Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary Scores Research Articles

370 Is There an Optimal Surgical Approach in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy?: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Contradictions exist about impact of anterior vs. posterior surgical approach on outcomes of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). METHODS: Individual patient data of subjects who underwent surgery for DCM was identified from a pooled dataset of the AO Spine CSM-North America, CSM-International, and CSM-Protect clinical studies. Primary outcomes were changes in short form 36 Physical Component Summary score (SF36-PCS) and mJOA score at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were change in total Neck Disability Index (NDI) score and SF36 Mental Component Summary score (SF36-MCS). Two comparison cohorts were created: i) anterior surgery and ii) posterior surgery. One-stage mixed-effects meta-analysis with study and treatment exposure as random effects was performed and reported with mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. A subgroup analysis planned a priori in mild DCM patients (mJOA 15-17) was performed. RESULTS: A total of 979 patients met eligibility criteria. Patients who had anterior decompressive surgery experienced greater improvements at 1yr of follow-up than those who underwent posterior decompressive surgery in SF36-PCS score (adjusted MD 1.57 [95% CI 0.11 to 3.03], p = 0.0348) and NDI score (adjusted MD 3.32 [95% CI 0.58 to 6.05], p = 0.0172). A greater proportion of patients that underwent anterior surgery achieved clinically important recovery of their NDI (OR 1.49 [95% CI 1.15 to 1.93], p = 0.002; aOR 1.46 [95% CI 1.08 to 1.96], p = 0.013) and SF36-PCS scores at 1yr (OR 1.45 [95% CI 1.12 to 1.88], p = 0.004, aOR 1.34 [95% CI 1.00 to 1.80], p = 0.052). In patients with mild DCM (n = 186), patients who underwent anterior decompressive surgery experienced greater improvements in SF36-PCS score, mJOA score, and Neck Disability Index score than posterior surgical patients. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior surgical decompression for DCM is associated with greater improvements in 1yr patient-reported outcomes than posterior surgical decompression.

Clinical association of health-related quality of life and mortality in an antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis cohort

ObjectivesTo evaluate the association between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mortality in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). MethodsWe searched patients with AAV assessed for HRQoL at initial diagnosis using Short Form 36 (SF-36). Relationships between SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scales and variables were estimated using Pearson's correlation analysis. Contal's and O'Quigley's methods were used to determine optimal SF-36 PCS cut-off for predicting all-cause mortality. The Cox proportional hazards model and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis were used to ascertain prognostic implications of SF-36 scales and mortality. ResultsThe median SF-36 PCS and MCS values of the 189 patients were 47.5 and 53.3, respectively, and 21 (11.1%) patients (microscopic polyangiitis [MPA], n=15; granulomatosis with polyangiitis [GPA], n=6) died during follow-up. SF-36 PCS was significantly but weakly associated with Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score, Five-factor score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein. However, SF-36 MCS was not associated with ESR. In the multivariable Cox analysis, a decrease of SF-36 PCS score by one unit indicated a higher death risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.030; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.007, 1.052; p=0.041), which was not for SF-36 MCS. IPTW analysis in a subgroup of MPA and GPA patients revealed increased patient mortality with SF-36 PCS <53.75 independently (HR: 3.249; 95% CI: 1.169, 9.033; p=0.024). ConclusionPoor baseline physical functioning associated with premature death in patients with MPA and GPA. HRQoL assessment during initial diagnosis may provide clinical insights for this population.

Talar OsteoPeriostic Grafting from the Iliac Crest (TOPIC): Two-Year Prospective Results of a Novel Press-Fit Surgical Technique for Large, Complex Osteochondral Lesions of the Medial Talus.

Press-fit Talar OsteoPeriostic grafting from the Iliac Crest (TOPIC) is a novel technique for the treatment of large osteochondral lesions of the talus. The purpose of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the 2-year clinical outcomes for patients with medial osteochondral lesions of the talus that were treated with the TOPIC procedure. Forty-three patients were prospectively assessed before and 24 months after the TOPIC procedure. All procedures were performed through a medial distal tibial osteotomy. Clinical assessment preoperatively and at 24 months of follow-up included determination of the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores for pain during walking (primary outcome), at rest, during running, and during stair-climbing. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Mental Component Summary (MCS) score and Physical Component Summary (PCS) score of the Short Form-36 (SF-36) were also assessed. A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed 12 weeks postoperatively to assess union of the distal tibial osteotomy site and at 1 and 2 years postoperatively to assess consolidation of the graft as well as cyst development in the graft. All enrolled patients were available for follow-up. The median NRS score for pain during walking improved from 7 points preoperatively to 2 points at 2 years postoperatively (p < 0.001). All other NRS scores for pain improved significantly. All FAOS subscale scores improved significantly, including those for pain (from 53 to 75), symptoms (from 50 to 61), activities of daily living (from 68 to 88), sports (from 30 to 55), and quality of life (from 19 to 38). The SF-36 PCS score improved from 43 to 48 (p < 0.001), and the MCS score changed from 28 to 26 (p > 0.05). There was a 100% rate of union of the osteotomy site at the distal tibia and 100% of the grafts showed consolidation at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. The TOPIC procedure for large osteochondral lesions of the medial talar dome is an effective technique that resulted in significant improvement exceeding the minimal clinically important difference in pain scores (primary outcome) as well as in other outcomes, with 100% consolidation of the grafts. Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Factors associated with quality of life in patients receiving lung transplantation: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundWith improved prognosis after lung transplantation (LTx), improving health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients who have undergone LTx is a key goal. Although HRQL is improved significantly after transplantation, it is poorer than that in ordinary healthy people. However, the factors associated with poor HRQL remain unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the factors associated with poor HRQL in patients who have undergone LTx.MethodsBetween December 2018 and May 2022, 80 patients who had undergone LTx completed St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) as a disease-specific quality of life measure, the Short Form-12 (SF-12) as a generic quality of life measure, and modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale of dyspnea. The groups were assigned according to the median SGRQ-total score and the Japanese population standard for SF-12, and those with good HRQL were compared with those with poor HRQL. Independent factors were evaluated using multivariate analysis.ResultsWith regard to the SGRQ, there were significant differences in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (P = 0.041), use of bronchodilators (P = 0.026), 6-min walk distance (6MWD) (P < 0.001), and Mmrc (P < 0.001) between better and poorer HRQL. For the SF-12 physical component summary score (PCS), age (P = 0.017), sex (P = 0.011), FEV1 (P < 0.001), forced vital capacity (FVC) (P < 0.001), diagnosis (P = 0.011), handgrip force (P = 0.003), 6MWD (P < 0.001), and Mmrc (P < 0.001) varied. Multivariate analyses revealed that Mmrc was the only independent factor in the SGRQ (P < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 6.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.49–17.74) and SF-12 PCS (P = 0.001, OR = 0.185, 95% CI: 0.07–0.52). There were significant correlations between the SGRQ-Total score and SF-12 PCS (correlation coefficient = -0.612, P < 0.001).ConclusionsDyspnea may be an independent factor of poor disease-specific and generic HRQL in LTx patients. The management of dyspnea may improve the HRQL in patients who have undergone LTx.

Trajectory of Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Descriptive Study.

To investigate anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) over 15 years and associations between demographic, disease-related variables, anxiety and depression, and HRQoL in patients with AS. Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Istanbul Medeniyet University Goztepe Prof. Dr. Suleymsan Yalcin City Hospital, from June to December 2021. Seventy-five patients with AS, who were followed up in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic for 15 years, were included in this study, after their diagnosis was confirmed by the hospital system. The demographic information (gender, age, accommodation status, educational status, employment status, and time unemployed), diagnosis time, remission time, drugs used, usage of TNF-inhibitor drugs and duration of usage were recorded. Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) was used to the measure the disease activity, the hospital anxiety depression scale (HADS) was used for anxiety and depression screening and Short Form-36 (SF-36) was used for HRQoL. SF-36 physical component summary score, general health, social functioning, and role limitations due to physical health subscale scores improved significantly (p=0.004; p<0.000; p=0.024; p=0.002, respectively). It was observed that the effects of BASDAI, HADS anxiety and depression scores were significant on SF-36 (p=0.044; p=0.050; p=0.023), and time has a substantial impact on SF-36 (p=0.003). The effects of gender, education level, and occupation were not found statistically significant (p>0.05 for each). Within 15 years, quality of life increased, anxiety and depression decreased in AS patients. Along with disease activity, anxiety and depression were found to be the most important factors affecting the change in quality of life over time. Ankylosing spondylitis, Anxiety, Depression, Disease activity, Quality of life.

Early postoperative gain in activity levels of lower extremity sarcoma survivors positively affects long-term physical activity and performance

PurposeLittle is known about the effect of sports activity levels on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in long-term survivors of lower-extremity sarcoma.MethodsEighty-three long-term survivors of bone and soft tissue sarcoma of the lower extremities with a median follow-up of 14 (range: 5–35) years completed the University of California and Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scores before tumor resection, 1 year after surgery and at the latest follow-up, as well as a Short Form 36 (SF-36) health survey at the latest follow-up. Simple linear regression models as well as stepwise variable selection with Akaike information criterion (AIC) were undertaken.ResultsThe preoperative UCLA activity level (median: 9, range: 2–10) dropped to a median of 4 (range: 1–10) 1 year after surgery before increasing to a score of 6 (range: 2–10) 5 years after surgery. The long-term SF-36 physical health component summary score (PCS) was 49 (SD: 9), and the mental health component summary score (MCS) was 54 (SD: 7). A linear model with stepwise variable selection identified a negative correlation of PCS with age at surgery (estimate: –0.2; p = 0.02), UCLA score at the last follow-up (estimate: 1.4; p = 0.02) and UCLA score 1 year after surgery (estimate: 1.0; p = 0.02).ConclusionAs not only the final activity levels but also the status immediately after surgery affect the PCS, higher early activity levels should be a goal of modern rehabilitation after sarcoma treatment. Further studies are needed to weigh the potential postoperative risks of higher sport activity levels against the benefits described in this study.Level of evidence: Level 4.

PSAT101 Impaired Muscle Function and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion

Abstract Background Cushing syndrome (CS) is recognized to have multisystem morbidity, but data on the effect of mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) are limited. We hypothesized that MACS is associated with impairments in objective measures of muscle strength and self-reported measures of physical and mental functioning. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort of patients with confirmed hypercortisolism enrolled between 8/01/2019 and 12/31/2021. MACS was defined as serum cortisol greater than 1.8 mcg/dL after the 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) and lack of typical signs and symptoms of CS. Clinical outcomes were assessed prior to intervention. We measured hand grip strength with hand grip dynamometer and lower extremity muscle function with the chair rise test (number of sit-to-stands completed in 30 seconds). We assessed health-related quality of life with the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Performance was reported using age- and sex-adjusted z-scores based on normative data from the USA population. Results A total of 81 patients with MACS (median age 55 years, 49% women) and 85 patients with CS (median age 48 years, 51% women—adrenal CS in 14, pituitary CS in 62, and ectopic CS in 9) were enrolled. In the MACS cohort, median cortisol following 1 mg DST was 3.4 µg/dL (IQR 2.6-5.7), DHEA-S 37.0 µg/dL (IQR 21.5-58.5), ACTH 8.1 pg/mL (IQR, 5.6-13.0; normal 10-60), and 24-hour urinary cortisol 25.0 µg/24h (IQR 15.8-43.3, normal &amp;lt;45). In the CS cohort, median cortisol following 1 mg DST was 11.2 µg/dL (IQR 5.1-15.3), 24-hour urinary cortisol 156.0 µg/24h (IQR 65.5-356.5), and late-night salivary cortisol 251.0 ng/dL (IQR 158.8-430.3; normal &amp;lt;100). Z-scores for hand grip strength (0.13 ± 1.1 vs. 0.07 ± 1.1, p=0.73) and chair rise test performance (-0.25 ± 1.3 vs. -0.39 ± 2.0, p=0.63) were similar between patients with MACS and those with CS. On the SF-36 questionnaire, z-scores for all subdomains were negative in both groups. Patients with CS had lower z-scores on physical functioning (-1.71 ± 1.38 vs. -0.97 ± 1.44, p=0.001), role-physical limitation (-1.75 ± 1.19 vs. -1.15 ± 1.17 p =0.002), general health (-1.54 ± 1.16 vs. -1.03 ± 1.07, p=0.004), social functioning (-1.59 ± 1.27 vs. -0.97 ± 1.28, p= 0.002), and vitality subdomains (-1.67 ± 0.87 vs. -1.28 ± 1.11, p=0.01), but similar physical and mental component summary scores compared to patients with MACS. Chair rise test performance correlated with physical but not mental component summary scores. Conclusions Patients with MACS have impaired chair rise test performance and health-related quality of life when compared to the general age and sex specific population. Remarkably, when compared to patients with CS, patients with MACS had no significant differences in muscle strength, SF-36 physical component summary score, or SF-36 mental component summary score. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Association of Health Status Metrics with Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Adult Congenital Heart Disease and Atrial Arrhythmias.

The prognostic value of health status metrics in patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) and atrial arrhythmias is unclear. In this retrospective cohort study of an ongoing national, multicenter registry (PROTECT-AR, NCT03854149), ACHD patients with atrial arrhythmias on apixaban are included. At baseline, health metrics were assessed using the physical component summary (PCS), the mental component summary (MCS) of the Short-Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey, and the modified European Heart Rhythm Association (mEHRA) score. Patients were divided into groups according to their SF-36 PCS and MCS scores, using the normalized population mean of 50 on the PCS and MCS as a threshold. The primary outcome was the composite of mortality from any cause, major thromboembolic events, major/clinically relevant non-major bleedings, or hospitalizations. Multivariable Cox-regression analyses using clinically relevant parameters (age greater than 60 years, anatomic complexity, ejection fraction of the systemic ventricle, and CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HAS-BLED scores) were performed to examine the association of health metrics with the composite outcome. Over a median follow-up period of 20 months, the composite outcome occurred in 50 of 158 (32%) patients. The risk of the outcome was significantly higher in patients with SF-36 PCS ≤ 50 compared with those with PCS > 50 (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–3.84; p = 0.04) after adjusting for possible confounders. The SF-36 MCS ≤ 50 was not associated with the outcome. The mEHRA score was incrementally associated with a higher risk of the composite outcome (aHR = 1.44 per 1 unit increase in score; 95% CI, 1.03–2.00; p = 0.03) in multivariable analysis. In ACHD patients with atrial arrhythmias, the SF-36 PCS ≤ 50 and mEHRA scores predicted an increased risk of adverse events.

Estimating the minimal clinically important difference for the Physical Component Summary of the Short Form 36 for patients with stroke.

ObjectiveTo determine the Physical Component Summary (PCS) score's minimal clinically important difference (MCID) on the Short Form 36 (SF-36) for people with stroke.MethodsWe conducted secondary analysis of data from a large randomized controlled trial (N = 400) in the post-hospital discharge phase of stroke rehabilitation with outcome measurement 6 and 12 months following stroke. Three methods were used for estimating the MCID: two anchor and one distribution. Method 1 compared SF-36 PCS scores at 12 months for responses to the SF-36’s Perceived Health Change (PHC) question. Method 2 compared the change in PCS score between 6 and 12 months for responses to the PHC question. Method 3 used Cohen’s method to estimate the MCID from the PCS score distribution.ResultsMethod 1: the mean PCS score increased by 3.0 units (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2–3.9) for each unit change in the PHC question. Method 2: the mean change in PCS score increased by 2.1 units (95% CI 1.4–2.8) for each unit change in the PHC question. Method 3: the MCID was estimated to be 1.8 units.ConclusionsOur estimate of the MCID for the PCS in patients with stroke was 1.8 to 3.0 units.

Sex Differences in End-Stage Ankle Arthritis and Following Total Ankle Replacement or Ankle Arthrodesis.

We investigated the influence of sex on patient-reported outcomes preoperatively and following total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis. Patients who had undergone total ankle replacement or ankle arthrodesis for the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis and who had ≥2 years of follow-up were identified from the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Prospective Ankle Reconstruction Database. Standard surgical techniques and implantation methods were followed, and STAR, Hintegra, Mobility, and Agility prostheses were used. Data were collected on patient demographics, revisions, secondary procedures, complications, Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) scores, Short Form-36 (SF-36) scores, and expectations and satisfaction. Statistical analyses included 3-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple linear regression models controlling for inflammatory arthritis, age, preoperative scores, and surgery type. The study included 872 patients: 629 who had undergone total ankle replacement (316 men, 313 women) and 243 who had undergone ankle arthrodesis (154 men, 89 women). The mean duration of follow-up (and standard deviation) was 4.9 ± 2.4 and 4.0 ± 1.9 years for the total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis groups, respectively. Men were older than women (p ≤ 0.001). In both the total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis groups, women had higher AOS pain scores (i.e., more pain) than men preoperatively (p < 0.05). Pain was reduced significantly in both sexes postoperatively (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between sexes. In both the total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis groups, women had higher AOS disability scores (i.e., more disability) and lower SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores (i.e., worse function) than men both preoperatively and postoperatively (p < 0.001). Postoperatively, AOS disability and SF-36 PCS scores improved significantly from baseline in both sexes (p < 0.001). After controlling for covariates, sex was not a significant predictor of postoperative SF-36 MCS (Mental Component Summary), AOS pain, or AOS disability scores (p > 0.05) but explained 0.5% of variance in SF-36 PCS scores (p = 0.03). Sex did not significantly influence preoperative expectations or postoperative satisfaction. When patients with inflammatory arthritis were excluded, preoperative and postoperative outcome measures, expectations, and satisfaction were similar. Men and women with end-stage ankle arthritis benefited from total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis with similar magnitudes of improvement. Small differences in pain and function between men and women undergoing total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis mostly disappeared when controlling for potential confounding variables. Both total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis remain good options for men and women with end-stage ankle arthritis. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Economic Benefit from Improvements in Quality of Life with Upadacitinib: Comparisons with Tofacitinib and Methotrexate in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

IntroductionTo compare the economic benefit of upadacitinib combination therapy versus tofacitinib combination therapy and upadacitinib monotherapy versus methotrexate monotherapy from improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsData were analyzed from two trials of upadacitinib (SELECT-NEXT and SELECT-MONOTHERAPY) and one trial of tofacitinib (ORAL-Standard) that collected HRQOL measurements using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey in patients with RA. Direct medical costs per patient per month (PPPM) for patients receiving upadacitinib 15 mg once daily and methotrexate were derived from observed SF-36 Physical (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores in the SELECT trials using a regression algorithm. Direct medical costs PPPM for patients receiving tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily were obtained from a published analysis of SF-36 PCS and MCS scores observed in the ORAL-Standard trial. Short-term (12–14 weeks) and long-term (48 weeks) estimates of direct medical costs PPPM were compared between upadacitinib and tofacitinib and between upadacitinib and methotrexate.ResultsOver 12 weeks, direct medical costs PPPM were $252 lower (95% CI $72, $446) for upadacitinib-treated patients versus tofacitinib-treated patients. Medical costs PPPM at weeks 24 and 48 and cumulative costs over the entire 48-week period (difference $1759; 95% CI $1162, $2449) were significantly lower for upadacitinib than for tofacitinib. Over 14 weeks, direct medical costs PPPM were $399 lower (95% CI $158, $620) for patients treated with upadacitinib monotherapy compared with those treated with methotrexate alone. Direct medical costs at week 48 and cumulative costs over the entire 48-week period (difference $2044; 95% CI $1221, $2846) were significantly lower for upadacitinib monotherapy compared with methotrexate alone.ConclusionIn the short and long term, upadacitinib combination therapy versus tofacitinib combination therapy and upadacitinib monotherapy versus methotrexate monotherapy were associated with significantly lower direct medical costs for patients with RA.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02675426, NCT02706951, and NCT00853385.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-021-01930-4.

REAL-WORLD PATIENT REPORTED OUTCOMES USING SF-12 AND EMPHASIS-10 IN PATIENTS RECEIVING ORAL TREPROSTINIL: INTERIM ANALYSIS FROM THE ADAPT REGISTRY

REAL-WORLD PATIENT REPORTED OUTCOMES USING SF-12 AND EMPHASIS-10 IN PATIENTS RECEIVING ORAL TREPROSTINIL: INTERIM ANALYSIS FROM THE ADAPT REGISTRY

A Large Cohort Comparison of 2005 National Institutes of Health Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Staging Criteria to 2014 National Institutes of Health Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Staging Criteria

IntroductionChronic Graft-versus-Host Disease (cGvHD) is a complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation. 2005 NIH Staging Criteria (SC) of cGvHD emerged as result of an international effort to provide uniform standards for clinicians and researchers. In 2014, NIH cGvHD SC were revised based on gathered scientific evidence. This study assessed the impact of 2014 revision of NIH cGvHD SC on Organ and Global Score distributions, and associations to functional and quality of life measures (QOL).MethodsPatients (pts) with cGvHD participating in a natural history study of cGvHD (NCT00092235) between October 2004 and November 2016 were evaluated and followed for survival. NIH cGvHD organ and global severity scores (0-3) were prospectively assigned using the 2005 NIH cGvHD SC. Supervised by a physician experienced in cGvHD, two selected team members rescored pts retrospectively with the 2014 SC based on the original 2005 NIH cGvHD scoring forms and data obtained from assessments by clinician subspecialists. A total of 284 pts were evaluated. Distributions of organ-specific and global severity scores measured by the 2005 and 2014 NIH cGvHD SC were compared. 2014 NIH cGvHD SC were tested for associations with functional and QOL measures: Lee symptom scale (LSS), Short Form 36 (SF36), 2-minute walk test (2MW), grip strength (GS), joint range of motion (ROM), Human Activity Profile (HAP), mean Subspecialist Evaluation Score (mSSE), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplant (FACT-BMT), using the model established by Baird et al. to validate the original 2005 NIH SC in a subset of this cohort (BBMT 2013; 19:632). Survival analysis was performed to determine potential predictors of overall survival.ResultsPts had a median age of 46 yrs (range 19-71); 37% were receiving moderate and 40% high levels of systemic immunosuppression. Pts scored by 2014 NIH SC tended to have slightly lower global severity scores in comparison to 2005 NIH SC (75% vs 72% pts with severe cGvHD). Lung and liver scores tended to be lower, 2014 NIH cGvHD organ-specific and global severity scores are shown in Table 1. 2014 NIH skin score was associated with reduced GS and ROM (both p<0.0001) and higher LSS (p=0.0001) and mSSE (p<0.0001). 2014 NIH lung score showed significant associations with lower values for 2MW, SF36 physical component summary score (PCS), and HAP maximum activity score (MAS), as well as higher mSSE (all p<0.0001) and a trend towards association with reduced GS (p=0.002). 2014 NIH global severity score (24% moderate, 72% severe in this population) was positively associated with mSSE (p<0.0001) and showed trends toward association with higher LSS and lower HAP adjusted activity score (AAS).Five-year overall survival in this cohort was 70.9% (95% CI: 64.8-76.1%) with a median potential follow-up of 79 months. The final Cox survival model included 2014 NIH Lung score (3 vs 0-2, HR=2.67, 95% CI: 1.47-4.84; p=0.0012), time from cGvHD diagnosis to consent (4+ yrs vs <4 yrs, HR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.31-0.94, p=0.028), and Karnofsky performance status (KPS, 80-100% vs <80%, HR=0.48, 95% CI: 0.30-0.77; p=0.0020). In the analysis of the 2005 NIH cGvHD SC, Baird and colleagues reported a Cox survival model including 2005 NIH lung score, time from cGvHD diagnosis to consent, and absolute eosinophil count, but not KPS.The associations between NIH Global score and the NIH lung score and patient-reported outcome measures are similar to those in the Baird et al. analysis of 2005 NIH cGvHD SC. In contrast to Baird et al. statistically significant associations are now seen between global severity, skin score and lung scores and performance-based measures including GS and 2MW. This suggests that scoring refinements introduced in 2014 have strengthened the validity of the NIH SC.ConclusionsIn this cross-sectional cohort severely affected by cGvHD, the 2014 NIH cGvHD SC organ-specific and global scores were associated with functional and QOL measures, and likely reflect cGvHD burden. Refinements in describing lung and liver cGvHD resulted in lower scores for these organs using the 2014 NIH cGvHD SC compared to the 2005 NIH cGvHD SC. These findings illustrate that 2014 NIH cGvHD SC are valid measures for cGvHD-related burden and warrant study within both clinical care and prospective trials. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Therapist-oriented home rehabilitation for adults with sickle cell anemia: effects on muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life

ABSTRACT Objectives Considering the advances in functional rehabilitation in recent decades, therapist-oriented home rehabilitation (TOHR) has been increasingly used in the field of physical therapy because it increases patient compliance and reduces health system costs. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of TOHR on functional capacity, muscle strength, and quality of life (QoL) in adults with sickle cell anemia (SCA). Methods Forty adults with SCA underwent manually guided TOHR for 12 weeks. Before and at the end of training, the following variables were assessed in the participants: distance covered in the 6-min walk test (6MWD); maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP); maximal expiratory pressure (MEP); handgrip strength (HGS); quadriceps strength (QS); and QoL using the Short Form-36 physical component summary (SF-36PCS) and the Short Form-36 mental component summary (SF-36MCS). Results After TOHR, significant increases were observed in the mean values for the 6MWD, MIP, MEP, HGS, QS, and SF-36PCS and SF-36MCS scores. The relative delta between the pre- and post-TOHR 6MWDs correlated significantly with the relative deltas of MIP (rs = 0.640, p < 0.0001), MEP (rs = 0.587, p < 0.0001), HGS (rs = 0.360, p = 0.022), and QS (rs = 0.351, p = 0.026). When the participants were separated according to their use of hydroxyurea, significant increases were observed in the relative deltas of the 6MWD, MIP and MEP values. Conclusions This study shows that TOHR can potentially increase functional capacity, muscle strength, and QoL in adults with SCA. Furthermore, there appears to be a relationship between 6MWD gains and muscle strength gains with TOHR. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04705792.

Relationship Between Tibiotalar Joint Space and Ankle Function Following Ankle Surgery.

Joint-preserving procedures of the ankle may postpone the need for ankle arthrodesis (AA) or total ankle replacement (TAR). The challenge for the surgeon is to determine which patients may benefit from these joint-preserving procedures. We hypothesized that patents with less than 2 mm of ankle joint space on preoperative radiographs would report inferior outcomes following joint-preserving surgery compared with those with 2 mm or greater joint space. Patients 18 years of age or older treated with joint-preserving ankle surgery with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up were considered for study inclusion. The ankle joint space was measured on standardized weightbearing preoperative radiographs. At follow-up, patients completed questionnaires including the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sports subscales, the Short Form-12 (SF-12) Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary, the Tegner Activity Scale, and satisfaction with outcome. A total of 251 patients were included in the study. Forty-three patients had an ankle joint space of less than 2 mm. Compared with the 208 patients with an ankle joint space of 2 mm or greater, they had inferior FAAM ADL, FAAM Sports, and SF-12 Physical Component Summary scores (P = .001, P = .001, and P = .006, respectively). Additionally, a statistically significant positive correlation between joint space distance and the FAAM ADL (P = .012, r = 0.158), FAAM Sports (P < .001, r = 0.301), and SF-12 Physical Component Summary (P < .010, r = 0.163) scores was found. Patients with a preoperatively narrowed ankle joint space of less than 2 mm had significantly lower outcome scores following joint-preserving ankle surgery compared with patients with preserved ankle joint space. These results may assist clinicians in selecting patients who may benefit from ankle joint-preserving procedures, as well as counseling patients with a narrowed ankle joint space regarding expected outcome after joint-preserving ankle surgery. Level II, prognostic comparative study.

Does Total Hip or Knee Arthroplasty Have an Effect on the Patients’ Functional or Behavioral Outcome and Health-Related Quality of Life of the Affected Partners?

BackgroundSpouses are the primary caregivers of patients living with osteoarthritis (OA). Little is known about how the quality of life (QoL) of OA patients’ partners change after total joint replacement surgery (TJR). MethodsPreoperative health status and 12-month postoperative outcomes were evaluated and compared in 24 couples using the Short-Form 36 (SF-36), knee or hip specific Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (OOS) and accelerometry for the assessment of habitual physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). Correlations between the changes in the patients’ OOS subscales scores, habitual activity, and their partners’ SF-36 scores were calculated. ResultsFollowing TJR the patients’ OOS subscale scores showed positive changes (P < .001). The SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) score improved (P < .001), while the mental component summary (MCS) score as well as PA and SB remained unchanged (P ≥ .093). Their partners’ PCS, MCS, and SB did not change (P ≥ .286), whereas the PA even decreased (P = .027). Correlation analyses showed positive results for the changes in the patients’ OOS subscale pain and the changes in their partners’ MCS (r = 0.355, P = .048) as well as the changes in the patients’ OOS subscale activities of daily living and the changes in the PCS of their partners (r = 0.406, P = .027). In contrast to the results described above, changes in the patients’ PA were negatively correlated with changes in their partners’ PCS (r = −0.389, P = .033). ConclusionTJR has a positive influence on QoL but not the habitual activity of OA patients. Their partners, on the other hand, show no changes in QoL and even a slight decrease in habitual activity.

Impact of L4/5 Posterior Interbody Fusion With or Without Decompression on Spinopelvic Alignment and Health-related Quality-of-Life Outcomes.

This was a retrospective case control study. The objective was to determine the impact of single-level interbody fusion at L4/5 with or without concomitant decompression on various spinopelvic parameters and health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) outcomes. Recently, focus has swayed from a regional concern to a global sagittal alignment, more comprehensive approach in multilevel, corrective fusion for adult spinal deformity. However, only a few comprehensive studies have investigated the relationships between the various related spinopelvic parameters and HRQOL outcomes using single-level interbody fusion. In total, 119 patients with lumbar degenerative disorders (mean age, 68 y; 38 males and 81 females) who underwent L4/5 single-level posterior interbody fusion with a minimum 2-year follow-up were included. Participants were divided into 2 groups according to preoperative sagittal modifiers of the SRS-Schwab adult spinal deformity classification. The correlation between spinopelvic parameters and HRQOL outcomes was investigated. Negative or positive values indicated lordosis. HRQOL outcomes were assessed using visual analog scale scores, Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaires (JOABPEQ), and short form-36 (SF-36). L4/5 local lordosis increased from 6.4±4.4 degrees preoperatively to 11.3±4.5 degrees at 2 years postoperatively (P<0.0001). Further analysis of the results also showed a correlation between change in L4/5 local lordosis and change in lumbar lordosis (LL) (rs=0.229, P=0.0143). The high pelvic incidence-LL (≥20 degrees, n=28) and high sagittal vertical axis groups (≥5 cm, n=29) had lower scores in walking ability, social life domains of JOABPEQ, and physical component summary scores of SF-36 preoperatively, and 2 years postoperatively. Fusion status did not affect the HRQOL outcomes, except that concomitant decompression at the adjacent disk level yielded lower SF-36 physical component summary scores 2 years postoperatively. Improvement in L4/5 local lordosis possibly triggers a simultaneous sequence of change in total LL after posterior single-level fusion. HRQOL outcomes were negatively affected by both preoperative and postoperative pelvic incidence-LL mismatch and global sagittal malalignment. Level III.

Improvement in Health-Related Quality of Life After Total Ankle Arthroplasty Compares Well With Other Successful Orthopaedic and Nonorthopaedic Procedures.

Background. Ankle arthritis is a major cause of disability. Orthopaedic literature suggests improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). This has not been compared with improvements observed in successful orthopaedic and nonorthopaedic procedures, including anterior cervical discectomy/fusion (ACDF), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). We hypothesize that the effects after TAA are comparable to several successful surgical procedures. Methods. 500 consecutive TAA patients were included and grouped with 2 other large series. Short Form-36 (SF36) were collected at standardized intervals. A systematic literature review identified studies comparing preoperative and postoperative SF36 physical (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores. Using meta-analyses, we pooled the data for each procedure to compare with the TAA group. Results. Patients in all cohorts had preoperative SF36 MCS and PCS scores that were significantly lower than that in the general population. Improvements in HRQOL after TAA were not statistically different from improvements reported in PCS and MCS after ACDF, TKA, and OLT. However, improvement in PCS after TAA was better than that observed after CABG. Conclusions. Disability with ankle arthritis is severe. Disability associated with cervical disc disease, knee arthrosis, coronary artery disease, and liver failure is also severe, with surgical intervention providing major improvements in HRQOL postoperatively. The improvement in HRQOL after TAA did not differ statistically from ACDF, TKA, CABG, and OLT. Our investigation suggests that the HRQOL benefits of TAA meet benchmarks set by some of modern medicine's best.Levels of Evidence: Level III: Systematic review.

The importance of physical and mental health in explaining health-related academic role impairment among college students

Research consistently documents high rates of mental health problems among college students and strong associations of these problems with academic role impairment. Less is known, though, about prevalence and effects of physical health problems in relation to mental health problems. The current report investigates this by examining associations of summary physical and mental health scores from the widely-used Short-Form 12 (SF-12) Health Survey with self-reported academic role functioning in a self-report survey of 3,855 first-year students from five universities in the northeastern United States (US; mean age 18.5; 53.0% female). The mean SF-12 physical component summary (PCS) score (55.1) was half a standard deviation above the benchmark US adult population mean. The mean SF-12 mental component summary (MCS) score (38.2) was more than a full standard deviation below the US adult population mean. Two-thirds of students (67.1%) reported at least mild and 10.5% severe health-related academic role impairment on a modified version of the Sheehan Disability Scale. Both PCS and MCS scores were significantly and inversely related to these impairment scores, but with nonlinearities and interactions and much stronger associations involving MCS than PCS. Simulation suggests that an intervention that improved the mental health of all students with scores below the MCS median to be at the median would result in a 61.3% reduction in the proportion of students who experienced severe health-related academic role impairment. Although low-cost scalable interventions exist to address student mental health problems, pragmatic trials are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing academic role impairment.

Health-related quality of life in elderly patients with bronchiectasis

Background: Chronic lung diseases such as bronchiectasis (BR) can adversely affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL), but there are limited studies conducted to investigate HRQOL in elderly BR patients. This study aims to investigate the HRQOL in elderly patients with BR and to assess its relationship with clinical outcomes and radiological findings. Materials and Methods: A total of 74 elderly BR patients involved in the study. BR was diagnosed using high-resolution computed tomography, and all patients were evaluated with the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Symptoms, pulmonary function tests, BR Severity Index (BSI), Reiff's score, and medical treatments were recorded. Results: The mean age of the patients was 70.1 ± 5.0 (range: 65–89) years, and 41 (55.4%) were men. The mean SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Health Component Summary (MCS) scores of the 74 elderly patients with BR were 36.6 ± 11.2 (range: 16.3–70) and 44.8 ± 8.9 (range: 23–59.6), respectively. All of the SF-36 subscale results except physical functioning subscale were lower in elderly patients with BR than in the normal Turkish elderly population. There was a major difference in the pain domain between males and females (57.9 ± 27.7 vs. 43.9 ± 27.6, respectively; P = 0.035), but there was no other significant difference between SF-36 domains by gender. The BSI was strongly correlated with all SF-36 subscales. There were statistically significant correlations between Reiff's score, forced expiratory volume in 1 s percent predicted value, forced vital capacity percent predicted value, and number of admissions to the emergency room in the previous year and some SF-36 subscales (P Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that elderly patients with BR had poorer HRQOL scores. The BSI, Reiff's score, and pulmonary function tests were correlated with the SF-36 domains.