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Primary hyperparathyroidism quality-of-life test reliable
Researchers have developed and validated a disease-specific health-related quality-of-life tool for evaluating patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.
“The [primary hyperparathyroidism quality-of-life] questionnaire has demonstrated to be easy to administer in a short period of time (feasibility), which means suitability for use in conditions of real clinical practice,” the researchers wrote. “Therefore, we contribute with a new specific tool that can help in the management of [primary hyperparathyroidism] patients and can supplement the few existing tools, such as the Pasieka questionnaire.”
Susan M. Webb, MD, PhD, of the department of endocrinology at the Hospital de Sant Pau in Barcelona, Spain, and colleagues evaluated adults (mean age, 61.4 years; 79.7% women) with primary hyperparathyroidism to evaluate the effectiveness of the disease-specific health-related quality-of-life tool for primary hyperparathyroidism. Participants were divided into two groups: those who initiated treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism (group A; n = 104) and those with stable primary hyperparathyroidism not requiring treatment (group B; n = 78). Group A was evaluated at baseline and 3, 6 and 12 months after intervention, and group B was evaluated at baseline and 1 month later.
Of administered questionnaires, 88% were completed, and a final score was obtained in 98% of them. The number of symptoms and score were correlated at baseline (P < .001). Lower scores were found among symptomatic patients in both groups compared with asymptomatic patients at baseline (P < .001). Quality-of-life scores increased throughout the study period and mostly during the first 3 months (P < .001).
Sixty-four percent of patients reported a slightly better to much better self-perceived health status at 3 months, 68.6% at 6 months and 66.2% at 12 months. Symptomatic improvement during follow-up also revealed higher quality-of-life scores (P < .001).
No difference was found between the groups for quality-of-life score at baseline; group B had similar scores 1 month after baseline revealing test–retest reliability.
“The [primary hyperparathyroidism quality-of-life] questionnaire is a specific [health-related quality-of-life] tool with good psychometric properties, able to assess patient-reported outcome in clinical practice and research, in parallel to the presence of physical and neuropsychological symptoms and disease outcome,” the researchers wrote. – by Amber Cox
Disclosure: Webb reports being on the scientific advisory board for Amgen, Spain. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.