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Elsman EBM, Mokkink LB, Abma IL, Aiyegbusi OL, Chiarotto A, Haywood KL, Matvienko-Sikar K, Oosterveer DM, Pool JJM, Swinkels-Meewisse IEJ, Offringa M, Terwee CB. Methodological quality of 100 recent systematic reviews of health-related outcome measurement instruments: an overview of reviews. Qual Life Res 2024:10.1007/s11136-024-03706-z. [PMID: 38961010 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-024-03706-z] [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: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Systematic reviews evaluating and comparing the measurement properties of outcome measurement instruments (OMIs) play an important role in OMI selection. Earlier overviews of review quality (2007, 2014) evidenced substantial concerns with regards to alignment to scientific standards. This overview aimed to investigate whether the quality of recent systematic reviews of OMIs lives up to the current scientific standards. METHODS One hundred systematic reviews of OMIs published from June 1, 2021 onwards were randomly selected through a systematic literature search performed on March 17, 2022 in MEDLINE and EMBASE. The quality of systematic reviews was appraised by two independent reviewers. An updated data extraction form was informed by the earlier studies, and results were compared to these earlier studies' findings. RESULTS A quarter of the reviews had an unclear research question or aim, and in 22% of the reviews the search strategy did not match the aim. Half of the reviews had an incomprehensive search strategy, because relevant search terms were not included. In 63% of the reviews (compared to 41% in 2014 and 30% in 2007) a risk of bias assessment was conducted. In 73% of the reviews (some) measurement properties were evaluated (58% in 2014 and 55% in 2007). In 60% of the reviews the data were (partly) synthesized (42% in 2014 and 7% in 2007); evaluation of measurement properties and data syntheses was not conducted separately for subscales in the majority. Certainty assessments of the quality of the total body of evidence were conducted in only 33% of reviews (not assessed in 2014 and 2007). The majority (58%) did not make any recommendations on which OMI (not) to use. CONCLUSION Despite clear improvements in risk of bias assessments, measurement property evaluation and data synthesis, specifying the research question, conducting the search strategy and performing a certainty assessment remain poor. To ensure that systematic reviews of OMIs meet current scientific standards, more consistent conduct and reporting of systematic reviews of OMIs is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen B M Elsman
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1089a, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lidwine B Mokkink
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1089a, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Inger L Abma
- IQ Health, Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Olalekan Lee Aiyegbusi
- Centre for Patient Reported Outcomes Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alessandro Chiarotto
- Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kirstie L Haywood
- Warwick Applied Health, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | | | - Jan J M Pool
- University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Martin Offringa
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Caroline B Terwee
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1089a, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Pisaltu S, Ruotolo I, Sellitto G, Berardi A, Simeon R, Fabbrini G, Galeoto G. Validity and reliability of the Italian version of the short Parkinson's evaluation scale (SPES/SCOPA). Heliyon 2024; 10:e32877. [PMID: 39021984 PMCID: PMC11253227 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In the medical and rehabilitative field, it is essential to employ tools such as evaluation scales and performance tests to assess the impact of Parkinson's disease on QoL of affected individuals. The Short Parkinson's Evaluation Scale (SPES) is a reliable and valid tool, applicable both in research and clinical practices, useful in assessing motor damage, activities of daily living, and motor complications in patients with Parkinson's disease. The aim of the study is to investigate validity and reliability of the Italian version of the SPES-SCOPA scale. Methods Translation and cultural adaptation were performed. Included patients had diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, no concurrent pathologies, MiniMental test score above 2 and signed informed consent; they were recruited at the Department of Human Neurosciences in Sapienza University of Rome, from February 2023 to November 2023. Test-retest reliability was evaluated through Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's Alpha and construct validity using Pearson's correlation between SPES-SCOPA and the gold standard PDQ-39. Results 101 patients were recruited. Inter-rater evaluation was conducted on 62 patients, while 39 underwent an intra-rater assessment. The analysis showed statistically significant data with a Cronbach's Alpha value of 0.89 for the entire scale; test-retest reliability results are statistically significant for all subscales. Correlation between PDQ-39 domains and SPES/SCOPA subscales were statistically significant for most measurements. Conclusion This research shows that the Italian version of SPES-SCOPA scale has excellent psychometric properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - I. Ruotolo
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Human Neuroscience, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Sellitto
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Human Neuroscience, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - A. Berardi
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Human Neuroscience, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - R. Simeon
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Human Neuroscience, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Fabbrini
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Human Neuroscience, 00185, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, 86077, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - G. Galeoto
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Human Neuroscience, 00185, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, 86077, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
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Ruotolo I, Sellitto G, Berardi A, Simeon R, Panuccio F, Amadio E, Ugolini A, Fabbrini G, Galeoto G. Psychometric properties of the Parkinson's disease Questionnaire-39 and its short form Parkinson's disease Questionnaire-8: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Neurosci 2024; 123:100-117. [PMID: 38564966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2024.03.032] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) affects Quality of Life (QoL), since it is responsible for cognitive impairment, non-motor, and motor symptoms. Outcome measures are fundamental for evaluating treatment's effect on QoL over time. This systematic review aimed to identify the psychometric properties of PDQ-39 and PDQ-8 in the different populations in which they were validated. The electronic databases systematically searched are MEDLINE (via PubMed), CINAHL, SCOPUS, and Web of Science; the research was conducted in July 2023. The psychometric properties considered were those of the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. Risk of bias was assessed using the COSMIN checklist. The search identified 1306 articles. 398 duplicates were eliminated; 908 articles were analyzed reading title and abstract; 799 were finally excluded because used PDQ-39 and PDQ-8 as outcome measures or were not dealing with psychometric properties; 66 articles were excluded after reading the full text. 43 articles were included in the review; meta-analysis showed all the Cronbach's alpha values were statistically significant for all the subscales of PDQ-39 and PDQ-8. PDQ-39 demonstrated to be a specific HRQoL questionnaire that is correlated with generic HRQoL questionnaires, in fact in many studies included in the review, correlations with SF-36 were found. In the last studies about psychometric properties of PDQ-8 emerged that it is a practical and informative instrument that can be easily used in clinical settings, especially in busy ones, but also in large-scale studies in which a brief instrument would be preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Ruotolo
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Sellitto
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Berardi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Giovanni Fabbrini
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Giovanni Galeoto
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli, IS, Italy
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Sellitto G, Ruotolo I, Ianniello A, Felicetti F, D'Ambrosi G, Berardi A, Galeoto G, Conte A, Pozzilli C. Clinical variables influencing the perception of fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional study using FSIQ-RMS. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:138. [PMID: 38664640 PMCID: PMC11044535 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03643-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms in people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Several factors might influence the development of fatigue, such as gender, education, body mass index (BMI), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), disease duration, working status (Ws), physiotherapy (Ph), and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Fatigue Symptoms and Impacts Questionnaire-Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (FSIQ-RMS) is a patient-reported outcome (PRO) that allows one to define the impact of fatigue in PwMS clearly. This study aimed to assess fatigue impact on PwMS by using FSIQ-RMS. METHODS The participants were enrolled from May to July 2021 in MS Centers of Sant'Andrea Hospital and Policlinico Umberto I Hospital in Rome. Fatigue was evaluated using the FSIQ-RMS, validated, and culturally adapted in Italian. Clinical and demographic data were collected at the same time. RESULTS We enrolled 178 PwMS [Female 74.16%; RMS 82.58%, SPMS 17.52%]. FSIQ-RMS scores were significantly correlated with EDSS (p-value < 0.01). Analysis of variance between means showed a statistically significant difference between the BMI groups at the 24hours_FSIQ-RMS score and the 7days_FSIQ-RMS score (p < 0.01), with the lower BMI group having the highest scores. Furthermore, perceived fatigue significantly improved both in subjects performing Ph (p < 0.05) and in those who actively work (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The use of FSIQ-RMS in a real-world setting confirmed that underweight and high levels of disability are closely related to fatigue. In addition, Ph and active Ws are strongly correlated with fatigue in PwMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sellitto
- MS Center, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Ruotolo
- MS Center, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Anna Berardi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Galeoto
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Conte
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Pozzilli
- MS Center, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Giannopapas V, Kitsos DK, Panopoulou A, Mitsi Z, Stavrogianni K, Chasiotis AK, Gkika MK, Salakou S, Tsivgoulis G, Bakalidou D, Giannopoulos S. Interactions between fatigue and urinary quality of life in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. J Clin Neurosci 2024; 120:87-91. [PMID: 38237491 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2024.01.008] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurogenic bladder as well as fatigue related symptoms are common in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and have a significant impact on the patients' Quality of Life (QoL). The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between fatigue related symptomatology (FRS) and Urinary Quality of Life (UQoL). METHODS A total of 120 consecutive MS patients were recruited from the Outpatient Clinic of Demyelinating Diseases (Second Dept. of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital Greece). Participants were then asked to complete the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and the Short Form Qualiveen questionnaire. Demographic and bladder function related characteristics (incontinence, urinary frequency, use of intermittent catheterization) were collected. RESULTS The physical and cognitive dimensions of MFIS had a moderate to high correlation with SF Qualiveen (r = 0.403, p <.000), (r = 0.329, p <.000).Multiple linear regression produced a fitted model (R2 = 0.150, F(3,111) = 5.554, p =.001) in IC use (β = 1.086, p =.036) and the physical dimension of MFIS (β = 0.66, p =.046) significantly predicted the SF Qualiveen score. CONCLUSION UQoL had a moderate correlation with both physical and cognitive dimensions of fatigue. Patients with MS who experience lower levels of physical fatigue and/or manage their neurogenic bladder symptomatology (mainly with the use of intermittent catheterization) appear to have higher levels of UQoL. Due to the versatile and subjective nature of both fatigue related and neurogenic bladder symptoms, more focused studies utilizing objective evaluation tools (e.g urodynamic urine bladder study) are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Giannopapas
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Physical Therapy, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Neuromuscular and Cardiovascular Study of Motion, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece.
| | - Dimitrios K Kitsos
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Zarifoula Mitsi
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantina Stavrogianni
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athanasios K Chasiotis
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Physical Therapy, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Neuromuscular and Cardiovascular Study of Motion, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Marinela K Gkika
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stavroula Salakou
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Daphne Bakalidou
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Neuromuscular and Cardiovascular Study of Motion, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Giannopoulos
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Close J, Vandercappellen J, King M, Hobart J. Measuring Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: There may be Trouble Ahead. Neurol Ther 2023; 12:1649-1668. [PMID: 37353721 PMCID: PMC10444927 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00501-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Poorly developed patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) risk type-II errors (i.e. false negatives) in clinical trials, resulting in erroneous failure to achieve trial endpoints. Validity is a fundamental requirement of fit-for-purpose PROs, with the main determinant of validity being the PROs items, i.e. content validity. Here, we sought to identify fatigue PRO instruments used in multiple sclerosis (MS) studies and to assess the extent to which their development satisfied current content validity standards. METHODS We searched Embase® and Medline® for MS studies using fatigue-based PROs. Abstracts were screened, PROs identified, and their relevant development papers assessed against seven Consensus Standards for Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) criteria for content development. RESULTS From 3814 abstracts, 18 fatigue PROs met our inclusion criteria. Most PROs did not satisfy at least one COSMIN content validity standard. Frequent omissions during PRO development include: clearly defined constructs; conceptual frameworks; qualitative research in representative samples; and literature reviews. PRO development quality has improved significantly since FDA guidance was published (U = 10.0, p = 0.02). However, scatterplots and correlations between PRO COSMIN scores and citation frequency (rho = - 0.62) and clinical trials usage (rho = + 0.18) implied that PRO quality is unrelated to choice. COSMIN scores implied that the Fatigue Symptoms and Impact Questionnaire-Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (FSIQ-RMS) and Neurological Fatigue Index-Multiple Sclerosis (NFI-MS) had the strongest evidence for adequate content validity. CONCLUSION Most existing fatigue PROs do not meet COSMIN content validity requirements. Although two PROs scored well on aggregate (NFI-MS and FSIQ-RMS), our subsequent evaluation of the item sets that generated their scores implied that both PROs have weaker content validity than COSMIN suggests. This indicates that COSMIN criteria require further development, and raises significant concerns about how we have measured one of the most common and burdensome MS symptoms. A detailed head-to-head psychometric evaluation is needed to determine the impact of different PRO development qualities and the implications of the problems implied by our analyses, on measurement performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Close
- Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | | | | | - Jeremy Hobart
- Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK.
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Bateman GA, Bateman AR, Lechner-Scott J. Dilatation of the bridging cerebral veins in multiple sclerosis correlates with fatigue and suggests an increase in pressure. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 76:104843. [PMID: 37356258 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a significant increase in the parenchymal microvessel blood volume in the earliest forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) which may be due to venular dilatation. Increased cortical venous pressure could account for this finding. Venous pressure is also implicated in the physiology of fatigue. The purpose of this study is to discover if there is dilatation of the veins within the subarachnoid space in multiple sclerosis and to estimate the pressures required to maintain any enlargement found. These findings will be correlated with the fatigue symptoms found in MS. METHODS 103 patients with MS were compared with a control group of 50 patients. Post contrast 3DT1 images were used. The cross-sectional area of the bridging cortical veins and the vein of Galen were measured. RESULTS In MS, the superficial territory cortical veins were 29% larger and the veins of Galen were 25% larger than the controls. CONCLUSION There is evidence of a significant increase in the bridging vein transmural pressure in MS, estimated to be approximately 6.5 mmHg in the superficial cortical veins. MS patients with significant fatigue have larger cortical veins than those who are not significantly fatigued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant A Bateman
- Department of Medical Imaging, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Newcastle University Faculty of Health, Callaghan Campus, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - Alexander R Bateman
- School of Mechanical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeannette Lechner-Scott
- Newcastle University Faculty of Health, Callaghan Campus, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Cüce İ, Altun Y. Validity and reliability characteristics of the Silhouettes Fatigue Scale in measuring multiple sclerosis-related fatigue in Turkish-speaking adults. Acta Neurol Scand 2022; 146:671-679. [PMID: 36121165 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13708] [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: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study is to investigate the reliability and validity as well as the clinical utility of the Silhouettes Fatigue Scale (SFS), a single-item visual scale to assess fatigue, in adult patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS The study included 61 MS patients and 73 matched healthy controls. Demographic data and disease-related variables of all participants were recorded. Then, the SFS, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)-fatigue, Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were applied. SFS, VAS-fatigue, and FSS were repeated after one week. Reliability was evaluated with the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis. Validity was tested by comparison of healthy controls and patients with MS and correlations with other scales. Accuracy and clinical utility were also evaluated. RESULTS SFS scores were 4.49 ± 3.11 (mean ± SD) in MS patients and 1.40 ± 1.44 in healthy controls (p < .001). The ICC for SFS was 0.946. The mean difference between test-retest measurements of SFS was -0.04651 (-95% CI, -0.4815-0.38848), and there was no systemic bias. SFS scores were not correlated with the expanded disability status scale, whereas they were poorly correlated with BDI. Correlations ranging from poor to good were calculated between the SFS and other fatigue-related scales. The optimum cut-off score of the SFS scale was four, with a sensitivity of 0.72 and a specificity of 0.84. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that the SFS is a reliable, responsive, and valid scale with acceptable sensitivity and specificity to assess and quantify clinically significant fatigue in MS patients. These findings as well as the brief and understandable nature of the SFS were encouraging that this scale has good clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- İsa Cüce
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Yaşar Altun
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Adıyaman University, Adıyaman, Turkey
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Marchesi O, Vizzino C, Filippi M, Rocca MA. Current perspectives on the diagnosis and management of fatigue in multiple sclerosis. Expert Rev Neurother 2022; 22:681-693. [PMID: 35881416 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2022.2106854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with a prevalence up to 81% and with a considerable impact on quality of life. However, its subjective nature makes it difficult to define and quantify in clinical practice. Research aimed at a more precise definition and knowledge of this construct is thus continuously growing. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the most relevant updates available on PubMed up to July 1st 2022 regarding: the assessment methods that aim to measure the concept of fatigue (as opposed to fatigability), the possible treatment pathways currently available to clinicians, interconnection with the pathophysiological substrates and with the common comorbidities of MS, such as depression and mood disorders. EXPERT OPINION The in-depth study of fatigue can help to better understand its actual impact on MS patients and can stimulate clinicians towards a more valid approach, through a targeted analysis of this symptom. Considering fatigue from a multidimensional perspective allows the use of patient-tailored methods for its identification and subsequent treatment by different professional figures. Better identification of methods and treatment pathways would reduce the extremely negative impact of fatigue on MS patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Marchesi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmen Vizzino
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Neurorehabilitation Unit and IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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10
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Berardi A, Graziosi G, Ferrazzano G, Casagrande Conti L, Grasso MG, Tramontano M, Conte A, Galeoto G. Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10060985. [PMID: 35742037 PMCID: PMC9222278 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10060985] [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: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and has a major impact on their quality of life. Measurement tools that assess the patient’s condition are commonly used in the neurological field, though diagnostic tools are currently unable to distinguish potential alternative causes of fatigue in individual patients. The Revised Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS-R) is a self-administered assessment scale that is internationally used for fatigue measurement. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Italian version of the PFS-R in patients with MS. Methods: Forty-one individuals were included in this study. Each participant in the study was given a dossier, in paper format, containing the informed consent form, a personal data sheet, the Fatigue Symptoms and Impacts Questionnaire in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (FSIQ-RMS), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the PFS-R. Results: The PFS-R was found to have strong internal consistency, with a value of α equal to 0.977. Correlations between PFS-R, FSS, and FSIQ-RMS scores were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, and all scales showed statistically significant correlations. Conclusion: The PFS-R is a new self-administered tool to assess fatigue in patients with MS. It evaluates fatigue characteristics, difficulty in carrying out daily life activities, and how the individual feels as a result of this symptom. This tool was previously validated for use in cancer patients, which also allows us to make a comparison between different pathologies and rehabilitation treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Berardi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 001859 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Giulia Graziosi
- School of Occupational Therapy, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Gina Ferrazzano
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 001859 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.)
| | - Laura Casagrande Conti
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina, 306, 00179 Rome, Italy; (L.C.C.); (M.G.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Maria Grazia Grasso
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina, 306, 00179 Rome, Italy; (L.C.C.); (M.G.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Marco Tramontano
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Ardeatina, 306, 00179 Rome, Italy; (L.C.C.); (M.G.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Antonella Conte
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 001859 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.)
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Giovanni Galeoto
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 001859 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (A.C.)
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (G.G.)
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Delgado-Álvarez A, Matías-Guiu JA, Delgado-Alonso C, Cuevas C, Palacios-Sarmiento M, Vidorreta-Ballesteros L, Montero-Escribano P, Matías-Guiu J. Validation of two new scales for the assessment of fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: F-2-MS and FACIT-F. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 63:103826. [PMID: 35487033 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms in neurology, especially in MS patients with a prevalence of 65%. It is described as the most disabling symptom by 40% of MS patients. This study aimed to validate the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy fatigue version (FACIT-F) and the F-2-MS scale, a new tool to distinguish between fatigue and fatigability. METHODS One hundred and fifteen patients with relapsing-remitting MS were enrolled. All patients completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, previously validated in MS. Fatigue was evaluated using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Modified version of the Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy measure system (fatigue version) (FCIT-F), and a new tool for the assessment of fatigue and fatigability: the F-2-MS scale. Internal consistency was estimated with Cronbach's Alpha. For intergroup comparisons, Student's t-test and Pearson's chi-squared test were used. Pearson's correlation test was calculated for quantitative variables. Cohen's d was calculated to evaluate the effect size. Binary logistic regression was performed, considering the presence of fatigue as a criterion variable, and the FACIT-F and F-2-MS scores were added as predictor variables. ROC curves were also estimated. We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis for the F-2-MS scale, considering two latent factors. RESULTS FACIT-F and F-2-MS showed high internal consistency. Both scales were highly correlated with MFIS and FSS, and showed a low correlation with Symbol Digit Modalities Test. There were significant differences between fatigued and non-fatigued patients on FACIT-F and F-2-MS scores with large effect sizes. Both scales showed AUC > 0.90 and achieved a correct classification >87%. Confirmatory factor analysis showed moderate evidence of two dimensions on the F-2-MS scale. CONCLUSIONS The FACIT-F and F-2-MS scales showed appropriated psychometric properties to be used as fatigue measures in clinical and research settings, allowing a correct distinction between patients with and without fatigue, and contributing to the understanding of the complexities of fatigue in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Delgado-Álvarez
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, San Carlos Institute for Health Research (IdiSSC). Universidad Complutense, Profesor Martin Lagos St., Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Jordi A Matías-Guiu
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, San Carlos Institute for Health Research (IdiSSC). Universidad Complutense, Profesor Martin Lagos St., Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Cristina Delgado-Alonso
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, San Carlos Institute for Health Research (IdiSSC). Universidad Complutense, Profesor Martin Lagos St., Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Constanza Cuevas
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, San Carlos Institute for Health Research (IdiSSC). Universidad Complutense, Profesor Martin Lagos St., Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Marta Palacios-Sarmiento
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, San Carlos Institute for Health Research (IdiSSC). Universidad Complutense, Profesor Martin Lagos St., Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Lucía Vidorreta-Ballesteros
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, San Carlos Institute for Health Research (IdiSSC). Universidad Complutense, Profesor Martin Lagos St., Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Paloma Montero-Escribano
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, San Carlos Institute for Health Research (IdiSSC). Universidad Complutense, Profesor Martin Lagos St., Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Jorge Matías-Guiu
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, San Carlos Institute for Health Research (IdiSSC). Universidad Complutense, Profesor Martin Lagos St., Madrid 28040, Spain
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12
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Ruotolo I, Sellitto G, Ianniello A, Petsas N, Castelli L, Galeoto G, Berardi A, Barletta V, Conte A, Pozzilli C. Italian translation and validation of fatigue symptoms and impacts questionnaire in relapsing multiple sclerosis (FSIQ-RMS). Neurol Sci 2022; 43:4925-4932. [PMID: 35451663 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06080-1] [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: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatigue is a disabling symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) and impacts on daily life. The Fatigue Symptoms and Impacts Questionnaire-Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (FSIQ-RMS) is a new 20-item tool that investigates the aspects of fatigue in MS. It concerns motor, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects of fatigue. We aim at validating the Italian version of FSIQ-RMS in an Italian population of MS patients and demonstrate its reliability and construct validity. METHODS We included patients with diagnosis of MS, age between 18 and 70 years with ability to participate in a 90-min interview. Each patient completed the Italian version of FSIQ-RMS and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) at the same time. Construct validity was explored by the exploratory factor analysis; reliability was assessed with Cronbach's alpha; and test-retest stability was examined through intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Concurrent validity was calculated using Pearson's correlation. RESULTS We enrolled 171 patients (126 female and 45 male), 83% with relapsing MS (RMS), and 17% with secondary progressive MS (SPMS). Italian FSIQ-RMS showed a Cronbach's alpha of 0.92; ICC was 0.96. Pearson's correlation coefficient between FSIQ-RMS and FSS total score was statistically significant (p < 0.01); FSIQ-RMS inversely correlated also with BMI and positively with EDSS. CONCLUSION The Italian version of FSIQ-RMS has excellent psychometric properties and can be used in research and clinical setting to evaluate physical, cognitive, and social fatigue in both RMS and SPMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Ruotolo
- MS Center, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | | | - Letizia Castelli
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Galeoto
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Berardi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Barletta
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Conte
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Carlo Pozzilli
- MS Center, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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