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Karas M, Olsen J, Straczkiewicz M, Johnson SA, Burke KM, Iwasaki S, Lahav A, Scheier ZA, Clark AP, Iyer AS, Huang E, Berry JD, Onnela J. Tracking amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease progression using passively collected smartphone sensor data. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:1380-1392. [PMID: 38816946 PMCID: PMC11187949 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Passively collected smartphone sensor data provide an opportunity to study physical activity and mobility unobtrusively over long periods of time and may enable disease monitoring in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PALS). METHODS We enrolled 63 PALS who used Beiwe mobile application that collected their smartphone accelerometer and GPS data and administered the self-entry ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-RSE) survey. We identified individual steps from accelerometer data and used the Activity Index to summarize activity at the minute level. Walking, Activity Index, and GPS outcomes were then aggregated into day-level measures. We used linear mixed effect models (LMMs) to estimate baseline and monthly change for ALSFRS-RSE scores (total score, subscores Q1-3, Q4-6, Q7-9, Q10-12) and smartphone sensor data measures, as well as the associations between them. FINDINGS The analytic sample (N = 45) was 64.4% male with a mean age of 60.1 years. The mean observation period was 292.3 days. The ALSFRS-RSE total score baseline mean was 35.8 and had a monthly rate of decline of -0.48 (p-value <0.001). We observed statistically significant change over time and association with ALSFRS-RSE total score for four smartphone sensor data-derived measures: walking cadence from top 1 min and log-transformed step count, step count from top 1 min, and Activity Index from top 1 min. INTERPRETATION Smartphone sensors can unobtrusively track physical changes in PALS, potentially aiding disease monitoring and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Karas
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthHarvard University677 Huntington Ave.BostonMassachusetts02115USA
| | - Julia Olsen
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthHarvard University677 Huntington Ave.BostonMassachusetts02115USA
| | - Marcin Straczkiewicz
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthHarvard University677 Huntington Ave.BostonMassachusetts02115USA
| | - Stephen A. Johnson
- Department of NeurologyMayo Clinic13400 E. Shea Blvd.ScottsdaleArizona85259USA
| | - Katherine M. Burke
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute and Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital15 Parkman St #835BostonMassachusetts02114USA
| | - Satoshi Iwasaki
- Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Holdings America, Inc.525 Washington Blvd.Jersey CityNew Jersey07310USA
| | - Amir Lahav
- Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Holdings America, Inc.525 Washington Blvd.Jersey CityNew Jersey07310USA
| | - Zoe A. Scheier
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute and Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital15 Parkman St #835BostonMassachusetts02114USA
| | - Alison P. Clark
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute and Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital15 Parkman St #835BostonMassachusetts02114USA
| | - Amrita S. Iyer
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute and Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital15 Parkman St #835BostonMassachusetts02114USA
| | - Emily Huang
- Department of Statistical SciencesWake Forest UniversityWinston‐SalemNorth Carolina27106USA
| | - James D. Berry
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute and Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital15 Parkman St #835BostonMassachusetts02114USA
| | - Jukka‐Pekka Onnela
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthHarvard University677 Huntington Ave.BostonMassachusetts02115USA
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Weiss MD, Freimer M, Leite MI, Maniaol A, Utsugisawa K, Bloemers J, Boroojerdi B, Howard E, Savic N, Howard JF. Improvement of fatigue in generalised myasthenia gravis with zilucoplan. J Neurol 2024; 271:2758-2767. [PMID: 38400914 PMCID: PMC11055786 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12209-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatigue is a debilitating symptom of myasthenia gravis (MG). The impact of fatigue on MG can be assessed by Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL) Short Form Fatigue scale. Transformation of raw Neuro-QoL fatigue scores to T-scores is a known approach for facilitating clinical interpretation of clinically meaningful and fatigue severity thresholds. METHODS In the Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled RAISE study (NCT04115293), adults with acetylcholine receptor autoantibody-positive generalised MG (MG Foundation of America Disease Class II-IV) were randomised 1:1 to daily subcutaneous zilucoplan 0.3 mg/kg or placebo for 12 weeks. Patients completing RAISE could opt to receive zilucoplan 0.3 mg/kg in an ongoing, open-label extension study, RAISE-XT (NCT04225871). In this post-hoc analysis, we evaluated the long-term effect of zilucoplan on fatigue in RAISE patients who entered RAISE-XT. We report change in Neuro-QoL Short Form Fatigue T-scores and fatigue severity levels from RAISE baseline to Week 60. RESULTS Mean Neuro-QoL Short Form Fatigue T-scores improved from baseline to Week 12 in the zilucoplan group (n = 86) with a clinically meaningful difference versus placebo (n = 88; least squares mean difference: - 3.61 (nominal p-value = 0.0060]), and these improvements continued further to Week 60. At Week 12, more patients on zilucoplan (n = 34, 47.2%) experienced improvements in ≥ 1 fatigue severity level from baseline versus placebo (n = 23, 28.4%; p = 0.017). At Week 60, most (n = 55, 65.5%) patients had mild fatigue or none. CONCLUSION Treatment with zilucoplan demonstrated statistical and clinically meaningful improvements in fatigue scores and severity versus placebo during RAISE, which were sustained to Week 60 in RAISE-XT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Miriam Freimer
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - M Isabel Leite
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Emily Howard
- UCB Pharma, Slough, UK
- Cogent Skills, Warrington, UK
- University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | - James F Howard
- Department of Neurology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Mehdipour A, Teshler L, Dal Bello-Haas V, Richardson J, Beauchamp M, Turnbull J, Chum M, Johnston W, O'Connell C, Luth W, Kuspinar A. Assessing the Measurement Properties of the Self-Administered Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R): A Rasch Analysis. Phys Ther 2023; 103:pzad109. [PMID: 37581600 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzad109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The self-administered version of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) is used to monitor function and disease progression in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the performance of the self-administered ALSFRS-R has not been assessed using Rasch Measurement Theory. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the self-administered ALSFRS-R using Rasch analysis. METHODS Rasch analysis was performed on self-administered ALSFRS-R data from individuals with ALS across Canada. The following 6 aspects of Rasch analysis were examined using RUMM2030: fit via residuals and chi-square statistics, targeting via person-item threshold maps, dependency via item residual correlations, unidimensionality through principal components analysis of residuals, reliability via person separation index, and stability through differential item functioning analyses for sex, age, and language. RESULTS Analysis was performed on 122 participants (mean age: 52.9 years; 62.8% men). The overall scale demonstrated good fit, reliability, and stability; however, multidimensionality was found. To address this issue, items were divided into 3 subscales (bulbar, motor, and respiratory function), and Rasch analysis was performed for each subscale. The subscales demonstrated good fit, reliability, stability, and unidimensionality. However, there were still issues with item dependency for all subscale and targeting for bulbar and respiratory subscales. CONCLUSIONS The self-administered ALSFRS-R is reliable, internally valid, and stable across sex, age, and language subgroups; however, it is recommended that the ALSFRS-R be scored by subscale. Future studies can look at revising and/or adding items to tackle misfit, redundancy, and ceiling effects. IMPACT Self-administered measures are simple to administer and inexpensive. The self-administered ALSFRS-R was found to be psychometrically sound and can be used as a tool to monitor disease progression and function in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Mehdipour
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lizabeth Teshler
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vanina Dal Bello-Haas
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Richardson
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marla Beauchamp
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Turnbull
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marvin Chum
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wendy Johnston
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Colleen O'Connell
- Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Westerly Luth
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ayse Kuspinar
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Zahir F, Hanman A, Yazdani N, La Rosa S, Sleik G, Sullivan B, Mehdipour A, Malouka S, Kuspinar A. Assessing the psychometric properties of quality of life measures in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review. Qual Life Res 2023:10.1007/s11136-023-03377-2. [PMID: 36881218 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03377-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron disease in adults. There are many patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for measuring quality of life (QoL) and health-related QoL (HRQoL) within this population; however, there is limited consensus regarding which are most valid, reliable, responsive, and interpretable. This systematic review assesses the psychometric properties and interpretability of QoL and HRQoL PROMs for individuals with ALS. METHODS This review was conducted following the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) methodology for systematic reviews of PROMs. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases were searched. Studies were included if their aim was to evaluate one or more psychometric properties or the interpretability of QoL or HRQoL PROMs in individuals with ALS. RESULTS We screened 2713 abstracts, reviewed 60 full-text articles, and included 37 articles. Fifteen PROMs were evaluated including generic HRQoL (e.g., SF-36), ALS-specific HRQoL (e.g., ALSAQ-40), and individualized QoL (e.g., SEIQoL) measures. Evidence for internal consistency and test-retest reliability were acceptable. For convergent validity, 84% of hypotheses were met. For known-groups validity, outcomes were able to distinguish between healthy cohorts and other conditions. Responsiveness results ranged from low to high correlations with other measures over 3-24 months. Evidence for content validity, structural validity, measurement error, and divergent validity was limited. CONCLUSION This review identified evidence in support of the ALSAQ-40 or ALSAQ-5 for individuals with ALS. These findings can guide healthcare practitioners when selecting evidence-based QoL and HRQoL PROMs for patients and provide researchers with insight into gaps in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faryal Zahir
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, 1400 Main St. W., IAHS, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Alicia Hanman
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, 1400 Main St. W., IAHS, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Nazmehr Yazdani
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, 1400 Main St. W., IAHS, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Sabrina La Rosa
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, 1400 Main St. W., IAHS, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Gemma Sleik
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, 1400 Main St. W., IAHS, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Brooke Sullivan
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, 1400 Main St. W., IAHS, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Ava Mehdipour
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, 1400 Main St. W., IAHS, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Selina Malouka
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, 1400 Main St. W., IAHS, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada
| | - Ayse Kuspinar
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, 1400 Main St. W., IAHS, Hamilton, ON, L8S 1C7, Canada.
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Wearable device and smartphone data quantify ALS progression and may provide novel outcome measures. NPJ Digit Med 2023; 6:34. [PMID: 36879025 PMCID: PMC9987377 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-023-00778-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) therapeutic development has largely relied on staff-administered functional rating scales to determine treatment efficacy. We sought to determine if mobile applications (apps) and wearable devices can be used to quantify ALS disease progression through active (surveys) and passive (sensors) data collection. Forty ambulatory adults with ALS were followed for 6-months. The Beiwe app was used to administer the self-entry ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-RSE) and the Rasch Overall ALS Disability Scale (ROADS) surveys every 2-4 weeks. Each participant used a wrist-worn activity monitor (ActiGraph Insight Watch) or an ankle-worn activity monitor (Modus StepWatch) continuously. Wearable device wear and app survey compliance were adequate. ALSFRS-R highly correlated with ALSFRS-RSE. Several wearable data daily physical activity measures demonstrated statistically significant change over time and associations with ALSFRS-RSE and ROADS. Active and passive digital data collection hold promise for novel ALS trial outcome measure development.
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Maier A, Münch C, Meyer T. Der Einsatz von Patient-reported Outcome Measures (PROM) und die
Perspektive digitaler Biomarker bei der Amyotrophen
Lateralsklerose. KLIN NEUROPHYSIOL 2023. [DOI: 10.1055/a-2019-3500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungDie systematische Erfassung des klinischen Zustands sowie der Erfahrung mit
Behandlung oder Versorgung durch einen strukturierten Bericht des Patienten wird
als „Patient-reported Outcome Measures“ (PROM) bezeichnet. Bei
der Amyotrophen Lateralsklerose (ALS) haben sich PROM insbesondere zur
Dokumentation funktioneller Defizite, z. B. mit der ALS-Funktionsskala,
und weiterer komplexer Symptome im Rahmen von klinischer Forschung etabliert. In
der Behandlungspraxis werden PROM dazu genutzt, den Verlauf und die Prognose der
Erkrankung einzuschätzen. Mit PROM werden neue biologische Biomarker
(z. B. Neurofilamente) und digitale Biomarker (z. B. durch den
Einsatz von Sensorik) auf ihre patientenzentrierte Relevanz evaluiert. Durch die
digitale Anwendung von PROM und die Verknüpfung mit digitalen Biomarkern
kann eine engmaschigere Erhebung von zu Hause aus erfolgen und damit die
Datenqualität erhöht werden. Patienten können selbst den
Gesundheitszustand monitorieren sowie Behandlungs- und Versorgungsergebnisse
dokumentieren. Damit nehmen sie zunehmend eine aktive Rolle in der individuellen
Behandlung und Versorgung ein.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Maier
- Ambulanz für ALS und andere Motoneuronenenerkrankungen, Klinik
für Neurologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin,
Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Münch
- Ambulanz für ALS und andere Motoneuronenenerkrankungen, Klinik
für Neurologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin,
Berlin, Germany
- Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin,
Germany
| | - Thomas Meyer
- Ambulanz für ALS und andere Motoneuronenenerkrankungen, Klinik
für Neurologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin,
Berlin, Germany
- Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin,
Germany
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Johnson SA, Burke KM, Scheier ZA, Keegan MA, Clark AP, Chan J, Fournier CN, Berry JD. Longitudinal comparison of the self-entry Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-RSE) and Rasch-Built Overall Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Disability Scale (ROADS) as outcome measures in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Muscle Nerve 2022; 66:495-502. [PMID: 35904151 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Improved functional outcome measures in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) would aid ALS trial design and help hasten drug discovery. We evaluate the longitudinal performance of the Rasch-Built Overall Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Disability Scale (ROADS) compared to the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale Revised for Self-Entry (ALSFRS-RSE) as patient reported outcomes of functional status in people with ALS. METHODS Participants completed the ROADS and the ALSFRS-RSE questionnaires at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12- mo using Research Electronic Data Capture as part of a prospective, longitudinal, remote, online survey study of fatigue in ALS from 9/2020 to 12/2021. The scales were compared cross-sectionally (at baseline) and longitudinally. Correlation coefficients, coefficients of variation, and descriptive statistics were assessed. RESULTS A total of 182 adults with ALS consented to the study. This volunteer sample was comprised of predominantly White, non-Hispanic, non-smoking participants. Consented participant survey completion was approximately 90% at baseline and greater than 40% at 12 mo. The ALSFRS-RSE and the ROADS had high, significant agreement at 3 and 6 mo by Cohen's kappa ≥71% (p < 0.001); the number of functional increases or plateaus on the two scales were not significantly different; and the coefficient of variation of functional decline was similar at the 6-month mark, though higher for the ROADS at 3 mo and lower at 12 mo. DISCUSSION Although the ROADS performed similarly to the ALSFRS-RSE in an observational cohort, it has psychometric advantages, such as Rasch-modeling and unidimensionality. It merits further investigation as a patient reported outcome of overall disability and efficacy outcome measure in ALS trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Johnson
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute and Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katherine M Burke
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute and Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zoe A Scheier
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute and Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mackenzie A Keegan
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute and Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alison P Clark
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute and Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James Chan
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Biostatistics Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christina N Fournier
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Neurology, Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - James D Berry
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute and Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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An R, Li C, Li X, Wu Y, He X, Ai S, Xu Y, He C. Fatigue in Chinese Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Associated Factors and Impact on Quality of Life. Front Neurol 2022; 13:806577. [PMID: 35250816 PMCID: PMC8894316 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.806577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Fatigue was considered as a common symptom in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Previous studies about the impact of fatigue on Quality of Life (QoL) in patients with ALS were limited and inconsistent. Besides, a systematic investigation of fatigue in Chinese patients with ALS was lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the frequency and associated factors of fatigue and impact on QoL in Chinese patients with ALS. Participants and Methods Probable and definitive patients with ALS and age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs) were consecutively recruited. The frequency of fatigue between both the groups was determined by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Disease severity, sleep quality, sleepiness, anxiety, depression, and QoL were evaluated in patients with ALS by the ALS Functional Rating Scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) and the ALS Severity Scale (ALSSS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL). Then, clinical characteristics of patients with ALS with fatigue were compared with those without fatigue. Lastly, associated factors of fatigue and impact on QoL in Chinese patients with ALS were assessed. Results A total of 175 patients with ALS and 175 HCs were included. Fatigue was significantly more frequent in patients with ALS than in controls (32.6 vs. 17.7%, p = 0.001). Patients with ALS with fatigue scored lower on the ALSFRS-R, the ALSSS [lower extremity (LE) + upper extremity (UE)], the total ALSSS, higher in the HARS, HDRS, PSQI, ESS scores, and a poorer QoL. Daytime dysfunction and the ALSSS (LE + UE) score were associated with a higher risk of fatigue. The ALSSS (LE + UE), the FSS, age, the HARS, and the HDRS score were significantly associated with various aspects of QoL. Conclusion This study has described fatigue in Chinese patients with ALS and finding daytime dysfunction and the lower ALSSS (LE + UE) were associated with a higher risk of fatigue. Also, we identified an inverse relationship of fatigue intensity with the psychological domain of QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran An
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianghua He
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shaolong Ai
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanming Xu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yanming Xu
| | - Chengqi He
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Chengqi He
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Hartmaier SL, Rhodes T, Cook SF, Schlusser C, Chen C, Han S, Zach N, Murthy V, Davé S. Qualitative measures that assess functional disability and quality of life in ALS. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2022; 20:12. [PMID: 35062955 PMCID: PMC8781297 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-022-01919-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selection of appropriate trial endpoints and outcome measures is particularly important in rare disease and rapidly progressing disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) where the challenges to conducting clinical trials, are substantial: patient and disease heterogeneity, limited understanding of exact disease pathophysiology, and lack of robust and available biomarkers. To address these challenges in ALS, the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised version (ALSFRS-R) was developed and has become a key primary endpoint in ALS clinical trials to assess functional disability and disease progression, often replacing survival as a primary outcome. However, increased understanding of the ALS disease journey and improvements in assistive technology for ALS patients have exposed issues with the ALSFRS-R, including non-linearity, multidimensionality and floor and ceiling effects that could challenge its continued utility as a primary outcome measure in ALS clinical trials. Recently, other qualitative scale measures of functioning disability have been developed to help address these issues. With this in mind, we conducted a literature search aimed at identifying both established and promising new measures for potential use in clinical trials. METHODS We searched PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, and the reference sections of key studies to identify papers that discussed qualitative measures of functional status for potential use in ALS studies. We also searched clinicaltrials.gov to identify functional status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures that have been used in ALS interventional studies. RESULTS In addition to the ALSFRS-R, we identified several newer qualitative scales including ALSFRS-EX, ALS-MITOS, CNS-BFS, DALS-15, MND-DS, and ROADS. Strengths and limitations of each measure were identified and discussed, along with their potential to act as a primary or secondary outcome to assess patient functional status in ALS clinical trials. CONCLUSION This paper serves as a reference guide for researchers deciding which qualitative measures to use as endpoints in their ALS clinical trials to assess functional status. This paper also discusses the importance of including ALS HRQoL and ALS cognitive screens in future clinical trials to assess the value of a new ALS therapy more comprehensively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Courtney Schlusser
- CERobs Consulting, LLC, Wrightsville Beach, NC, USA
- Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chao Chen
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Steve Han
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Neta Zach
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Shreya Davé
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
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10
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Sisodia RC, Rodriguez JA, Sequist TD. Digital Disparities: Lessons learned from a Patient Reported Outcomes Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2021; 28:2265-2268. [PMID: 34244760 PMCID: PMC8344913 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocab138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The collection of patient reported outcomes (PROs) allows us to incorporate the patient's voice within their care in a quantifiable, validated manner. Large scale collection of PROs is facilitated by the electronic health record (EHR) and its portal, though historically patients have eschewed the portal and completed patient reported outcome measures (PROMS) in clinic via tablet. Furthermore, access to and use of the portal is associated with known racial inequities. Our institution oversees the largest clinical PRO program in the world, and has a long history of racially equitable PRO completion rates via tablet. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to remove tablets from clinics and rely exclusively on portal use for PRO completion, profound racial disparities resulted immediately. Our experience quantifiably demonstrates the magnitude of inequity that the portal, in its current configuration, generates and serves as a cautionary tale to other health care systems and EHRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C Sisodia
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street Boston MA, 02114.,Mass General Brigham, 399 Revolution Dr, Somerville, MA, 02145
| | | | - Thomas D Sequist
- Mass General Brigham, 399 Revolution Dr, Somerville, MA, 02145.,Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115
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11
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Chew S, Burke KM, Collins E, Church R, Paganoni S, Nicholson K, Babu S, Scalia JB, De Marchi F, Ellrodt AL, Moura LMVR, Chan J, Berry JD. Patient reported outcomes in ALS: characteristics of the self-entry ALS Functional Rating Scale-revised and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2021; 22:467-477. [PMID: 33771057 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2021.1900259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective: This study characterized two patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs): a patient-facing adaptation of the revised amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Functional Rating Scale ("self-entry ALSFRS-R") and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Methods: ALS patients presenting to clinic completed PROMs that included (1) the self-entry ALSFRS-R, (2) the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC Scale), and (3) a question about falls. PROM data were compared to one another and to the traditional ALSFRS-R collected by trained evaluators in clinic ("standard ALSFRS-R"). Results: Over the data collection period, 449 ALS patients completed at least one of the three PROMs. Self-entry vs. standard ALSFRS-R total scores (n = 183) had high agreement (intraclass correlation (ICC)=0.81, 95% CI = 0.67, 0.88). Self-entry ALSFRS-R total scores were significantly higher than standard ALSFRS-R total scores (2.3 points, p < 0.001). In a subset of participants who contributed data at two timepoints, the average ALSFRS-R decline was not significantly different between methods (n = 49). ABC scores correlated highly with self-entry and standard ALSFRS-R Gross Motor subdomain scores (Pearson's r = 0.72, p < 0.001 and Pearson's r = 0.76, p < 0.001, respectively; n = 130). ABC score was negatively correlated with the number of reported falls within the last month (Spearman's r=-0.40; p < 0.001; n = 130). A 10-point decrease in ABC score increased odds of a reported fall by 16%. Conclusions: In a multidisciplinary clinic setting, self-entry and standard ALSFRS-R scores were similar, but not interchangeable. Self-entry scores were higher than standard ALSFRS-R scores but declined at a similar rate to the standard ALSFRS-R. ABC scores correlated with self-reported fall history and thus may provide useful data for clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena Chew
- Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Katherine M Burke
- Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ella Collins
- Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Reagan Church
- Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sabrina Paganoni
- Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA and
| | - Katharine Nicholson
- Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Suma Babu
- Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer B Scalia
- Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fabiola De Marchi
- Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy L Ellrodt
- Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lidia M V R Moura
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James Chan
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Biostatistics Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James D Berry
- Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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12
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The 6-min walk test as a new outcome measure in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15580. [PMID: 32968168 PMCID: PMC7511965 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72578-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the issues highlighted in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinical trials is the lack of appropriate outcome measures. The aim of this multicentric study was to evaluate the 6-min walk test (6MWT) as tool to monitor the natural history of a cohort of ALS patients followed up over a 6-month interval. Forty-four ambulant patients were assessed at baseline and after 1, 3 and 6 months. Eight out of forty-four lost the ability to walk before the end of the study. The 6MWT and the objective measures linked to motor function, such as 10 m walking test (10MWT) and Time-up and go (TUG), the ALSFRS-R and the ALSFRS-R items 7–9 showed a good responsiveness to change over the 6-month interval. There was a strong correlation between 6 and 10MWT, TUG, ALSFRS-R, ALSFRS-R items 7–9 and FVC% at baseline. There was no correlation with Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen (ECAS) and Modified Borg Scale (MBS). The Δ of 6MWT from T0 to T6 significantly correlated with the Δs of 10MWT and TUG. There was no correlation with the Δs of ALSFRS-R, ALSFRS-R items 7 9, ECAS, MBS and FVC%. The discordance between changes of the 6MWT and ALSFRS-R at 6 month highlights the different content validity among these instruments. The concordance among 6MWT, 10MWT and TUG indicates that the 6MWT is an objective, sensitive and robust tool to measure motor performances in a longitudinal setting. The main limitations of our study were the small sample size and the high percentage of patients (18%) lost at follow-up. Therefore, further studies on larger cohorts, and exploring the relation between 6MWT and need of ventilator support or survival could strengthen our results.
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13
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Helleman J, Kruitwagen-van Reenen ET, Bakers J, Kruithof WJ, van Groenestijn AC, Jaspers Focks RJH, de Grund A, van den Berg LH, Visser-Meily JMA, Beelen A. Using patient-reported symptoms of dyspnea for screening reduced respiratory function in patients with motor neuron diseases. J Neurol 2020; 267:3310-3318. [PMID: 32577867 PMCID: PMC7578163 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10003-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Poor monitoring of respiratory function may lead to late initiation of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in patients with motor neuron diseases (MND). Monitoring could be improved by remotely assessing hypoventilation symptoms between clinic visits. We aimed to determine which patient-reported hypoventilation symptoms are best for screening reduced respiratory function in patients with MND, and compared them to the respiratory domain of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R). Methods This prospective multi-center study included 100 patients with MND, who were able to perform a supine vital capacity test. Reduced respiratory function was defined as a predicted supine vital capacity ≤ 80%. We developed a 14-item hypoventilation symptom questionnaire (HYSQ) based on guidelines, expert opinion and think-aloud interviews with patients. Symptoms of the HYSQ were related to dyspnea, sleep quality, sleepiness/fatigue and pneumonia. The diagnostic performances of these symptoms and the ALSFRS-R respiratory domain were determined from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and accuracy. Results Dyspnea-related symptoms (dyspnea while eating/talking, while lying flat and during light activity) were combined into the MND Dyspnea Scale (MND-DS). ROC curves showed that the MND-DS had the best diagnostic performance, with the highest AUC = 0.72, sensitivity = 75% and accuracy = 71%. Sleep-quality symptoms, sleepiness/fatigue-related symptoms and the ALSFRS-R respiratory domain showed weak diagnostic performance. Conclusion The diagnostic performance of the MND-DS was better than the respiratory domain of the ALSFRS-R for screening reduced respiratory function in patients with MND, and is, therefore, the preferred method for (remotely) monitoring respiratory function. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00415-020-10003-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochem Helleman
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Esther T Kruitwagen-van Reenen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J Bakers
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Willeke J Kruithof
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annerieke C van Groenestijn
- Department of Rehabilitation, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Arthur de Grund
- Basalt, Center for Rehabilitation, Den Haag, The Netherlands
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna M A Visser-Meily
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anita Beelen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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