Open AccessValidation of a visual analogue score ( LRTI‐VAS ) in non‐ CF bronchiectasis
Author(s) -
Altenburg Josje,
Wortel Kim,
Graaff Casper S.,
Werf Tjip S.,
Boersma Wim G.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the clinical respiratory journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.789
H-Index - 33
eISSN - 1752-699X
pISSN - 1752-6981
DOI - 10.1111/crj.12198
Subject(s) - medicine , bronchiectasis , visual analogue scale , quality of life (healthcare) , physical therapy , lung , nursing
Background and Aim Quality of life in patients with non‐cystic fibrosis (non‐ CF ) bronchiectasis is largely defined by respiratory symptoms. To date, no disease‐specific tool for symptom measurement in this patient group was available. We developed the lower respiratory tract infections – visual analogue scale ( LRTI‐VAS ) in order to quickly and conveniently quantify symptoms in non‐ CF bronchiectasis. This study aimed to validate LRTI‐VAS for use in non‐ CF bronchiectasis. Methods This study included outpatients with radiologically proven bronchiectasis and no evidence of CF . Results of LRTI‐VAS were compared with other markers of disease activity {lung function parameters, oxygen saturation and three health‐related quality of life questionnaires [ M edical O utcomes S tudy S hort‐ F orm 36 H ealth S urvey ( SF ‐36), S t G eorges R espiratory Q uestionnaire ( SGRQ ) and L eicester C ough Q uestionnaire ( LCQ )]} and validity, reliability and responsiveness were assessed. Results Thirty stable and 30 exacerbating participants completed the LRTI‐VAS questionnaire. When testing for repeatability on two separate occasions, no statistically significant difference between total scores was found {1.4 [standard deviation ( SD )] 5.3}, P = 0.16). Internal consistency was high across items ( C ronbach's alpha 0.86). Correlation with SGRQ , SF ‐36 and LCQ total scores was high. Following antibiotic treatment, mean ( SD ) LRTI‐VAS total score improved from 18.1 ( SD 9.9) to 26.1 ( SD 6.6) ( P < 0.001). Conclusions LRTI‐VAS showed excellent validity, reliability and responsiveness to change and therefore appears a reliable tool for symptom measurement in non‐ CF bronchiectasis.