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Development of a nomogram to estimate the quality of life in asthmatic children using the Childhood Asthma Control Test
Author(s) -
Montalbano Laura,
Cilluffo Giovanna,
Gentile Manuel,
Ferrante Giuliana,
Malizia Velia,
Cibella Fabio,
Viegi Giovanni,
Passalacqua Giovanni,
La Grutta Stefania
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
pediatric allergy and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.269
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1399-3038
pISSN - 0905-6157
DOI - 10.1111/pai.12571
Subject(s) - medicine , asthma , nomogram , spirometry , quality of life (healthcare) , pediatrics , physical therapy , nursing
Background Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire ( PAQLQ ) provides detailed information on QoL in asthmatic children, whereas Childhood Asthma Control Test (C‐ ACT ) Questionnaire is the most validated instrument for asthma control. No study assessed the relationship between C‐ ACT and QoL in children by means of those instruments. The aim of this study was to determine whether a QoL estimation is possible using the C‐ ACT questionnaire in asthmatic children. Methods Medical history, spirometry, C‐ ACT , and PAQLQ were assessed in 144 (60% male) outpatient asthmatic children from September 2011 to November 2014. A generalized linear model ( GLM ) for the prediction of PAQLQ was obtained through a stepwise procedure starting from a full model with all C‐ ACT items, and predictive nomograms were created. Results Fifty‐five (38%) well‐controlled ( WC ) asthma, 37 (26%) partially controlled ( PC ) asthma, and 52 (36%) uncontrolled asthma ( UA ) patients were enrolled. Persistent asthmatics ( PA ) were significantly more uncontrolled (p < 0.0001). A significant reduction in FEV 1 , FEV 1 / FVC , and FEF 25–75 (p = 0.005, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.001, respectively) was found in WC vs. UA . Through a stepwise process, a reduced model showed a positive relationship between the PAQLQ and the four items of C‐ ACT . The regression equations for predicted PAQLQ were ln( PAQLQ ) = 1.17 + 0.05*C‐ ACT 2 + 0.03*C‐ ACT 3 + 0.04*C‐ ACT 6 + 0.03*C‐ ACT 7. Thus, a nomogram was constructed. Conclusion The designed nomogram provides a highly predictive assessment of QoL in individual patients, facilitating a more comprehensive assessment of asthmatic children in usual clinical care.