Avaliação da qualidade de vida de pacientes com fibrose cística por meio do Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire

Evaluation of the health-related quality of life in Turkish cystic fibrosis patients

BACKGROUND

Prolongation of life expectancy in cystic fibrosis (CF) to the fourth decade makes health-related quality of life (HRQOL) an important issue in this population. This study aims to evaluate the effects of clinical and socio-demographic characteristics of patients on different aspects of HRQOL in a pediatric CF population. We also intend to assess some measures of reliability and validity of the Turkish CF Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R) forms.

METHODS

Fifty-four CF patients and 46 parents / caregivers filled the appropriate CFQ-R forms. Disease severity was evaluated via modified Shwachman-Kulczycki (SK) scores, and additional clinical information was obtained from patient records.

RESULTS

Forty-three percent (n = 23) of patients were female, the mean age of patients being 13.3 ± 3.96 years. Self- and proxy-reported points showed a strong correlation (Spearman's rho > 0.6) on more observable domains of HRQOL (e.g. physical functioning). No significant difference was found between sexes on any HRQOL domain. When compared between age groups, treatment burden appeared to worsen with age, while social functioning improved. All three forms of the CFQ-R Turkish version showed acceptable internal consistency reliability and convergence with disease severity measures.

CONCLUSIONS

The CFQ-R showed a fair correlation with the Shwachman-Kulczycki score and the FEV1% value, which makes its longitudinal use possible in clinical practice. It is important to use self-reported evaluations as well as parent / caregiver-reported HRQOL evaluations, especially in young children. More studies are needed to assess the psychometric properties of Turkish CFQ-R forms.

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.

Força muscular respiratória e qualidade de vida em crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística

RESUMO A fibrose cística (FC) é uma doença genética multissistêmica caracterizada por obstrução crônica que, associada a outras alterações pulmonares, pode comprometer a força muscular respiratória (FMR) e, em consequência, interferir no desempenho de atividades típicas da infância, alterando a qualidade de vida (QV) dessa população. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a relação entre FMR e QV de crianças e adolesceantes com FC. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, que incluiu pacientes com idades entre 6 e 14 anos, provenientes de um centro de referência no Brasil. Realizou-se avaliação antropométrica e da FMR, esta utilizando as pressões inspiratória (PImáx) e expiratória máximas (PEmáx) por meio da manovacuômetria digital (Globalmed® MVD300). Aplicou-se o Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire (QFC), questionário específico para a avaliar a QV nessa doença, nas versões para crianças (QFC-C) e para os pais ou responsáveis (QFC-R). A gravidade da doença foi classificada segundo o escore de Schwachman Doeurshuk (ESD). Dados sobre a colonização de bactérias e o genótipo da doença foram consultados por meio da análise dos prontuários. Analisou-se os dados por meio do software SPSS version 20.0 for Windows. Após o teste Shapiro-Wilk, aplicou-se o teste de correlação de Pearson ou Spearman. Em toda a análise foi adotado nível de significância de 5%. Participaram do estudo 28 crianças (15 meninos) com média de idade de 10,10±1,79 anos, as quais apresentaram FMR próxima ao predito e pontuações do QFC indicando boa QV. O ESD relacionou-se negativamente com domínio digestivo (p=0,03; rho=-0,400). A PEmáx apresentou correlação negativa com domínio corpo do QFC-R (p=0,002; rho=-0,426) e com domínio tratamento do QFC-C (p=0,01; rho=-0,453). A PImáx apresentou correlação positiva com os domínios físico (p=0,03; rho=0,410), emocional (p=≤0,001; rho=0,573) e tratamento (p=≤0,01; rho=-0,605) do QFC-C. A PImáx também mostrou correlação positiva com o domínio respiratório (p=0,01; rho=0,572) do QFC-R. Em conclusão, identificou-se associação entre domínios da QV e FMR, bem como com o ESD e aspectos nutricionais. Essa amostra apresentou valores de FMR acima do esperado e boa QV.

A systematic review of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

To determine patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) which may be suitable for incorporation into the Australian Cystic Fibrosis Data Registry (ACFDR) by identifying PROMs administered in adult and paediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) populations in the last decade.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library databases for studies published between January 2009 and February 2019 describing the use of PROMs to measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult and paediatric patients with CF. Validation studies, observational studies and qualitative studies were included. The search was conducted on 13 February 2019. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments Risk of Bias Checklist was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven different PROMs were identified. The most commonly used PROMs were designed specifically for CF. Equal numbers of studies were conducted on adult (32%, n=31), paediatric (35%, n=34) and both (27%, n=26) populations. No PROMs were used within a clinical registry setting previously. The two most widely used PROMs, the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R) and the Cystic Fibrosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (CFQoL), demonstrated good psychometric properties and acceptability in English-speaking populations.

DISCUSSION

We found that although PROMs are widely used in CF, there is a lack of reporting on the efficacy of methods and timepoints of administration. We identified the CFQ-R and CFQoL as the most suitable for incorporation in the ACFDR as they captured significant effects of CF on HRQoL and were reliable and valid in CF populations. These PROMs will be used in a further qualitative study assessing patients' with CF and clinicians' perspectives toward the acceptability and feasibility of incorporating a PROM in the ACFDR.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019126931.

Pediatric Glittre ADL-test in cystic fibrosis: Physiological parameters and respiratory mechanics

Background: To evaluate the functional capacity in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) through the pediatric Glittre ADL-test (TGlittre-P) and its implications for respiratory mechanics, physiological parameters and clinical markers. Methods: Impulse oscillometry system (IOS) parameters, vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure), perception of dyspnea and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were assessed before and immediately after the TGlittre-P. Test performance was correlated with age, quality of life, disease severity, nutrition, spirometry and IOS parameters. Results: Twenty-six patients were included thirteen boys, mean age of 9.54 ± 1.94 and FEV₁ of 71.45%±22.67%. The mean time to complete the test was 2.94 min, similar to that predicted for healthy children. There was a correlation of time with age, as well as with some IOS parameters. Disease severity, spirometric parameters, nutritional aspects and quality of life (QoL) were correlated with performance in the TGlittre-P. Immediate increase of vital signs and decline in SpO₂ were observed after the test, without an impact on IOS parameters. Conclusion: Patients with CF showed similar performance and changes of vital signs at the TGlittre-P compared to reference values for healthy children. There were no immediate changes in parameters for the assessed respiratory mechanics. Also, there was no correlation of time to complete the TGLittre-P test with respiratory mechanics, physiological parameters and clinical markers.

Chemically modified hCFTR mRNAs recuperate lung function in a mouse model of cystic fibrosis

Gene therapy has always been a promising therapeutic approach for Cystic Fibrosis (CF). However, numerous trials using DNA or viral vectors encoding the correct protein resulted in a general low efficacy. In the last years, chemically modified messenger RNA (cmRNA) has been proven to be a highly potent, pulmonary drug. Consequently, we first explored the expression, function and immunogenicity of human (h)CFTR encoded by cmRNA^hCFTR in vitro and ex vivo, quantified the expression by flow cytometry, determined its function using a YFP based assay and checked the immune response in human whole blood. Similarly, we examined the function of cmRNA^hCFTR in vivo after intratracheal (i.t.) or intravenous (i.v.) injection of the assembled cmRNA^hCFTR together with Chitosan-coated PLGA (poly-D, L-lactide-co-glycolide 75:25 (Resomer RG 752 H)) nanoparticles (NPs) by FlexiVent. The amount of expression of human hCFTR encoded by cmRNA^hCFTR was quantified by hCFTR ELISA, and cmRNA^hCFTR values were assessed by RT-qPCR. Thereby, we observed a significant improvement of lung function, especially in regards to FEV_0.1, suggesting NP-cmRNA^hCFTR as promising therapeutic option for CF patients independent of their CFTR genotype.

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.

Respiratory therapy: a problem among children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis

Objective

: To evaluate the level of self-reported adherence to physical therapy recommendations in pediatric patients (6-17 years) with cystic fibrosis (CF) and to ascertain whether the different levels of adherence correlate with pulmonary function, clinical aspects, and quality of life.

Methods

: This was a cross-sectional study. The patients and their legal guardians completed a questionnaire regarding adherence to physical therapy recommendations and a CF quality of life questionnaire. We collected demographic, spirometric, and bacteriological data, as well as recording the frequency of hospitalizations and Shwachman-Kulczycki (S-K) clinical scores.

Results

: We included 66 patients in the study. Mean age, FEV₁ (% of predicted), and BMI were 12.2 ± 3.2 years, 90 ± 24%, and 18.3 ± 2.5 kg/m², respectively. The patients were divided into two groups: high-adherence (n = 39) and moderate/poor-adherence (n = 27). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups regarding age, gender, family income, and total S-K clinical scores. There were statistically significant differences between the high-adherence group and the moderate/poor-adherence group, the latter showing lower scores for the "radiological findings" domain of the S-K clinical score (p = 0.030), a greater number of hospitalizations (p = 0.004), and more days of hospitalization in the last year (p = 0.012), as well as lower scores for the quality of life questionnaire domains emotion (p = 0.002), physical (p = 0.019), treatment burden (p < 0.001), health perceptions (p = 0.036), social (p = 0.039), and respiratory (p = 0.048).

Conclusions

: Low self-reported adherence to physical therapy recommendations was associated with worse radiological findings, a greater number of hospitalizations, and decreased quality of life in pediatric CF patients.

Attitudes Toward Discussing Approved and Investigational Treatments for Cystic Fibrosis in Prenatal Genetic Counseling Practice

This project aimed to explore the attitudes of prenatal genetic counselors toward discussion of novel approved and experimental CF treatments in the prenatal setting, and to assess how knowledge of genotype-specific, targeted treatments may influence their current practices. Targeted treatments have the potential to impact the health-related quality of life of individuals affected with CF and therefore, knowledge of the availability of such treatments may influence the decision-making process of parents who receive a fetal diagnosis of CF. Using the 2012 FDA approval and introduction of ivacaftor into CF clinical practice as a case study, a survey was designed to explore the opinions and practices of prenatal genetic counselors with regard to counseling for a prenatal diagnosis of CF, and how those practices might be impacted by the availability of a new genotype-specific treatment. Approximately 800 genetic counselors were sent questionnaires in January of 2013. Respondents were provided information about this treatment and were asked to rate its perceived benefits, along with the likelihood that they would discuss potential benefits and limitations with parents receiving a prenatal diagnosis of CF. One-hundred sixty-nine prenatal genetic counselors (21.1 %) responded to the survey. Results indicated that 80 % of respondents 'never heard of the drug', or they were 'not exactly sure' what it was. After reading the materials provided, counselors felt the new treatment would have 'some' or a 'significant' impact on an affected individual's life. Their opinions varied on what information about this treatment they would choose to discuss with their patients; even if the treatment is currently FDA approved and clinically available for affected individuals with the genotype of the fetus. However, they would 'definitely' refer these patients to a specialist to discuss targeted treatments further. Most prenatal genetic counselors indicated there are certain scenarios in the prenatal setting which warrant a discussion of targeted treatments for CF, at least on some level. Counselor's views on sharing information about new treatment options are shaped by their familiarity with the treatment and their perception of its benefits and limitations, their comfort discussing these subjects, and their interpretation of the genetic counselor's role. Most genetic counselors had never heard of ivacaftor or Kalydeco™ prior to taking the survey. Therefore, counselors need to be better educated about the availability of CFTR mutation-based treatments before they will be able to incorporate discussion of new treatment options into their counseling.

Pulmonary function, functional capacity and quality of life in adults with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

As there are few studies on the impact of respiratory and functional status on the quality of life domains in adults with cystic fibrosis, this study aimed to evaluate the association between respiratory function, functional capacity and quality of life in these subjects.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study, where adults with clinical and laboratorial diagnoses of CF fibrosis underwent pulmonary function tests, the six-minute walk distance test (6MWT) and responded to the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R). Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the findings. The associations were tested by means of Pearson's or Spearman tests, and the significance level was set at 5%.

RESULTS

The 21 patients who completed the study presented with reduced quality of life in all CFQ-R domains, obstructive pulmonary disease and reduced 6MWT distance. The following associations were found between pulmonary function and CFQ-R domains: forced vital capacity - FVC (%) and treatment burden and digestive symptoms (r=-0.433, p<0.05; r=-0.443, p<0.05, respectively), forced expiratory volume in one second - FVC ratio - FEV1/FVC (%) and physical functioning, social and respiratory symptoms (r=0.5, p<0.05; r=0.58, p<0.01; r=0.45, p<0.05, respectively), residual volume (%) and physical functioning (r=0.49, p<0.05), airways' resistance - Raw and physical functioning and emotional functioning (r=-0.44, p<0.05; r=-0,46, p<0.05, respectively), carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (%pred) and physical functioning (r=-0,51; p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Adults with CF have reduced quality of life, which in part is associated with the severity of their lung function.

Self-reported quality of life of young children with conditions from early infancy: a systematic review

CONTEXT

There is little consistency in the use of instruments for measuring self-reported quality of life (QoL) in young children.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review studies of self-reported QoL in children aged <12 years with congenital health conditions, and to examine the agreement between self- and proxy-reports.

DATA SOURCES

Literature databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsychINFO) were systematically searched, reference lists of eligible studies were scanned.

STUDY SELECTION

We included studies published in English between January 1989 and June 2013 which used validated instruments to assess self-reported QoL in children aged <12 years with a distinct congenital health condition identified in early infancy.

DATA EXTRACTION

We extracted data on study design, objective, sample characteristics, QoL assessment instrument, statistical techniques and results.

RESULTS

From 403 full-text articles assessed for eligibility, 50 studies underwent detailed review, and 37 were included in a narrative synthesis. Children's self-reported QoL was assessed by using a variety of generic and/or condition-specific instruments, with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory being the most frequently used (25% [9 studies]). Regardless of the condition or the instrument used, children often reported QoL similar to the reference population, except for lower scores in the physical functioning/health domain. There were differences between younger and older age groups according to QoL domain. The child's perception of QoL differed from that of his or her parents, in particular for subjective domains such as emotional functioning, and these differences were age related. The main limitation of the review resulted from the lack of published studies on self-reported QoL in young children, in particular, lacking both self-reports and proxy reports. Existing studies demonstrated wide variability in the QoL instruments used and approaches to statistical analyses, lack of information about the formation of the study sample (response rate; comparison of responders and nonresponders) and low sample sizes in the age group of interest.

CONCLUSIONS

The reviewed studies demonstrated that, even for younger children, both child and parent perspectives are essential to understanding the impact of a condition on a child's QoL.