcome domains in a "leave-one-out" analysis (all P < 0.001). The holistic MCID provides a valid measure for the comprehensive, personalized assessment of response after a chronic pain intervention. The validity of the holistic MCID requires further confirmation in other chronic pain populations and with different interventions.

Systematic literature review and meta-analysis of health state utility values in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Despite being an important goal, the preservation of quality of life of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is poorly characterized across lines of therapy. In this review, a systematic literature review and meta-analysis were conducted to synthesize EuroQoL 5-Dimension (EQ-5D) data among adult men with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic mCRPC in both first line (1L) and second line and later (2L+) therapy. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from inception to October 2022 using Ovid. Supplemental searches of other data sources were also conducted (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021283512). Meta-analyses were conducted to estimate pooled EQ-5D index utility values and EQ visual analog scale (VAS) scores in both 1L and 2L+. Various sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Forty-five unique publications met the inclusion criteria. In primary studies, baseline EQ-5D index utility values ranged from 0.7 to 0.9 in 1L and 0.63 to 0.7 in 2L+. Twelve trials and observational studies were feasible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The pooled mean baseline EQ-5D index utility value was estimated as 0.79 (95% CI, 0.70-0.84) and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.67-0.71) for 1L (n = 7 studies) and 2L + (n = 4 studies), respectively. The pooled mean baseline EQ VAS score was estimated as 74.63 (95% CI, 70.97-78.29) and 65.82 (95% CI, 64.53-67.11) in 1L and 2L+, respectively. Limitations include hampered comparability between studies due to heterogeneity in study design and geographical regions. This study provides a comprehensive synthesis of EQ-5D data presently available in adults with mCRPC in both 1L and 2L + therapy.

Norms for the EQ-5D-5L among the general adult population in Alberta, Canada.

To present EQ-5D-5L population norms for the general adult population in Alberta, Canada. We analyzed data from 11 population-based surveys conducted in Alberta between 2012 and 2021. By applying appropriate sampling weights, we estimated normative data for the EQ-5D-5L dimensions, index scores, and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. This analysis was conducted for the overall population as well as for subgroups categorized by age, sex, provincial health zones, and 17 chronic conditions. The analysis included data from 60,447 respondents (ages 18-99; 51.4% female) across various survey waves, revealing minimal variations in sample characteristics and EQ-5D-5L scores over time. The most frequently reported problems were pain/discomfort (62.2%) and anxiety/depression (41.7%), while 22.5% of respondents reported no issues on any dimension. The mean (SD) EQ-5D-5L index score was 0.845 (0.137), and the mean EQ VAS score was 77.4 (16.7). There was a notable increase in the proportion of reported problems across all dimensions with age, except for anxiety/depression, which showed a decline with advancing age. Females reported slightly more problems across all dimensions compared to males. Individuals with chronic pain had the lowest EQ-5D-5L index scores, followed by those with anxiety and depression, while the lowest EQ VAS scores were observed in individuals with congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This study provides EQ-5D-5L norms for the adult population in Alberta. These reference values can be used to benchmark patients' outcomes as well as to establish burden of illness in this population and facilitate the interpretation of EQ-5D-5L scores in various applications.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections Do Not Improve the Recovery After Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Arthroscopic meniscectomy is one of the most performed surgical procedures in orthopaedics. Different approaches have been proposed to improve patient recovery but with unsatisfactory results. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) augmentation has been proposed as a strategy to improve the recovery after meniscectomy. Purpose: To investigate the clinical benefits of an intra-articular PRP injection after meniscectomy, in terms of faster and better patient recovery. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Ninety patients were randomized into a treatment group, with arthroscopic partial meniscectomy immediately followed by a 5-mL injection of autologous conditioned plasma, and a control group with partial meniscectomy alone. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at 15, 30, 60, and 180 days of follow-up with the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain (primary outcome), as well as with International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales, Tegner score, and EuroQol-Visual Analog Scale score. Objective evaluation was performed analyzing knee range of motion and circumference and the International Knee Documentation Committee objective score. Complications, patient judgment, and satisfaction were documented as well. Results: No major complications and an overall significant improvement in the clinical scores were observed in both groups. Overall, the comparative analysis did not demonstrate significant between-group differences in absolute values or improvements of both subjective and objective scores, as well as activity level. The improvement in terms of VAS pain score for the treatment group was significant already at 15 days (from 4.3 ± 2.5 to 2.5 ± 2.5; P = .014), while in the control group it became significant at 30 days (from 3.7 ± 2.3 to 2.0 ± 2.4; P = .004). No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of judgment of treatment results and satisfaction. Conclusion: A single postoperative injection of PRP was not able to significantly improve patient recovery after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. PRP augmentation did not provide overall benefits at a short-term follow-up (6 months) in terms of pain relief, function, objective parameters, and return-to-sport activities. Registration: NCT02872753 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Short-Term Efficacy Analysis of Spinal Cord Stimulation in the Treatment of Refractory Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Retrospective Study of 57 Cases

Category: Diabetes; Other Introduction/Purpose: This is the first study on the application of short-term spinal cord electrical stimulation for refactory diabetic foot ulcers. The purpose of this study is to evaluate its therapeutic effectiveness and update the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment process for diabetic foot ulcers based on existing therapeutic methods. Methods: Clinical data from 57 patients who underwent spinal cord electrical stimulation at our institution between May 2022 and November 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The procedure involved the placement of temporary needle-like electrodes in the epidural space at the T10-T12 level using a puncture sheath. The electrical current is administered with a magnitude of 2.5-4.5 mA, a frequency of 50 Hz, and a pulse width of 240-300 μs, with a placement duration of 2 weeks. Patient demographics were recorded, with assessments of pain visual analog scale scores and foot temperatures conducted at pre-operation, postoperative day 3, postoperative 2 weeks, and postoperative 3 months. EuroQol- visual analog scale scores, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Ankle-Brachial Index, Semmes-Seinstein monofilament test, and ulcer area were recorded at pre-operation and postoperative 2 weeks. Repeated measures analysis of variance was employed to compare data differences at different time points, with P &lt; 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The patients' pain visual analog scale scores decreased from 7.23 preoperatively to 3.64 at postoperative day 3, 2.89 at 2 weeks, with a slight increase to 5.84 at 3 months postoperatively (P &lt; 0.05). Foot temperature increased from 30.19°C to 30.86°C at postoperative day 3, reaching 31.40°C at 2 weeks, and then decreased to preoperative levels at 3 months postoperatively (P &lt; 0.05). At the 2-week postoperative assessment, there was a statistically significant improvement in EuroQol-Visual Analog Scale scores (77.91 from 66.70), PSQI (8.30 from 14.71), ABI (0.71 from 0.57), Semmes-Seinstein monofilament test (6.38 from 5.32), and ulcer area (11.36 cm² from 13.95 cm²). At 3 months postoperatively, there was no recurrence trend in ulcer area, and no patients required amputation due to disease progression. Conclusion: Short-term spinal cord electrical stimulation modulates vascular smooth muscle in the lower limbs, triggering vasodilation and thereby improving blood circulation to the lower extremities. Simultaneously, it mitigates clinical symptoms associated with diabetic foot ulcers by reducing peripheral nerve degeneration and blocking pain conduction. This dual effect significantly promotes the healing of ulcers in patients, greatly improving their quality of life. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of long-term electrodes.

Exploring the factors influencing the health-related quality of life in patients experiencing adverse drug reactions: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the factors influencing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients experiencing adverse drug reactions (ADRs) at a tertiary care public sector hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 18 months, and included both male and female patients aged 18 years and above. Patients who visited the outpatient and inpatient departments with complaints associated with ADRs were included in this study. HRQoL data were collected using the EuroQol—5 Dimension—5 Level (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire to assess five dimensions of health on a five-level scale. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify the potential determinants of HRQoL.ResultsA total of 316 patients were included in the study among these participants, of which 54% were female, and 65% were from rural areas. The majority (68%) of the patients had moderately severe ADRs, and 63% of the participants had an income < 2.5 lakh Indian rupees (3009 USD). The mean EQ-5D-5L and EuroQoL Visual Analog Scale (EQ VAS) scores of the study participants were 0.714 and 69.73, respectively. The variables ADR severity, income, and age showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in HRQoL.ConclusionThis study provides insights into HRQoL among patients with ADRs and identifies the determinants of HRQoL. The findings of this study will contribute to improving patient-centered care and optimizing patient outcomes.

Assessment of joint health in patients receiving prophylaxis for haemophilia A: a cross-sectional survey in five European countries

ObjectivesTo evaluate joint health, pain and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with moderate/severe haemophilia A in Europe.DesignMultinational, cross-sectional survey, with retrospective data collection. Data were taken from the...

Long-term quality of life and influencing factors in elderly patients after vertebroplasty based on the EQ-5D-3L Chinese utility scoring system: a retrospective study

BackgroundThe quality of life of elderly patients after vertebroplasty is influenced by various factors. Although the EuroQol 5-Dimension 3-Level (EQ-5D-3L) scale has been widely used to assess quality of life, the factors affecting the long-term postoperative quality of life of elderly vertebroplasty patients in China have not been thoroughly studied.MethodsThis retrospective study included 519 patients aged 65 years and older who underwent elective vertebroplasty. We collected baseline data from these patients and conducted telephone follow-ups 12 months postoperation to evaluate their EQ-5D-3L health utility scores and EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) scores. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to analyse the factors affecting quality of life.ResultsOf the 519 patients, the majority were female (78.0%), aged 65 to 95 years, with an average age of 75.2 years. Twelve months postoperation, pain/discomfort was the most commonly reported issue for 68.4% of patients. The median EQ-5D-3L health utility score was 0.783, with a range between 0.450 and 0.887; the median EQ-VAS score was 75, ranging from 60 to 85. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that older age, hormone use, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grades, nondrinking habits, and low albumin levels were found to be independent risk factors affecting long-term quality of life in elderly patients after vertebroplasty. Additionally, a history of tumours, the number of vertebral compression fractures, and bone mineral density were also crucial influencing factors.ConclusionsBased on the use of the EQ-5D-3L Chinese utility scoring system, we evaluated the quality of life of patients aged 65 and above 12 months after vertebroplasty. This study identified several factors related to postoperative quality of life in elderly vertebroplasty patients, providing crucial evidence for further clinical decisions and patient education.

Health-related quality of life in psychiatric outpatients: a cross-sectional study of associations with symptoms, diagnoses, and employment status

BackgroundThis cross-sectional study aimed to explore health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a large heterogeneous patient sample seeking outpatient treatment at a specialist mental health clinic.MethodA sample of 1947 patients with common mental disorders, including depressive-, anxiety-, personality-, hyperkinetic- and trauma-related disorders, completed the EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) to assess HRQoL. We investigated clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with the EQ-5D index and the EQ Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) using regression analyses.ResultsThe sample reported lower HRQoL compared with the general population and primary mental health care patients. Sick leave, disability pension, work assessment allowance, and more symptoms of anxiety and depression were associated with lower EQ-5D index and EQ VAS scores. Furthermore, being male, use of pain medication and having disorders related to trauma were associated with reduced EQ-5D index scores, while hyperkinetic disorders were associated with higher EQ-5D index scores.ConclusionHRQoL of psychiatric outpatients is clearly impaired. This study indicated a significant association between employment status, symptom severity, and HRQoL in treatment-seeking outpatients. The findings highlight the importance of assessing HRQoL as part of routine clinical assessment.

EQ-5D-5L Population Scores in Mainland China: Results From a Nationally Representative Survey 2021

ObjectivesThere is a lack of monitoring changes in the population scores of the most recent version, EQ-5D-5L, in mainland China. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap by assessing the EQ-5D-5L scores in mainland China using a nationally representative sample. MethodsData were extracted from the 2021 Survey of Health Index of Chinese Families, which covered 31 provinces/autonomous regions/municipalities in mainland China. The survey used a multistage quota sampling strategy encompassing 120 prefecture-level cities. Quotas were allocated to each prefecture-level city in accordance with the 2020 China Population Census. This approach resulted in a final sample of 11 030 eligible questionnaires. The utility index (UI) and EuroQol Visual Analog Scale (EQ VAS) scores were reported for the entire sample (age-gender-urban/rural weighted) and by the characteristics of the study participants. ResultsThe study participants had a weighted mean UI of 0.939 (SD 0.135) and EQ VAS score of 80.19 (SD 18.39). The most commonly reported problem was anxiety/depression (26.37%), whereas self-care was the least reported problem (6.18%). Those who were male, were younger, lived without chronic conditions and disabilities, had higher levels of education, earned higher monthly household income, and were covered by basic medical insurance for urban employees had higher scores in both the UI and EQ VAS. ConclusionThis study revealed slightly lower UI scores despite a much higher drop in EQ VAS scores whereas China maintained minimum cases of COVID-19 in 2021 compared with the population norms recorded in 2019. Further studies are warranted to unveil the full impacts of COVID-19 outbreaks.

Matrix-Assisted Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation for the Treatment of Patellofemoral Chondral Lesions: Long-term Results at a Minimum 15-Year Follow-up.

A few studies have documented the long-term results of chondrocyte-based procedures for the treatment of patellofemoral cartilage lesions, but specific results are lacking after matrix-assisted autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) for patellar and trochlear lesions. To document the clinical results of MACT for the treatment of patellar and trochlear chondral defects at long-term follow-up. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 44 patients were prospectively evaluated after MACT for patellofemoral lesions. There were 24 patients affected by patellar lesions, 16 by trochlear lesions, and 4 with both patellar and trochlear defects. Clinical outcomes were analyzed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective form, EuroQol visual analog scale, and Tegner score for sport activity level before surgery and at follow-up time points of 5, 10, and a minimum of 15 years (mean final follow-up, 17.6 ± 1.6 years). A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to examine the survival to failure. Failure was defined as the need for a second surgery because of the persistence of symptoms related to the primary defect. An overall significant improvement was documented from baseline to the last follow-up. The IKDC subjective score improved in the trochlear group from 41.0 ± 13.3 at baseline to 83.9 ± 21.6 at 5 years (P < .005), remaining stable up to the final follow-up (81.3 ± 20.5). In the patellar group, the IKDC subjective score improved from 36.1 ± 14.4 at baseline to 72.3 ± 17.5 at 5 years (P < .005), remaining stable up to the final follow-up (62.0 ± 20.3). Patients with trochlear lesions presented higher IKDC subjective scores compared with those with patellar lesions at 5 (P = .029), 10 (P = .023), and ≥15 years (P = .006) of follow-up. Similar trends were documented for the Tegner score, while no differences were documented for the EuroQol visual analog scale score between patellar and trochlear lesions. There were 4 failures (9.1%) during the follow-up period. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis did not show statistically significant differences between trochlear and patellar lesions. This hyaluronic acid-based MACT technique offered positive and durable clinical outcomes with a low failure rate at long-term follow-up in patients affected by patellofemoral cartilage lesions. However, trochlear and patellar lesions demonstrated a notable difference in terms of clinical findings and sport activity level, with significantly higher results for patients with trochlear lesions but less satisfactory outcomes for patients with patellar lesions.

Long-term course of ambulatory patients with COVID-19 initially treated with enoxaparin vs no anticoagulation: final analysis of the OVID (enoxaparin for outpatients with COVID-19) randomized trial

BackgroundEarly thromboprophylaxis does not prevent hospital admissions and death among outpatients with symptomatic COVID-19. Its impact on long-term outcomes, including long COVID symptoms and performance status, is unknown. ObjectivesTo assess the long-term effects of thromboprophylaxis given at the time of acute COVID-19 in outpatients. MethodsThe OVID (enoxaparin for outpatients with COVID-19) trial randomized outpatients older than 50 years with acute COVID-19 to receive either subcutaneous enoxaparin 40 mg once daily for 14 days or standard of care (no thromboprophylaxis). In this follow-up study, we assessed the 2-year outcomes, including all-cause hospitalization and death, cardiovascular events, long COVID symptoms, and functional limitations based on the Post–COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS) scale and EuroQol-5 Dimensions-5 Levels scale. ResultsOf 469 potentially eligible patients, 468 survived, of whom 439 (mean age 59 years; 54% men) participated in the Post-OVID study. There was no difference in terms of hospitalization and death (8.3% in the treatment group vs 10% in controls; relative risk, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.5-1.5) and of cardiovascular events between groups. The risk of presenting with long COVID symptoms was similar in the 2 groups (44% in the treatment group vs 47% in the standard of care group), with no difference between groups also concerning individual symptoms. A PCFS grade of 1 to 3, indicating light-to-moderate functional limitation, was recorded in 15% of patients in each group (odds ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.6-1.7). No patients reported severe limitations (PCFS grade 4). Median EuroQol visual analog scale score was 85 on 100 points (IQR, 80-90 for the standard of care group and 75-90 for the enoxaparin group). ConclusionEarly thromboprophylaxis does not improve long-term, 2-year clinical and functional outcomes among symptomatic ambulatory patients with acute COVID-19.

Health utility of patients with established rheumatoid arthritis and its influencing factors: a multi-center study in China

To assess the health utility value (HUV) of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients and its influencing factors in China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 8 tertiary hospitals across four capital-cities. The demographic characteristics, patient-reported outcomes including the HUV got by EQ-5D-5L, clinical characteristics, and clinician-reported outcomes of 171 RA patients were collected both from themselves and their physicians. Both the univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the potential factors of EQ-5D-5L HUV of the patients. The mean age of the patients was 50.7 years, with female being 64.9% (n = 111). The mean HUV and EQ visual analogue scale score of all patients were 0.586 and 47.3, respectively. The univariate analysis showed that the patients who were female, older, living in rural areas, with lower education level, advanced disease stage, higher the patient's assessment of arthritis pain visual analogue scale (PtAAP-VAS), the patient's global assessment of disease activity visual analogue scale (PtGADA-VAS), and the Physician’s global assessment of disease activity visual analogue scale (PhGADA-VAS) scores had significantly lower EQ-5D-5L HUVs. The multivariate analysis further suggested that older age, female, higher body mass index and higher PtGADA-VAS score were statistically significantly related to lower HUVs. The study provided the HUVs for RA patients with different characteristics and outcomes, which could be used in the economic evaluation of interventions for the RA patients. The identified factors could also assist the health care managing and improving the health-related quality of life on RA patients.

Health status after periprosthetic proximal femoral fractures.

Periprosthetic proximal femoral fractures (PFFs) are a major complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Health status after PFF is not specifically investigated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the health status pattern over two years after sustaining a PFF. A cohort of patients with PFF after THA was derived from the Brabant Injury Outcomes Surveillance (BIOS) study. The BIOS study, a prospective, observational, multicentre follow-up cohort study, was conducted to obtain data by questionnaires pre-injury and at one week, and one, three, six, 12, and 24 months after trauma. Primary outcome measures were the EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L), the Health Utility Index 2 (HUI2), and the Health Utility Index 3 (HUI3). Secondary outcome measures were general measurements such as duration of hospital stay and mortality. A total of 70 patients with a PFF were included. EQ-5D utility scores were significantly lower on all timepoints except at six months' follow-up compared to pre-injury. EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) scores at one month's follow-up were significantly lower compared to pre-injury. The percentage of reported problems at two years was higher for all dimensions except anxiety/depression when compared to pre-injury. The mean EQ-5D utility score was 0.26 higher in males compared to females (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01 to 0.42; p = 0.003). The mean EQ-VAS score for males was 8.9 points higher when compared to females over all timepoints (95% CI 1.2 to 16.7; p = 0.027). Mortality was 10% after two years' follow-up. PFF patients are a frail population with substantial functional impairment at baseline. Post-injury, they have a significant and clinically relevant lower health status two years after trauma when compared to pre-injury. Health status improves the most between one and three months after injury. Two years after PFF, more patients experience problems in mobility, self-care, usual activities, and pain/discomfort than pre-injury.

Gait speed at the acute phase predicted health-related quality of life at 3 and 12 months after stroke: a prospective cohort study.

To investigate the association between acute-phase gait speed and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at 3 and 12 months post-stroke. Prospective cohort study. 1,475 patients with first-ever ischaemic stroke. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to tertiles of gait speed, namely ≤0.8, 0.8-1.1, ≥1.1 m/s. Gait speed was assessed by the 10-m walking test within 2 weeks of hospitalization for acute stroke and before the rehabilitation programme. HRQoL measurements include the 3-level EuroQol five dimensions (EQ-5D-3L) index and EuroQoL visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) scores. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to identify associations between gait speed and HRQoL. Adjusted for all covariates, the highest gait speed tertile group were associated with higher EQ-5D-3L index (B = 0.0303 and B = 0.0228, respectively, p < 0.001), and higher EQ-VAS (B = 3.3038 and B = 3.8877, respectively, p < 0.001), and lower odds of having problems with mobility (OR = 2.55 [95% CI: 0.141-0.458] and 0.485 [0.289-0.812], respectively, p < 0.01), self-care (OR = 0.328 [95% CI: 0.167-0.646] and 0.412 [0.217-0.784], respectively, p < 0.01), and usual activities (OR = 0.353 [95% CI: 0.211-0.590] and 0.325 [0.198-0.536], respectively, p < 0.0001) at 3 and 12 months, and pain/discomfort at 12 months (OR = 0.558 [95% CI:0.335-0.930], p < 0.05). Acute-phase gait speed was predictive of post-stroke HRQoL at 3 and 12 months, especially when associated with domain-specific EQ-5D-3L.

Linkage of CDC42 and T-helper cell ratio with anxiety, depression and quality of life in ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Objective: To investigate the correlations between CDC42 and T-cell subsets concerning anxiety, depression and quality of life in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: Sera from 156 participants were analyzed for CDC42 levels andTh1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells. Results: CDC42 correlated with reduced Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg ratios, lower anxiety and depression, and higher EuroQol visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) score. The Th17/Treg ratio correlated with elevated anxiety, depression, EuroQol-5 dimensions score and decreased EQ-VAS score. The Th1/Th2 ratio was positively related to the EQ-VAS score. Conclusion: CDC42 correlates with reduced Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg ratios, reduced anxiety and depression, and improved quality of life in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Health-related quality of life in primary care patients: a comparison between EQ-5D-5L utility score and EQ-visual analogue scale

Objective The EQ-VAS is an important component of the EQ-5D questionnaire. However, there is limited evidence comparing its performance to the EQ-5D utility score, which restricts its use in the population. This study aimed to EQ-5D-5L utility score and EQ-visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) in primary care patients in Hong Kong (HK).Methods Secondary data analysis was performed on the data collected from a cross-sectional survey to investigate patient engagement in HK. Participants were recruited through random sampling from a single general outpatient clinic. Trained investigators conducted face-to-face interviews with all eligible patients attending the clinic. Patients who were: 1) ≥ 18 years old, 2) have visited the clinic at least once in the last 6 months, 3) no cognitive problems, and 4) can speak and understand the local language. Pearson correlation was used to explore the association between EQ-5D utility and EQ-VAS score. Ordinary least squares regression and heteroscedastic Tobit regression models were adopted to analyze the EQ-VAS and EQ-5D utility data, respectively.ResultsThe analysis included data from 1,004 responses (response rate = 65%). Around 52.7% of participants were female, 25.9% completed tertiary or above education, and 75.1% living with chronic disease. The mean EQ-5D utility and EQ-VAS score were 0.92 (SD = 0.13) and 72.27 (SD = 14.69), respectively. A significant association was found between EQ-5D utility and EQ-VAS score, with coefficients ranging from 0.335 (participants who divorced) to 0.744 (participants living alone). Around 98.5% reported having no problems with 'Self-care', followed by 'Usual activities' (96.3%), 'Mobility' (91.5%) and 'Anxiety/depression' (79.9%). The correlation between EQ-VAS score and EQ-5D utility was positive for each dimension of the EQ-5D instrument (correlation coefficients ranged between 0.211 and 0.623). Age strongly influenced the magnitude and trajectory of EQ-VAS score and utility, as observed in the changes. The regression model showed that 'Mobility', 'Pain/discomfort', and 'Anxiety/depression' have considerable influence on EQ-VAS score.ConclusionsThis study compared the EQ-5D utility score and EQ-VAS in HK primary care setting. Although heterogeneity existed, the EQ-VAS and utility score are significantly correlated and reliable for evaluating health-related quality of life in this population.

The Assessment of Post-Earthquake Quality of Life of Earthquake Survivors

Abstract Objectives This study aims to assess the quality of life (QoL) of earthquake survivors who experienced 2 major earthquakes in Türkiye on February 6, 2023, with different measurement tools. Methods The study was conducted in 2 centers with a total of 467 participants. For QoL measurement, face-to-face Euroqol EQ-5D-5L, Euroqol Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS), and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) measurement tools were used. Results On the EQ-5D-5L scale, most of the participants stated that they struggled the most with the anxiety/Depression dimension. In NHP, the highest mean score is in the Emotional Reaction section. Females and the 55+ age group were found to have worse QoL. A linear and moderate correlation was found between the EQ-5D-5L index value and the EQ-VAS score; an inverse, weak, or moderate correlation was found between the EQ-VAS score and the sections of the NHP scores; an inverse and strong correlation was found between the Nottingham Health Profile Distress (NHP-D) score and the EQ-5D-5L index value. Conclusions The findings obtained with the measurement tools used in this study reveal various dimensions affecting the QoL of different cohorts. In addition, the study provides important evidence for policies to be developed to increase post-earthquake QoL.

Cognitive behavioral stress management effectively facilitates neurologic recovery, alleviates mental distress, and elevates health status in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) relieves physical and psychological burdens in patients with some central nervous system diseases, while its utility in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients is unclear. This study aimed to explore the effect of CBSM on neurologic recovery and psychosomatic health in AIS patients. Totally, 176 naive AIS patients were randomized into routine care (RC) group (n=88) and CBSM group (n=88) to receive a 3-month corresponding intervention. Modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores at the first month after discharge (M1) (P=0.008) and the third month after discharge (M3) (P=0.016) were lower in the CBSM group than in the RC group. The proportion of AIS patients with mRS score >2 at M3 was reduced in CBSM group vs RC group (P=0.045). Hospital anxiety depression scale (HADS)-anxiety score at M3 (P=0.016), HADS-depression score at M3 (P=0.005), and depression rate at M3 (P=0.021) were decreased in the CBSM group vs the RC group. EuroQol-5 dimension scores at M1 (P=0.024) and M3 (P=0.012) were decreased, while EuroQol-visual analogue scale score at M3 (P=0.026) was increased in the CBSM group vs the RC group. By subgroup analyses, CBSM had favorable outcomes in AIS patients with age ≤65 years. CBSM was beneficial to neurologic recovery and distress relief in AIS patients with an education level of middle school or above, and to health status in those with an education level of primary school or uneducated. In conclusion, CBSM benefitted neurologic recovery and psychosomatic health in AIS patients with minor neurological deficits, however, further studies should verify these results with a larger sample size and longer follow-up.