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Boateng-Kuffour A, Skrobanski H, Drahos J, Kohli P, Forster K, Acaster S, Pakbaz Z, Li N, Williams K. Appropriateness of the EQ-5D-5L in capturing health-related quality of life in individuals with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia: a mixed methods study. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2024; 22:54. [PMID: 38992661 PMCID: PMC11241824 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-024-02265-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) experience symptoms and functional impacts that reduce their health-related quality of life. However, EQ-5D-derived health utility index scores in TDT often indicate good HRQoL, suggesting the EQ-5D may not adequately capture the impact of TDT. This study explored the disease and treatment burden of TDT and examined the appropriateness of the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system (DS) in measuring HRQoL in TDT. METHODS Adults with TDT in the United Kingdom, United States, and France completed a background questionnaire and EQ-5D-5L DS, followed by 60-minute semi-structured interviews on symptoms and HRQoL impacts of TDT (concept elicitation) and appropriateness of EQ-5D-5L DS (cognitive debrief). Transcribed interviews were analyzed using thematic and content analyses. The relationship between TDT symptoms and impacts were summarized in a conceptual model. EQ-5D-5L DS was mapped to concepts identified in the qualitative data to assess its capture of HRQoL concepts. Participants' EQ-5D-5L DS scores were compared to their qualitative descriptions for each dimension to assess their concordance. RESULTS Thirty participants in the United States (n = 14 [46.7%]), United Kingdom. (n = 12 [40.0%]), and France (n = 4 [13.3%]) completed the study (73.3% female; mean age = 28.4 years [standard deviation (SD) = 5.1]; mean annual red blood cell transfusion [RBCT] frequency = 18.4 [SD = 7.6]). Participants reported TDT symptoms and impacts on HRQoL, all fluctuating across the RBCT cycle. EQ-5D-5L DS did not fully capture 11 of 16 (68.8%) HRQoL concepts reported. Most participants (n = 20/27 [74.1%]) reported that EQ-5D-5L DS did not capture important aspects of living with TDT, and 42.9% (n = 12/28) reported negative/neutral overall impressions of EQ-5D-5L DS. The highest degree of discordance between participants' qualitative data and EQ-5D-5L DS dimension scores was observed with mobility (42.3%) and self-care (34.6%), where the qualitative descriptions relating to these dimensions were worse than their quantitative scores. CONCLUSION Current findings suggest that EQ-5D-5L DS lacks content validity and the derived health utility index score may not fully represent the burden of disease in TDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Boateng-Kuffour
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Boston, MA, USA.
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, 50 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Zahra Pakbaz
- Division of Hematology Oncology, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Nanxin Li
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Boston, MA, USA
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Chinnaiyan S, Sylvia J, Kothandaraman S, Palanisamy B. Quality of life and thalassemia in India: A scoping review. J Family Med Prim Care 2024; 13:1183-1190. [PMID: 38827716 PMCID: PMC11141992 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1787_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a multitude of studies have been conducted to investigate the assessment of quality of life (QoL) among individuals affected by thalassemia. This scoping review aimed to examine the existing knowledge regarding the QoL and its associated factors among individuals with thalassemia in India. Databases, such as PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, were searched. A total of nine articles were included in the review. The included studies mainly investigated children. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) is the most common instrument used most often. Overall, the research findings indicate that individuals who underwent blood transfusion exhibited a lower QoL than those who did not receive blood transfusion. Additionally, it was observed that children diagnosed with thalassemia reported a lower QoL than adults. Nevertheless, the studies exhibited notable methodological deficiencies that constrained the validity and generalizability of the results. Hence, it is imperative to undertake comprehensive QoL research encompassing all regions of India and various thalassemia populations within the country to bridge this evidentiary void.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saravanan Chinnaiyan
- SRM School of Public Health, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu Dist., Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jenifer Sylvia
- SRM School of Public Health, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu Dist., Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sowmiya Kothandaraman
- SRM School of Public Health, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu Dist., Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Bharathi Palanisamy
- SRM School of Public Health, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu Dist., Tamil Nadu, India
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Klonizakis P, Roy N, Papatsouma I, Mainou M, Christodoulou I, Pantelidou D, Kokkota S, Diamantidis M, Kourakli A, Lazaris V, Andriopoulos D, Tsapas A, Klaassen RJ, Vlachaki E. A Cross-Sectional, Multicentric, Disease-Specific, Health-Related Quality of Life Study in Greek Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia Patients. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:524. [PMID: 38470634 PMCID: PMC10931193 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12050524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in thalassemia offers a holistic approach to the disease and facilitates better communication between physicians and patients. This study aimed to evaluate the HRQoL of transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients in Greece. This was a multicentric, cross-sectional study conducted in 2017 involving 283 adult TDT patients. All participants completed a set of two QoL questionnaires, the generic SF-36v2 and the disease-specific TranQol. Demographic and clinical characteristics were used to predefine patient subgroups. Significant factors identified in the univariate analysis were entered into a multivariate analysis to assess their effect on HRQoL. The SF-36 scores of TDT patients were consistently lower compared to the general population in Greece. The mean summary score of TranQol was relatively high (71 ± 14%), exceeding levels observed in national surveys in other countries. Employment emerged as the most significant independent factor associated with better HRQoL, whereas age had the most significant negative effect. This study represents the first comprehensive QoL assessment of a representative sample of the TDT population in Greece. The implementation of TranQol allowed for the quantification of HRQoL in Greece, establishing a baseline for future follow-up, and identifying more vulnerable patient subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippos Klonizakis
- Adults Thalassemia Unit-2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University, Hippokration General Hospital Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.M.); (I.C.); (E.V.)
| | - Noémi Roy
- Department of Haematology, Oxford University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 0AG, UK;
| | - Ioanna Papatsouma
- Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BP, UK;
| | - Maria Mainou
- Adults Thalassemia Unit-2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University, Hippokration General Hospital Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.M.); (I.C.); (E.V.)
| | - Ioanna Christodoulou
- Adults Thalassemia Unit-2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University, Hippokration General Hospital Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.M.); (I.C.); (E.V.)
| | - Despina Pantelidou
- Thalassemia Unit, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.P.); (S.K.)
| | - Smaro Kokkota
- Thalassemia Unit, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.P.); (S.K.)
| | - Michael Diamantidis
- Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease Unit, General Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Alexandra Kourakli
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies Center, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (A.K.); (V.L.)
| | - Vasileios Lazaris
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies Center, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (A.K.); (V.L.)
| | - Dimitrios Andriopoulos
- Haemato-Oncology Department, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK;
| | - Apostolos Tsapas
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University, Hippokration General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Robert J. Klaassen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Ottawa, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada;
| | - Efthymia Vlachaki
- Adults Thalassemia Unit-2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University, Hippokration General Hospital Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.M.); (I.C.); (E.V.)
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Shah R, Badawy SM. Health-related quality of life with standard and curative therapies in thalassemia: A narrative literature review. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024; 1532:50-62. [PMID: 38270933 PMCID: PMC10923063 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15100] [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] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a patient-reported outcome that assesses the impact of a disease or illness on different domains of a patient's life. Different general and disease-specific measures can be used to evaluate HRQOL. This article aimed to summarize the evidence for HRQOL among patients with transfusion-dependent (TDT) and non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). We included HRQOL data related to standard therapy with blood transfusions, iron chelation, and/or luspatercept in TDT and NTDT, as well as curative therapies for TDT, including hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and gene therapy. Patients with thalassemia had worse HRQOL scores compared to the general population, and chronic pain was seen to increase in frequency and severity over time with age. NTDT patients reported worse physical health and functioning, mental health, general health, and vitality than TDT patients. However, TDT patients reported worse pain, change in health, and social support than NTDT. Most therapies improved overall HRQOL among thalassemia patients. Deferasirox, an oral iron chelator, was associated with more HRQOL benefits compared to deferoxamine, an intravenous iron chelator. Luspatercept showed clinically meaningful improvement in physical functioning among TDT and NTDT. Furthermore, HSCT and gene therapy were associated with better physical, emotional, and mental domains scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Shah
- Department of Medical Education, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sherif M. Badawy
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplant, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Surapolchai P, Songdej D, Hantaweepant C, Tantiworawit A, Charoenkwan P, Lauhasurayotin S, Torcharus K, Sripornsawan P, Sutcharitchan P, Konwilaisak P, Saengboon S, Pongtanakul B, Teawtrakul N. Thalassemia-related complications in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia: A multicenter study in Thailand. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30599. [PMID: 37488065 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Management of transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) can be challenging due to numerous potential disease-related complications and comorbidities in particular age groups. The objective of this study was to report thalassemia-related complications and risk factors in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with TDT. METHODS A multicenter web-based registry was conducted in patients with TDT aged 25 years and younger from eight university hospitals covering all parts of Thailand. Factors significantly associated with each complication were analyzed by logistic regression methods. RESULTS Of 605 patients, 267 thalassemia-related complications were reported from 231 pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with TDT patients (38.2%). The most common complications were infections, followed by cholelithiasis and growth failure. Splenectomy and elevated pre-transfusion hemoglobin were statistically significant risk factors for infections (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-4.5, p-value = .01 and AOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2-1.7, p-value < .005, respectively). There were two statistically significant risk factors conferred endocrinopathies, including older age (AOR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.1, p-value = .01) and being male (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.4-4.0, p-value = .002). CONCLUSION Nearly 40% of the patients in this cohort had thalassemia-related complications. Periodic surveillance and optimal care for respective complications may minimize comorbidities in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with TDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pacharapan Surapolchai
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Duantida Songdej
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chattree Hantaweepant
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Adisak Tantiworawit
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Thalassemia and Hematology Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Pimlak Charoenkwan
- Thalassemia and Hematology Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Supanun Lauhasurayotin
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kitti Torcharus
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pornpun Sripornsawan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkla, Thailand
| | - Pranee Sutcharitchan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Patcharee Konwilaisak
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Supawee Saengboon
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Bunchoo Pongtanakul
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nattiya Teawtrakul
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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Zhang R, Zhang S, Ming J, Xie J, Liu B, Chen C, Sun X, Zhen X. Predictors of health state utility values using SF-6D for Chinese adult patients with β-thalassemia major. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1072866. [PMID: 36743186 PMCID: PMC9892772 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1072866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with β-thalassemia major (β-TM), predominantly adult patients, are associated with physical, mental, and social problems, that result in decreased quality of life (QoL). However, there is a paucity of data on QoL and health status utility (HSU) among adult patients with β-TM in mainland China. Our study aimed to evaluate the QoL by short form 36 questionnaire (SF-36) of adult patients with β-TM in mainland China and to estimate their HSU by SF-6D. In addition, we aimed to identify predictors of HSU. Methods In this cross-sectional descriptive study, a total of 75 adult patients with β-TM were included by the snowball sampling method that applied involving seven provinces with a relatively high prevalence of thalassemia across mainland China between September 1, 2021 and January 31, 2022. The collected information included social-demographic characteristics, health conditions, treatment, social support (social support rating scale), caregiver burden (Zarit burden interview), and QoL (SF-36). HSU scores were calculated for each adult patient from their SF-36 responses using the SF-6D algorithm with Hong Kong's tariff. The frequency of participants' responses to the SF-6D for each item of the options was described. Mean HSU scores between different subgroups were calculated. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression modeling was performed to identify factors associated with HSU. Results A total of 75 adult patients with β-TM were included in this study. The mean SF-36 score was 50.2 ± 10.70, of which physical and mental scores were 47.57 ± 11.28 and 52.85 ± 14.21, respectively. In addition, the mean SF-6D utility score was estimated to be 0.598 ± 0.112, ranging from 0.391 to 0.962. Univariate analyses showed that interruption of iron chelation treatment significantly affected HSU values (P = 0.038); diagnosis with comorbidity very slightly affected HSU values (P = 0.0996). In the multivariate analysis, diagnosis with comorbidity (P = 0.042) was significantly negatively associated with HSU values; the minimum pre-transfusion hemoglobin concentration (P = 0.047) and social support (P = 0.068) were positively associated with HSU values. Conclusion This study presents poor QoL and HSU outcomes in Chinese adult patients with β-TM. The study also highlights the importance of social support and treatment compliance, which can increase hemoglobin content and reduce comorbidities, further to ensure the QoL of patients. These findings can be used for future clinical and economic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runqi Zhang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Ming
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Xie
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Baoguo Liu
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Cuiqian Chen
- Beijing New Sunshine Charity Foundation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojie Sun
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,*Correspondence: Xiaojie Sun ✉
| | - Xuemei Zhen
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,Xuemei Zhen ✉
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Rodigari F, Brugnera G, Colombatti R. Health-related quality of life in hemoglobinopathies: A systematic review from a global perspective. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:886674. [PMID: 36090573 PMCID: PMC9452907 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.886674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia are inherited blood disorders, which can lead to life-threatening events and chronic organ damage. Recent advances in treatments have increased life expectancy, and hemoglobinopathies have become chronic illnesses with social and emotional impairments. Thus, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessment has a fundamental role in disease management and treatment, and generic and disease-specific questionnaires are reliable and validated measures to estimate disease burden. The heterogeneous distribution of treatment opportunities worldwide influences physical, social, and emotional disease perception. OBJECTIVES To review publications concerning HRQOL for SCD and thalassemia in different areas of the world in order to gather a global perspective of questionnaires used and outcomes evaluated. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Medline databases were searched on 29 September 2021. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) studies of HRQOL assessment in SCD and thalassemia patients by using the PROMIS, the SF-36, the SCSES, the PedsQL-SCD, the PedsQOL generic core scale, the ASCQ-Me, and the TranQoL; and (2) every article type, including non-English studies. We excluded studies that were not limited to SCD or thalassemia and studies that were not specific to hemoglobinopathies, and not consistent with the topic of HRQOL assessment. We did not include the gray literature. A total of 102 out of 124 articles from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were eligible for inclusion (66 SCD articles and 36 thalassemia articles). The quality of studies was assessed through Critical Appraisal tools for use in JBI Systematic Reviews. Data extraction was conducted using a standardized data collection form (authors, year and country of publication, study design, age and number of patients, HRQOL questionnaires, questionnaire language, and clinical outcomes). RESULTS The evaluation of HRQOL was conducted on all continents, but differences in the worldwide frequency of HRQOL assessment were observed. HRQOL of SCD patients was less investigated in Europe. HRQOL of thalassemia patients was less investigated in South-East Asia and Africa. Generic HRQOL questionnaires (PROMIS, SF-36, and PedsQL) were frequently adopted, while disease-specific ones (ASCQ-Me, SCSES for SCD, and TranQoL for thalassemia) were less used. Translation into local languages has been often performed. CONCLUSION Health-related quality of life is a complex outcome that has been increasingly incorporated in clinical research and clinical practice worldwide, although with regional differences. Disease-specific outcomes (pain for SCD and transfusion burden for thalassemia) and healthcare system characteristics, particularly in low-income countries, have an impact on HRQOL and should be considered in healthcare plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Rodigari
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Giorgia Brugnera
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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