Validation of the Dutch cystic fibrosis questionnaire (CFQ) in adolescents and adults

Pilot of a therapist-guided digital mental health intervention (eHealth CF-CBT) for adults with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

eHealth CF-CBT is the first digital mental health intervention for depression/anxiety in adults with cystic fibrosis (awCF); an 8-session therapist-guided internet-delivered program that was developed in English and Dutch with stakeholder input and evaluation indicating high acceptability and usability.

METHODS

Dutch eHealth CF-CBT was piloted in awCF with mild-moderate symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Feasibility, usability, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy were assessed, measuring pre-post changes in depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), perceived stress (PSS), and health-related quality of life (CFQ-R).

RESULTS

All participants (n = 10, seven female, mean age 29 [range 21-43], mean FEV1 71%pred [range 31-115]) completed all sessions. Patient-rated feasibility, usability, and acceptability of eHealth CF-CBT were positive on validated scales, as were qualitative assessments of content and format. GAD-7 improved in 90% of participants; in 50% by ≥the minimally important difference (MID) of four points. PHQ-9 improved in 90%; 40% by ≥the MID of 5. PSS improved in 80%. CFQ-R improved in the domain health perceptions (70%).

CONCLUSIONS

eHealth CF-CBT demonstrated feasibility, usability, acceptability, and promising preliminary efficacy in this pilot trial with Dutch awCF with mild to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Clinical validation of digital biomarkers for pediatric patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis - Potential for clinical trials and clinical care

BACKGROUND

Digital biomarkers are a promising novel method to capture clinical data in a home-setting. However, clinical validation prior to implementation is of vital importance. The aim of this study was to clinically validate physical activity, heart rate, sleep and FEV1 as digital biomarkers measured by a smartwatch and portable spirometer in children with asthma and cystic fibrosis (CF).

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study including 60 children with asthma and 30 children with CF (age 6-16). Participants wore a smartwatch, performed daily spirometry at home and completed a daily symptom questionnaire for 28-days. Physical activity, heart rate, sleep and FEV1 were considered candidate digital endpoints. Data from 128 healthy children was used for comparison. Reported outcomes were compliance, difference between patients and controls, correlation with disease-activity and potential to detect clinical events. Analysis was performed with linear mixed effect models.

RESULTS

Median compliance was 88%. On average, patients exhibited lower physical activity and FEV1 compared to healthy children, whereas the heart rate of children with asthma was higher compared to healthy children. Days with a higher symptom score were associated with lower physical activity for children with uncontrolled asthma and CF. Furthermore, FEV1 was lower and (nocturnal) heart rate was higher for both patient groups on days with more symptoms. Candidate biomarkers and showed a distinct pattern before- and after a pulmonary exacerbation.

CONCLUSION

Portable spirometer- and smartwatch-derived digital biomarkers show promise as candidate endpoints for use in clinical trials or clinical care in pediatric lung disease.

Quality of life and exercise tolerance tools in children/adolescents with cystic fibrosis: Systematic review

INTRODUCTION

This systematic review aims to analyze the validity and reliability of available tools to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and exercise tolerance in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of observational studies studying the validity and reliability of the tools was conducted. The COSMIN (COnsesus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurements INstruments) guide was followed to analyze the quality of these tools.

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies were selected. Of the eight HRQoL tools, five generic and three specific, analyzed in 14 studies, the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R) presents the best properties. Of the four tools analyzed to assess exercise tolerance, cycle ergometry and the modified shuttle test are the most valid and reliable.

CONCLUSIONS

The CFQ-R, cycloergometry and the modified shuttle test have the best properties for the assessment of children with CF, but more studies are needed.

The associations between pediatric weight status and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes status and health-related quality of life among children and young adults with cystic fibrosis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-shortening genetic disease, yet life expectancy has recently increased, shifting the focus to disease management and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Identification of clinical factors, such as weight status and CF-related diabetes (CFRD), that are associated with HRQoL can inform clinicians about the patient's health perception. The goal of this systematic review was two prong: identify the association of pediatric weight status and HRQoL and determine how CFRD status impacts HRQoL.

METHODS

A systematic review of published research was conducted following the methodology in the Cochrane Handbook on Systematic Reviews for Interventional Studies. Results were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses. Risk of bias was assessed using the National Heart Lung & Blood Institute tool. A meta-analysis was not performed due to variability of the inclusion/exclusion criteria, differences in outcome reporting, and insufficient primary outcome data to pool.

RESULTS

Nine studies met inclusion criteria (n = 6 explored weight status and n = 3 studied CFRD), for a total of 1585 subjects (CFRD cases = 87). Pediatric weight status was positively associated with HRQoL, most commonly the Body Image and Eating Disturbance domains. CFRD was negatively associated with HRQoL, specifically the Treatment Burden and Weight domains.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the limited data available, improved pediatric weight status appears to increase HRQoL while a CFRD diagnosis appears to decrease HRQoL. More research is needed to fully understand the role of these clinical factors on HRQoL, especially with life expectancy increasing among those with CF.

Feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of an electronic nose in children with asthma and cystic fibrosis

The measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath is a promising tool for diagnosing and monitoring various lung diseases in children. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis is a frequently used standard technique for VOCs analysis. However, as GC-MS is an expensive and time-consuming technique, hand-held devices or electronic noses have been developed. Recently, the Aeonose was introduced as an easy-to-use hand-held eNose capable of point-of-care testing. Although first results using this eNose in adults are promising, studies in children are lacking. We therefore performed a cross-sectional study in 55 children and adolescents ≥6 years of age (20 children with moderate to severe asthma, 13 children with CF, and 22 healthy controls). The feasibility of the Aeonose was high (>98% successful measurements). The diagnostic accuracy was high for discriminating asthma from CF (Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve [AUC] 0.90 [95% Confidence Interval 0.78-1.00] sensitivity 89% [65%-98%], specificity 77% [46%-94%]), and for the distinction between CF and healthy controls (AUC 0.87 [0.74-1.00], sensitivity 85% [54%-97%], specificity 77% [54%-91%]). However, the diagnostic accuracy for the discrimination between asthma and healthy controls was modest (AUC 0.79 [0.63-0.94], sensitivity 74% [49%-90%], specificity 91% [69%-98%]). This is the first study to report test results of the Aeonose in children and adolescents ≥6 years. This eNose showed a high feasibility with modest to good diagnostic accuracies in asthma and CF. This study was registered at clinicaltrial.gov (NCT03377686).

Quality of life amongst adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis: correlations with clinical outcomes

OBJECTIVES

The current study sought to evaluate the quality of life of young patients with cystic fibrosis and correlate these results with the clinical parameters indicative of disease severity.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study applied the validated Portuguese version of a cystic fibrosis specific quality of life questionnaire to clinically stable patients aged 14 to 21 years old. The correlations between the questionnaire domain scores and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) values, the Shwachman-Kulczycki score, and body mass index were assessed, and correlations were considered as significant when p<0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 31 patients (11 females; 16.4±2.3 years old) were evaluated, and the median scores on the questionnaire domains ranged from 66.7 to 100. A significant correlation was found between body mass index and the weight (r=0.43, p=0.016) and the eating questionnaire domains (r=0.44, p=0.013); between FEV1 and the physical (r=0.53, p=0.002) and treatment burden (r=0.41, p=0.023) domains; and between the Shwachman-Kulczycki score and the physical (r=0.39, p=0.03), health (r=0.41, p=0.023), and role (r=0.37, p=0.041) domains. A significant difference was found amongst patients with FEV1 values above or below 60% of the predicted value with regard to the role and health domains. No differences in the scores were found according to gender.

CONCLUSIONS

The current cystic fibrosis specific quality of life questionnaire scores exhibited wide variability across all domains; however, they indicated a relatively satisfactory quality of life amongst the patients studied. Certain domains exhibited significant correlations with clinical parameters; thus, this instrument has consistent associations with clinical outcomes.

Prevalence of severe fatigue among adults with cystic fibrosis: A single center study

BACKGROUND

With life expectancy increasing among patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), the prevalence of complications such as fatigue is also expected to increase. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of severe fatigue among adults with CF and to identify factors associated with fatigue.

METHODS

Adult patients with CF receiving treatment at a single center were invited to complete three questionnaires. We then studied the associations between fatigue and clinically measured parameters and between fatigue and patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 77 patients (age 19-54years; 56% males; mean FEV₁: 63%) completed the questionnaires (43% response rate). The prevalence of severe fatigue among these patients was 26%. The variance in fatigue was explained partially by clinically measured parameters. However, patient-reported outcomes were stronger independently associated with fatigue and included the patients' reported respiratory symptoms, emotional functioning, and social functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue is a clinically important and highly prevalent issue among adults with CF and is associated with a significant reduction in health-related quality of life and participation in society. In addition, fatigue is associated more strongly with the patient's perception of symptoms and well-being than with clinically measured parameters.

Psychometric evaluation of the Swedish translation of the revised Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire in adults

AIM

The CFQ-R is one of the most established disease-specific, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measurements for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Swedish translation of CFQ-R in adults.

METHOD

A total of 173 CF patients answered the CFQ-R. The CFQ-R was evaluated with regard to: (1) distributional properties; (2) reliability; and (3) construct validity.

RESULTS

The majority of scales were negatively skewed with ceiling effects. Eight of the 12 scales had satisfactory homogeneity; 10 of the 12 scales had satisfactory test-retest reliability. On many of the CFQ-R scales expected differences were observed when patients were divided regarding disease severity, nutritional status, age, and gender.

CONCLUSION

Some weaknesses were detected, but overall the instrument has satisfactory psychometric properties.

Factors associated with changes in health-related quality of life in children with cystic fibrosis during 1-year follow-up

There are limited data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) changes over time in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). We investigated associations between clinical and treatment variables with changes in HRQoL during 1 year. Forty-nine children with CF aged 6-18 years were followed in this multicentre, observational cohort study during 1 year. HRQoL was measured by the validated disease specific cystic fibrosis questionnaire-revised (CFQ-R). The CFQ-R total score as well as most domain scores improved significantly (8.0 points and [3.3-31.7] points respectively) during the one-year follow-up. Age at baseline demonstrated a strong longitudinal association with the change of CFQ-R total score (2.853 points decrease of CFQ-R total score per year increase in age) and several domain scores. Below 12 years of age, CFQ-R total score improved in most children, whereas a deterioration was observed in most children above 12 years. The number of PEx was associated with an increase of treatment burden score (4.466 points decrease per extra PEx).

CONCLUSION

In the group as a whole, HRQoL improved significantly over time. However, changes over time were significantly influenced by age: below 12 years of age, HRQoL improved in most patients whereas a deterioration was observed in most children >12 years. Strategies how to preserve or ideally to improve HRQoL in adolescence should be developed. What is known: • Quality of life in patient with CF is diminished • Although CF is a chronic disease, longitudinal data on QoL in children with CF are scarce. What is new: • Below 12 years of age, quality of life improved in most children during the 1-year follow-up whereas a deterioration in quality of life was observed in most children above 12 years. • the treatment burden score of QoL correlated with the exacerbation rate.

Biomarkers in Exhaled Breath Condensate Are Not Predictive for Pulmonary Exacerbations in Children with Cystic Fibrosis: Results of a One-Year Observational Study

Background

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is characterized by chronically inflamed airways, and inflammation even increases during pulmonary exacerbations. These adverse events have an important influence on the well-being, quality of life, and lung function of patients with CF. Prediction of exacerbations by inflammatory markers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) combined with early treatment may prevent these pulmonary exacerbations and may improve the prognosis.

Aim

To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of a set of inflammatory markers in EBC to predict pulmonary exacerbations in children with CF.

Methods

In this one-year prospective observational study, 49 children with CF were included. During study visits with an interval of 2 months, a symptom questionnaire was completed, EBC was collected, and lung function measurements were performed. The acidity of EBC was measured directly after collection. Inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) were measured using high sensitivity bead based flow immunoassays. Pulmonary exacerbations were recorded during the study and were defined in two ways. The predictive power of inflammatory markers and the other covariates was assessed using conditionally specified models and a receiver operating characteristic curve (SAS version 9.2). In addition, k-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm was applied (SAS version 9.2).

Results

Sixty-five percent of the children had one or more exacerbations during the study. The conditionally specified models showed an overall correct prediction rate of 55%. The area under the curve (AUC) was equal to 0.62. The results obtained with the KNN algorithm were very similar.

Conclusion

Although there is some evidence indicating that the predictors outperform random guessing, the general diagnostic accuracy of EBC acidity and the EBC inflammatory markers IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and MIF is low. At present it is not possible to predict pulmonary exacerbations in children with CF with the chosen biomarkers and the method of EBC analysis. The biochemical measurements of EBC markers should be improved and other techniques should be considered.

Validity of a Spanish Version of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire in Children With Cystic Fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients present chronic cough as one of the main symptoms, which has an important effect on quality of life and social relations. Our goal was to validate the Spanish version of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) in a group of children and teenagers with CF.

METHODS

After adapting to Spanish by standardized translation and retro-translation methodology, a sample of 58 stable CF patients from 7 to 18 years were recruited from three CF specialized centers in Spain. The questionnaire was administered twice; the second administration (LCQ2) was performed between 2-4 weeks later than the first one (LCQ1), in order to analyse the reliability and validity of the Spanish version. To correlate results with health related quality of life (HRQoL) we used the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R).

RESULTS

Population was composed by 62% male, age 11.7 ± 3.1 years and body mass index (BMI) 19 ± 3 kg/m(2). Total scores from LCQ were: LCQ1 19 (17.75-21) vs LCQ2 19 (16-21) (P=.199). Cronbach's Alpha coefficient was 0.83 for the LCQtotal and for each specific domain was: 0.82 LCQphysical; 0.74 LCQpsychological and 0.62 LCQsocial. Intraclass correlation coefficient was: 0.69 LCQphysical; 0.59 LCQpsychological; 0.45 LCQsocial and 0.71 LCQtotal (good reliability). Relations with CFQ-R showed moderated and significant results: for the LCQtotal: respiratory symptom domain r = 0,51 (P<.001) and physical capacity domain r = 0,62 (P<.05).

CONCLUSION

The Spanish version of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire is reliable and valid for children and adolescents with CF and it has good relations with health related quality of life in this population.

Health Related Quality of Life in Indian Children with Cystic Fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

This study was devised to translate Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised to Hindi and administer it to Indian children and adolescents diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

This study was carried out in cystic fibrosis patients attending Pediatric Chest Clinic of a tertiary-care hospital in Northern India from July 2012 to December 2012.

PARTICIPANTS

45 children (6-13 years) and their parents, and 14 adolescents. Patients with unstable health in the past two weeks were excluded.

INTERVENTION

Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire- Revised translated in Hindi was administered. Clinical evaluation and scoring, throat swab cultures and spirometry were also done during the same visit.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Health Related Quality of Life scores were the primary measures, and clinical scores, swab cultures and spirometry were secondary measures.

RESULTS

Cronbachs alpha ranged from 0.020-0.863.The Factor analysis indicated that most test-items correlated more with competing scales than the intended scales. Convergence between self and proxy-rating was found to be dependent on the domain. The Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire- Revised scores correlated well with clinical scores (r=0.65,P=0.011), Pseudomonas spp culture data and pulmonary function tests. There was an inverse relation between Health Related Quality of Life scores and age at diagnosis (r=-0.339, P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Hindi versions of Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire- Revised: Child, Adolescent and Parents instruments will act as an important step towards data on Health Related Quality of Life of Indian patients with cystic fibrosis.

Training hospital managers for strategic planning and management: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Training is the systematic acquisition of skills, rules, concepts, or attitudes and is one of the most important components in any organization's strategy. There is increasing demand for formal and informal training programs especially for physicians in leadership positions. This study determined the learning outcomes after a specific training program for hospital management teams.

METHODS

The study was conducted during 2006 and 2007 at the Centre School of Public Health and Management, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade and included 107 participants involved in the management in 20 Serbian general hospitals. The management teams were multidisciplinary, consisting of five members on average: the director of the general hospital, the deputy directors, the head nurse, and the chiefs of support services. The managers attended a training program, which comprised four modules addressing specific topics. Three reviewers independently evaluated the level of management skills at the beginning and 12 months after the training program. Principal component analysis and subsequent stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were performed to determine predictors of learning outcomes.

RESULTS

The quality of the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analyses performed by the trainees improved with differences between 0.35 and 0.49 on a Likert scale (p < 0.001). Principal component analysis explained 81% of the variance affecting their quality of strategic planning. Following the training program, the external environment, strategic positioning, and quality of care were predictors of learning outcomes. The four regression models used showed that the training program had positive effects (p < 0.001) on the ability to formulate a Strategic Plan comprising the hospital mission, vision, strategic objectives, and action plan.

CONCLUSION

This study provided evidence that training for strategic planning and management enhanced the strategic decision-making of hospital management teams, which is a requirement for hospitals in an increasingly competitive, complex and challenging context. For the first time, half of state general hospitals involved in team training have formulated the development of an official strategic plan. The positive effects of the formal training program justify additional investment in future education and training.

Lung clearance index predicts pulmonary exacerbations in young patients with cystic fibrosis

RATIONALE

The lung clearance index (LCI) is a promising endpoint for use in cystic fibrosis (CF) clinical trials, but correlations with validated clinical endpoints have not yet been established.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to demonstrate that, in young patients with CF, baseline LCI predicts subsequent pulmonary exacerbation (PE) and correlates with the respiratory domain of the CF Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-Rresp).

METHODS

Baseline LCI, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), CFQ-Rresp and PEs over the subsequent year were prospectively recorded in 63 patients aged 5-19 years. The ability of baseline LCI to predict PE was assessed using negative binomial regression models and Kaplan-Meier plots.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients (41%) experienced 48 PEs. Baseline LCI and FEV1 were predictors of PE. Compared with the quartile with the lowest LCI, the annual PE rate in increasing LCI quartiles was 2.9 (95% CI 0.5 to 16.5, p=0.238), 5.4 (95% CI 1.0 to 29.0, p=0.045) and 13.6 (95% CI 2.8 to 67.1, p=0.001). Similarly, time to first PE decreased with worsening LCI quartiles (log-rank test for trend, p<0.001). Furthermore, LCI correlated with CFQ-Rresp (r=-0.43, p<0.001). In the subgroup of 53 patients with normal FEV1, LCI was a predictor of PE. In this subgroup, LCI also correlated with CFQ-Rresp (r=-0.282, p=0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline LCI predicts PE in young patients with CF and correlates with CFQ-Rresp, a validated patient-reported outcome, even in the subgroup with normal FEV1. These data further support the use of LCI as a surrogate outcome measure in CF clinical trials.

Effects of a supervised, outpatient exercise and physiotherapy programme in children with cystic fibrosis

Previous work suggests benefit from outpatient exercise and physiotherapy in children with cystic fibrosis (CF), namely improved exercise capacity and lung function measures, as well reduced intravenous (IV) antibiotic needs. Our study aim was to investigate the effect of a year-long supervised outpatient exercise and physiotherapy programme in children with CF. Subjects with CF aged ≥10 years who had received ≥4 courses of IV antibiotics in 2009 were enrolled and seen fortnightly for supervised exercise and physiotherapy throughout 2010. In addition, they were expected to exercise three times weekly, and if unwell complete additional physiotherapy sessions extra to usual chest physiotherapy. Assessments of exercise capacity using the Modified Shuttle Test (MST) and quality of life (QOL; CFQ-UK) were recorded at baseline and after 1 year. Regular spirometry was performed before and throughout the study. Data were collected on IV antibiotic days. 12 subjects (6 female) were enrolled with mean (95% CI) age of 13.3 (11.8-14.6) years at study entry. A significant reduction in IV antibiotic days from 60 (56-64) days in 2009 to 50 (44-56) in 2010 (P = 0.02) was noted, along with improved MST distance (m) [735 (603-867) vs. 943 (725-1,161), P = 0.04] and level attained [9.4 (8.4-10.5) vs. 11.1 (9.6-12.6), P = 0.04]. Significant improvements in CFQ-UK scores for physical [59 (47-72) vs. 83 (74-92), P = 0.001], emotional [63 (55-72) vs. 84 (74-93), P < 0.001], treatment [41 (30-51) vs. 61 (48-73), P = 0.002], and respiratory [54 (42-66) vs. 76 (70-82), P = 0.002] domains were noted. The mean (95% CI) rate of change of FEV(1) was -4 (-18, +10)% in 2009, but was +6 (-2, +13)% in 2010, although this did not reach statistical significance. Supervised, outpatient exercise and physiotherapy are associated with improvements in QOL and exercise tolerance, a reduction in IV antibiotic days, and a trend towards reducing lung function decline in children with CF. The cost of IV antibiotics was reduced by £66,384 ($104,000) in 2010 when compared with 2009. Such cost-benefit may have implications for workforce planning and service provision.

Body image and cystic fibrosis: a critical review

A slight frame and poor appetite are common among patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) yet healthy body weight has been related to a better prognosis. A review of studies exploring body image (BI) among adults and adolescents with CF was conducted. Seven electronic databases were searched for potential papers. They located 128 references, of which 24 were read in full and 12 included in the review. Accepted papers suggested females with CF had a better BI compared to males, but this could compromise survival, given their preference for a low body weight. Males may be more motivated to adhere to nutritional advice because they favor a larger form. Practitioners should broach the topic of BI at clinic appointments to ensure this does not have a detrimental impact on self-management, although more research is required to guide professionals in this task.

How about your peers? Cystic fibrosis questionnaire data from healthy children and adolescents

Background

The Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire (CFQ) is widely used in research as an instrument to measure quality of life in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). In routine patient care however, measuring quality of life is still not implemented in guidelines. One of the reasons might be the lack of consensus on how to interpret CFQ scores of an individual patient, because appropriate reference data are lacking. The question which scores reflect normal functioning and which scores reflect clinically relevant problems is still unanswered. Moreover, there is no knowledge about how healthy children and adolescents report on their quality of life (on the CFQ). With regard to quality of life the effect of normal development should be taken into account, especially in childhood and adolescence. Therefore, it is important to gain more knowledge about how healthy children and adolescents report on their quality of life and if there are any difference in a healthy populations based on age or gender. Without these data we cannot adequately interpret the CFQ as a tool in clinical care to provide patient-tailored care. Therefore this study collected data of the CFQ in healthy children and adolescents with the aim to refer health status of CF youngsters to that of healthy peers.

Methods

The CFQ was completed by 478 healthy Dutch children and adolescents (aged 6-20) in a cross-sectional study.

Results

The majority of healthy children (over 65%) did not reach maximum scores on most domains of the CFQ. Median CFQ-scores of healthy children and adolescents ranged from 67 to 100 (on a scale of 0-100) on the different CFQ-domains. Significant differences in quality of life exist among healthy children and adolescents, and these depend on age and gender.

Conclusions

Reference data of quality of life scores from a healthy population are essential for adequate interpretation of quality of life in young patients with CF. Clinicians should be aware that the perception of health-related quality of life is not as disease-specific as one might think and also relies on factors such as age, normal maturation and gender.

Development, validation, and implementation of a questionnaire assessing disease knowledge and understanding in adult cystic fibrosis patients

BACKGROUND

The number of adults living with cystic fibrosis (CF) is increasing, necessitating an assessment of knowledge in this growing population.

METHODS

A questionnaire assessing CF knowledge was completed by 100 CF patients (median age: 26.0 years, range 17-49 years; median FEV₁: 57.0% predicted, range 20-127% predicted). Level of knowledge was correlated with clinical and sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Questionnaire validation showed acceptable internal consistency (α=0.75) and test-retest reliability (0.94). Patients had fair overall understanding of CF (mean=72.4%, SD=13.1), with greater knowledge of lung and gastrointestinal topics (mean=81.6%, SD=11.6) than reproduction and genetics topics (mean=57.9%, SD=24.1). Females and those with post-secondary education scored significantly higher (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study validated a questionnaire that can be utilized to assess CF knowledge. Although CF patients understand most aspects of their disease, knowledge deficits are common - particularly regarding genetics and reproduction - and should be considered when developing CF education programs.

[Validation of the Spanish version of the Revised Cystic Fibrosis Quality of Life Questionnaire in adolescents and adults (CFQR 14+ Spain)]

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the revised disease-specific health related quality of life questionnaire for adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis (CFQR 14+ Spain).

METHODS

A total of 43 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients completed the CFQR 14+ Spain. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second, in percentage of predicted - FEV(1) (%)-, number of respiratory exacerbations, 6-minute walk test, Bhalla score (based on computerized tomography of the chest), fat-free mass index, body mass index (BMI), faecal fat and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire were included as measurements of health status.

RESULTS

Ten out of the twelve scales had alpha coefficients above 0.70. Test-retest correlations (Spearman) ranged from 0.49 to 0.95 and they were significant in all scales. Intraclass correlations ranged from 0.47 to 0.95 (ten out of the twelve scales were >0.70) forty out of the fifty ítems have correlations between items and scale above 0.70. All the CFQR+14 scales, except the digestive symptoms scale, discriminated significantly between patients with mild, moderate and severe disease (according to FEV(1) (%)). Other respiratory parameters also discriminated significantly between patients with mild-moderate and severe disease. Only some scales discriminated significantly between nourished and malnourished patients. All of the scales met standards for floor effects (<15% of the responders with the lowest score) but not for ceiling effects (only five out of the twelve).

CONCLUSION

The Spanish CFQR14+ (Spain) is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the health-related quality of life in Spanish adolescents and adults with CF, though with the exception of a few of its subscales.

Health-related quality of life in children with cystic fibrosis: validation of the German CFQ-R

Background

This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the Child and Parent versions of the German CFQ-R (Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire Revised), a disease-specific measure of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Self-Rating is combined with proxy-rating by parents in the use of the questionnaire.

Methods

136 children with CF (6 - 13 years) and their parents were recruited to evaluate internal consistency (Cronbach's α) and validity, 20 children and parents to examine reproducibility (ICC).

Results

Cronbach's α is high in all but two dimensions of the Child version (α = 0.23-0.77) and for all dimensions of the Parent version (α = 0.69-0.89). For both questionnaires, reproducibility is moderate to high (ICC = 0.50-0.94). Factor analysis shows loadings of >0.4 in the majority of items. Higher HRQoL is reported by children with mild disease compared to those with moderate/severe disease and by boys compared to girls. Convergence between self-rating and proxy-rating depends on the dimension.

Conclusion

The German CFQ-R, Child and Parent versions, are reliable and valid measures of HRQoL. They should be administered in combination as both, child and parent, provide important information. The measure offers a new patient-reported outcome for clinical purposes as well as for national and international studies in schoolchildren.

Patient-reported respiratory symptoms in cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis (CF) specific patient-derived and reported symptom tools are critical steps toward evaluating the outcomes of new therapies for CF.

METHODS

We conducted 25 in-depth qualitative interviews using the Day Reconstruction Method and 9 cognitive interviews at two CF programs, the University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, and then coded and analyzed for themes relating to pulmonary symptoms and related psychosocial impacts.

RESULTS

Six pulmonary symptoms were identified as central to CF: cough, sputum production, wheeze, chest tightness, difficulty breathing/shortness of breath, and fever. Emotional impacts included frustration, sadness/depression, irritability, worry, difficulty sleeping; while activity impacts included time spent sitting or lying down, reduction of usual activities, and missing school or work. In all, 8 symptom items, 4 emotional impacts items, and 4 activity impacts were selected for inclusion on a new daily diary. We also assessed triggers for seeking care.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a qualitative inductive methodology, we have obtained patient centered data regarding pulmonary symptoms and burdens and have created a novel patient reported outcome measure for CF. Future studies will assess the validity of the instruments.

Validation of the Danish version of the revised cystic fibrosis quality of life questionnaire in adolescents and adults (CFQ-R14+)

BACKGROUND

Quality of life is an important parameter in the evaluation of quality and outcome of health care and treatment, especially in patients with chronic disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Danish version of the revised disease-specific health-related quality of life questionnaire for adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis (CFQ-R14+).

METHODS

A total of 196 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients completed the CFQ-R14+ (response rate 71%). Forced expiratory volume in 1 s in percentage of predicted (FEV(1)%) and body mass index (BMI) were included as measures of health status.

RESULTS

Internal consistency coefficients ranged from 0.54 to 0.95. Eight out of the twelve scales had alpha coefficients above 0.7. Test-retest correlations ranged from 0.42 to 0.88 and they were significant in eight scales. All the CFQ-R+14 scales except the digestive symptoms scale discriminated significantly (p<0.05) between patients with mild, moderate, and severe disease. Nine out of the twelve scales discriminated significantly (p<0.05) between nourished (BMI> or =19) and malnourished (BMI<19) patients. Significant differences between participants and non-responders were found for age, sex and FEV(1) (higher age, more males and lower FEV(1) among non-responders). All of the scales met standards for floor effects (<15% of the responders with the lowest score) but five of the scales failed to meet standards for ceiling effects (>15% of the responders with the highest score).

CONCLUSION

The Danish CFQ-R14+ is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the health-related quality of life in Danish adolescents and adults with CF, though with the exception from a few of its subscales.

Validation of the Italian version of the Cystic Fibrosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (CFQoL), a disease specific measure for adults and adolescents with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Disease specific, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measurement is important in cystic fibrosis (CF). This work aimed to translate the original English Cystic Fibrosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (CFQoL) into Italian, evaluate the linguistic translation and to psychometrically evaluate the Italian version of the CFQoL.

METHODS

The linguistic translation followed the international guidelines of forward and backward translation. Psychometric evaluation of the Italian CFQoL involved the assessment of construct validity, internal reliability, concurrent validity, known groups validity and test-retest reliability.

RESULTS

The instrument was acceptable to adolescents and adults with CF and demonstrated robust psychometric properties. Principle components analysis indicated that the factorial structure was essentially similar to the original, and the internal reliability of each domain was good (Cronbach alpha coefficients 0.73 to 0.91). Appropriate domains of the CFQoL and SF-36 correlated well indicating good concurrent validity (r=0.68-0.80). Consistent with theoretical expectations some domains were able to discriminate between disease severity groups. Test-retest reliability, assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients, was found to be excellent (ICC 0.83 to 0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

The Italian CFQoL is a valid and reliable measure. Its use in individual patient monitoring and research should complement traditional clinical outcome measures.

Patient-reported outcomes in cystic fibrosis

Over the past 20 years, there has been tremendous progress in the area of patient-reported outcomes (PROs). A PRO instrument is defined as any measure of a patient's health status that is elicited directly from the patient and assesses how the patient "feels or functions with respect to his or her health condition." The advances seen in clinical research regarding PROs has been mirrored in research in cystic fibrosis (CF). A large number of instruments have been used for both therapeutic and nontherapeutic clinical research for many chronic conditions. This review will summarize a history of the development of PROs and how PROs are viewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. We will then review the current state of the art of patient-reported outcomes in CF, specifically addressing the evaluation of different PRO instruments in terms of their reliability and validity. Finally, we will delineate further areas for development of PROs in CF. We believe that the future of CF research will incorporate a more diverse selection of PRO outcome measures; these outcome measures ultimately may be incorporated into clinical care to standardize symptom assessment and provide information regarding the need for specific clinical interventions to improve the quality of care delivered to these patients.

[Validity and reliability of the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire in adults with cystic fibrosis]

OBJECTIVE

To study self-perceived quality of life in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF), and to assess the validity of the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) for use in these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied 37 adults with CF who were in stable condition as indicated by their respiratory and nutritional status. Disease severity was assessed by spirometry in conjunction with a modified National Institutes of Health (NIH) scoring system and the Bhalla scale. Nutritional status was evaluated by measuring height and weight, calculating body mass index, analyzing bioelectric impedance, and performing various laboratory tests. The patients' quality of life was assessed using the SGRQ.

RESULTS

SGRQ scores were higher (indicating poorer quality of life) among patients with CF than in the general population or among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Internal consistency coefficients indicated the SGRQ had good reliability (Cronbach alpha 0.864). Women with CF tended to score higher than men, although this difference was not statistically significantly. A statistically significant relationship was observed between SGRQ score and severity of pulmonary impairment (the more severe the impairment, the worse the patient's quality of life). Statistically significant positive relationships were found between SGRQ domains and age, body mass index, and body fat percentage. Significant negative relationships were found between these domains and the modified NIH score, the Bhalla score, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (expressed as a percentage of predicted), and somatomedin C and zinc levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-perceived quality of life is worse among adults with CF than in the general population or among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The SGRQ is a valid instrument for analyzing health-related quality of life in adults with CF as it discriminates very well between different degrees of severity of pulmonary impairment and also have an appropriate intern consistency.

Quality of life in paediatric gastrointestinal and liver disease: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To identify and appraise all studies relating to and instruments developed to measure quality of life (QOL) in children with gastrointestinal or liver diseases.

METHODS

A literature search was undertaken using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO to identify relevant articles published up to the end of 2005. These were reviewed by both authors and data were extracted using a standardised form. Articles were excluded if no attempt was made to measure QOL, they did not relate to children ages <17 years, they did not relate to gastrointestinal or liver diseases, or they were review articles. Quality of life instruments identified were rated according to proposed criteria.

RESULTS

From a total of 2379 articles identified in the initial search, a total of 2309 were excluded, leaving 70 included studies. These were assigned to the following categories: inflammatory bowel disease, n = 17; cystic fibrosis, n = 20; liver disease, n = 11; surgery, n = 15; and miscellaneous, n = 7. These studies describe the impact that these diseases have on the QOL of affected children. A total of 11 disease-specific QOL instruments and 1 generic instrument with a chronic disease module were identified, but only 5 of these fulfilled the proposed quality criteria and can be recommended for future use.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic gastrointestinal and liver diseases can have an enormous effect on the QOL of affected individuals and their families. A number of disease-specific paediatric QOL instruments have been developed and validated. Quality of life is an important outcome that should be incorporated into clinical practice and measured when treatments are evaluated. Future research should explore how QOL can best be improved in children in whom it is severely impaired.

Clinical trials in cystic fibrosis

In patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), clinical trials are of paramount importance. Here, the current status of drug development in CF is discussed and future directions highlighted. Methods for pre-clinical testing of drugs with potential activity in CF patients including relevant animal models are described. Study design options for phase II and phase III studies involving CF patients are provided, including required patient numbers, safety issues and surrogate end point parameters for drugs, tested for different disease manifestations. Finally, regulatory issues for licensing new therapies for CF patients are discussed, including new directives of the European Union and the structure of a European clinical trial network for clinical studies involving CF patients is proposed.

Development and validation of The Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire in the United States: a health-related quality-of-life measure for cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

The Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire (CFQ) is a disease-specific instrument that measures health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) > or = 14 years, consisting of 44 items on 12 generic and disease-specific scales. Versions of the CFQ are also available for children with CF and their parents. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the CFQ in a national study at 18 CF centers in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

The CFQ-teen/adult was administered to 212 patients with CF ranging in age from 14 to 53 years. Test-retest reliability was assessed in a subset of patients over a 10- to 14-day interval.

RESULTS

Multitrait analysis indicated a majority of items (95%) correlated more highly with their intended scale than a competing scale, supporting the conceptual model. Internal consistency coefficients indicated the CFQ scales had good reliability (Cronbach alpha = 0.67 to 0.94), and test-retest stability was acceptable (rs = 0.45 to 0.90). Validity was demonstrated by examining relationships between the CFQ, age, pulmonary function, and body mass index. As expected, the CFQ was inversely correlated with age, with older adults reporting lower CFQ scores than younger adults, better nutritional status was positively correlated with several weight-related scales, and the measure differentiated between individuals with varying levels of disease severity. Strong associations were also found between the CFQ and similar scales on the Short Form-36 Health Questionnaire, a well-known generic HRQOL measure.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrated that the CFQ-teen/adult is a reliable and valid measure of HRQOL for individuals with CF. It may be utilized in clinical trials to assess the effects of new therapies, to document the progression of disease, and to inform clinical practice.