The effects of COVID-19 on child mental health: Biannual assessments up to April 2022 in a clinical and two general population samples.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had an acute impact on child mental and social health, but long-term effects are still unclear. We examined how child mental health has developed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic up to 2 years into the pandemic (April 2022). Methods: We included children (age 8-18) from two general population samples (N = 222-1333 per measurement and N = 2401-13,362 for pre-covid data) and one clinical sample receiving psychiatric care (N = 334-748). Behavioral questionnaire data were assessed five times from April 2020 till April 2022 and pre-pandemic data were available for both general population samples. We collected parent-reported data on internalizing and externalizing problems with the Brief Problem Monitor and self-reported data on Anxiety, Depressive symptoms, Sleep-related impairments, Anger, Global health, and Peer relations with the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®). Results: In all samples, parents reported overall increased internalizing problems, but no increases in externalizing problems, in their children. Children from the general population self-reported increased mental health problems from before to during the pandemic on all six PROMIS domains, with generally worst scores in April 2021, and scores improving toward April 2022 but not to pre-pandemic norms. Children from the clinical sample reported increased mental health problems throughout the pandemic, with generally worst scores in April 2021 or April 2022 and no improvement. We found evidence of minor age effects and no sex effects. Conclusions: Child mental health in the general population has deteriorated during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, has improved since April 2021, but has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. Children in psychiatric care show worsening of mental health problems during the pandemic, which has not improved since. Changes in child mental health should be monitored comprehensively to inform health care and policy.

Psychometrics of the patient-reported outcomes measurement information system measures in hemophilia: the applicability of the pediatric item banks.

Background: The use of patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) is important in hemophilia care, as it facilitates communication between patients and clinicians and promotes patient-centered care. Currently, a variety of PROMs with insufficient psychometric properties are used. Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) measures, including Computer Adaptive Tests, were designed to measure generically and more efficiently and, therefore, are an alternative for the existing PROMs. Objectives: To assess the feasibility, measurement properties, and outcomes of 8 PROMIS pediatric measures for boys with hemophilia. Methods: In this multicenter study, boys with hemophilia completed 8 PROMIS measures and 2 legacy instruments. Feasibility was determined by the number of completed items and floor or ceiling effects (percentage of participants that achieved the lowest or highest possible score). Reliability was assessed as the percentage of scores with a SE ≤ 4.5. Construct validity was evaluated by comparing the PROMIS measures with the legacy instruments. Mean PROMIS T-scores were calculated and compared with the Dutch general population. Results: In total, 77 boys with hemophilia participated. Reliability was good for almost all PROMIS measures and legacy instruments. The total number of completed items varied from 49 to 90 for the PROMIS pediatric measures, while the legacy instruments contained 117 to 130 items. Floor and ceiling effects were observed in both the PROMIS measures (0-39.5%) and legacy instruments (0-66.7%), but were higher for the legacy instruments. Conclusions: The PROMIS pediatric measures are feasible to use for boys with hemophilia. With the use of the PROMIS measures in clinical care and research, a step toward worldwide standardization of PROM administration can be taken.

Understanding the impact of tuberous sclerosis complex: development and validation of the TSC-PROM.

BACKGROUND: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare and complex genetic disorder, associated with tumor growth in various organ systems, epilepsy, and a range of neuropsychiatric manifestations including intellectual disability. With improving patient-centered care and targeted therapies, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are needed to measure the impact of TSC manifestations on daily functioning. The aim of this study was to develop a TSC-specific PROM for adults that captures the impact of TSC on physical functions, mental functions, activity and participation, and the social support individuals with TSC receive, called the TSC-PROM. METHODS: COSMIN methodology was used to develop a self-reported and proxy-reported version. Development and validation consisted of the following studies: PROM development, content validity, structural validity, internal consistency, and construct validity. The International Classification of Functioning and Disability was used as a framework. Content validity was examined by a multidisciplinary expert group and cognitive interview study. Structural and construct validity, and internal consistency were examined in a large cohort, using confirmatory factor analysis, hypotheses testing, and Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: The study resulted in an 82-item self version and 75-item proxy version of the TSC-PROM with four subscales (physical functions 18 and 19 items, mental functions 37 and 28 items, activities and participation 13 and 14 items, social support 13 items, for self version and proxy version respectively). Sufficient results were found for structural validity with sufficient unidimensionality for each subscale. With regard to construct validity, 82% of the hypotheses were met for the self version and 59% for the proxy version. The PROM showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.78-0.97). CONCLUSIONS: We developed a PROM for adults with TSC, named TSC-PROM, showing sufficient evidence for reliability and validity that can be used in clinical and research settings to systematically gain insight into their experiences. It is the first PROM in TSC that addresses the impact of specific TSC manifestations on functioning, providing a valuable, patient-centered addition to the current clinical outcomes.

Health-related quality of life of children with first onset steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome.

This study assessed HRQoL and emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBD) and associated variables in children with first onset SSNS. While relapsing steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) in children is associated with lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL), little is known about first onset. Four weeks after onset, children (2-16 years) and/or their parents who participated in a randomized placebo-controlled trial, completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to measure HRQoL and EBD, respectively. Total and subscale scores and the proportion of children with impaired HRQoL (> 1 SD below the mean of the reference group) or SDQ clinical scores (< 10th and > 90th percentile) were compared to the Dutch general population (reference group). Regression analyses were used to identify associated variables. Compared to the reference group, children 8-18 years reported significantly lower total HRQoL, and physical and emotional functioning. A large proportion (> 45%) of these children had impaired HRQoL. There were no differences in HRQoL between children 2-7 years and the reference group, except for higher scores on social functioning (5-7 years). Similar proportions of SSNS and reference children scored within the clinical range of SDQ subscales. Age, sex, and steroid side-effects were negatively associated with HRQol and/or EBD.   Conclusion: This study showed that HRQoL and EBD are affected in children of different ages with first onset SSNS. This calls for more awareness from healthcare providers and routinely monitoring of HRQoL and EBD in daily clinical care to prevent worsening of symptoms.   Clinical trial registry: Netherlands Trial Register ( https://trialsearch.who.int/ ; NTR7013), date of registration: 02 June 2018. What is Known: •  Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is lower and emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBD) is more affected in children with frequently-relapsing and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome. What is New: •  HRQoL and EBD are affected in children with first onset steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome compared to a reference group of the Dutch general population. • To what extent HRQoL and EBD are affected depends on the age of the patient.

Late Effects in Pediatric Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Nonmalignant Diseases: Proxy- and Patient-Reported Outcomes.

Survival rates in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for nonmalignant diseases have improved due to advances in conditioning regimens, donor selection, and prophylaxis and treatment of infections and graft-versus-host disease. Insight into the long-term patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after pediatric HSCT for nonmalignant disease is lacking but essential for optimal shared decision making, counseling, and quality of care. The purpose of this research was to determine long-term patient-reported outcomes in allogeneic pediatric HSCT for nonmalignant diseases and to compare these results with Dutch reference data. This single-center cohort study evaluated PROs (PedsQL 4.0, PROMIS item banks), self- or proxy-reported, among patients at ≥2 years after pediatric allogeneic HSCT for nonmalignant disease. Mean scores were compared with those of the Dutch general population. Of 171 eligible patients, 119 participated, for a 70% response rate. The median patient age was 15.8 years (range, 2 to 49 years), and the median duration of follow-up was 8.7 years (range, 2 to 34 years). Indications for HSCT included inborn errors of immunity (n = 41), hemoglobinopathies (n = 37), and bone marrow failure (n = 41). Compared with reference data, significantly lower scores were found in adolescents (age 13 to 17 years) on the Total, Physical Health, and School Functioning PedsQL subscales. Significantly more Sleep Disturbance was reported in children (age 8 to 18 years). On the other hand, significantly better scores were seen on PROMIS Fatigue (age 5 to 7 years) and Pain Interference (age 8 to 18 years) and, in adults (age 19 to 30 years), on Depressive Symptoms and Sleep Disturbance. This study showed better or comparable very long-term PROs in patients after pediatric HSCT for nonmalignant diseases compared with the reference population. Children and adolescents seem to be the most affected, indicating the need for supportive care to prevent impaired quality of life and, more importantly, to amplify their long-term well-being.

Internalizing problems before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in independent samples of Dutch children and adolescents with and without pre-existing mental health problems.

The aim of the study was to assess internalizing problems before and during the pandemic with data from Dutch consortium Child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing in times of the COVID-19 pandemic, consisting of two Dutch general population samples (GS) and two clinical samples (CS) referred to youth/psychiatric care. Measures of internalizing problems were obtained from ongoing data collections pre-pandemic (NGS = 35,357; NCS = 4487) and twice during the pandemic, in Apr-May 2020 (NGS = 3938; clinical: NCS = 1008) and in Nov-Dec 2020 (NGS = 1489; NCS = 1536), in children and adolescents (8-18 years) with parent (Brief Problem Monitor) and/or child reports (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System®). Results show that, in the general population, internalizing problems were higher during the first peak of the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic based on both child and parent reports. Yet, over the course of the pandemic, on both child and parent reports, similar or lower levels of internalizing problems were observed. Children in the clinical population reported more internalizing symptoms over the course of the pandemic while parents did not report differences in internalizing symptoms from pre-pandemic to the first peak of the pandemic nor over the course of the pandemic. Overall, the findings indicate that children and adolescents of both the general and clinical population were affected negatively by the pandemic in terms of their internalizing problems. Attention is therefore warranted to investigate long-term effects and to monitor if internalizing problems return to pre-pandemic levels or if they remain elevated post-pandemic.

Optimizing Computer Adaptive Test Performance: A Hybrid Simulation Study to Customize the Administration Rules of the CAT-EyeQ in Macular Edema Patients.

Purpose: In previous research the EyeQ item bank, which measures vision-related quality of life (Vr-QoL), was calibrated for future use as a computer adaptive test (CAT). The aim of the current study was to define optimal administration rules. Methods: CAT simulations were performed using real responses. Patients (N = 704; mean age, 76.2 years), having macular edema completed the EyeQ. Four CAT simulations were performed, which were set with different administration rules regarding length, accuracy level and the association with best health, which means the test was aborted after the first 4 responses of having no complaints. Results: The CATDefault showed a mean test length of 6.9 and 15.1% unreliable estimations. Extending the test length to 15 items (CATAlt1) resulted in a mean test length of 7.3 and slightly decreased the percentage unreliable estimations (11.5%). Under CATAlt2, the percentage unreliable estimations was 15.1% and the mean test length was 9.7. Percentages of floor/ceiling effects for CATDefault, CATAlt1, and CATAlt2 were 3.1, 3.0, and 3.1, respectively. CATBestHealth reduced the mean test length to 5.9 and showed 18.2% unreliably estimated patients, of which 14.2% had floor/ceiling scores. Conclusions: This study shows that the CATBestHealth provided reliably estimated ability scores, with a negligible increase in the number of unreliably estimated patients and ensures that patients having little or no vision-related quality of life problems are minimally burdened with completing items. Translational Relevance: The computer adaptive test EyeQ, set with optimal administration rules, can now be used for the computer adaptive assessment of vision-related quality of life in patients suffering from exudative retinal diseases in ophthalmic clinical practice.

Psychometric properties and CAT performance of the PROMIS pediatric sleep disturbance, sleep-related impairment, and fatigue item banks in Dutch children and adolescents.

This study's aim is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the pediatric Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) sleep disturbance (SD), sleep-related impairment (SRI), and fatigue item banks in Dutch children and adolescents since they are yet to be validated in this population. Children and adolescents aged 8-18 years old (n = 1,325), representative of the Dutch general population, were invited. The following psychometric properties of both item banks were assessed: structural validity by fitting a graded response model (GRM) for which assumptions were checked and assessing item fit, reliability, and efficiency for the full-length item bank, short forms, and computerized adaptive test (CAT). Mean T scores and cutoff scores for mild, moderate, and severe scores were determined. A total of 527 children (response rate 39.7%) were included. SD did not meet the assumption of unidimensionality. The SRI and fatigue item banks showed sufficient structural validity. Three items showed GRM misfit; SRI item w026c and fatigue items 3224R1r and 4191R1r. Both item banks measured reliable (> .90) at the mean of the population and 2SD in the clinical direction. CATs outperformed short forms in efficiency. Mean T scores for the Dutch population were: SRI 47.5 (SD = 10.0) and fatigue 39.8 (SD = 12.4). Cutoffs included SRI minimal ≥ 34.7, moderate ≥ 55.6, severe ≥ 63.2 and fatigue minimal ≥ 23.9, moderate ≥ 49.9, severe ≥ 61.3. PROMIS pediatric SRI and fatigue item banks, short forms, and CAT showed sufficient structural validity and reliability in the Dutch population. Dutch reference values are provided. More research is needed for the PROMIS SD item bank. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Calibration of the Dutch EyeQ to Measure Vision Related Quality of Life in Patients With Exudative Retinal Diseases.

Purpose: This study aims to develop an item-bank to measure vision-related quality of life (Vr-QoL) and subsequently calibrate this set of items. Methods: Three Vr-QoL instruments were searched for suitable items to be added in the EyeQ. Patients who received antivascular endothelial growth factor treatment for various retinal diseases involving macular edema were included in the study and completed the 47-item EyeQ. Item response theory (IRT) was used to calibrate the EyeQ items, which was performed multiple times in subsets as a novel approach, containing 80% of the data. Differential item functioning (DIF) was evaluated for various variables. Results: Responses of 704 patients were used in analysis. One item violated the local independence IRT-assumption and showed a high percentage of missing values, after which this item was deleted from the item-bank. The data of the five subsets fitted the graded response model adequately, and no DIF was detected for items between subsets, after which mean item parameters were calculated. Item fit statistics were found to be good. DIF was detected for gender, age, and administration mode by the patient (independently vs. with help), this involved three items, which all showed negligible impact on total scores. Conclusions: Because of separate calibrations of the EyeQ in multiple subsets, a high robustness of item parameters is expected. Translational Relevance: The calibrated EyeQ can now be used for the assessment of Vr-QoL in patients suffering from exudative retinal diseases and is promising for use as a computer adaptive test.

Advances in measuring pediatric overall health: the PROMIS® Pediatric Global Health scale (PGH-7).

In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to assess the reliability, validity, and efficiency of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric Global Health scale (PGH-7) to reduce patient burden when assessing overall health in clinical practice. In total, 1082 children (8-18), representative of the Dutch population, completed the PGH-7 and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™ 4.0), a common legacy instrument used in clinical practice to assess overall health. The assumptions for fitting an item response theory model were assessed: unidimensionality, local independence, and monotonicity. Subsequently, a model was fitted to the data to assess item fit and cultural differential item functioning (DIF) between Dutch and US children. A strong correlation (> .70) was expected between the PGH-7 and PedsQL, as both instruments measure physical, mental, and social domains of health. Percentages of participants reliably measured (> 0.90) were assessed using the standard error of measurement (SE(θ) < 0.32). Efficiency was calculated ((1 - SE(θ)2)/nitems) to compare how well both measures performed relative to number of items administered. The PGH-7 met all assumptions and displayed good structural and convergent (r = .69) validity. One item displayed cultural DIF. Both questionnaires measured reliably (%nPGH-7 = 73.8%, %nPedsQL = 76.6%) at the mean and 2SD in clinically relevant direction. PGH-7 items were 2.6 times more efficient in measuring overall health than the PedsQL.   Conclusion: The PGH-7 displays sufficient validity and reliability in the general Dutch pediatric population and measures more efficiently than the PedsQL, the most commonly used legacy instrument. The PGH-7 can be used in research and clinical practice to reduce patient burden when assessing overall health. What is Known: • Generic instruments which validly and reliably assess overall pediatric health are scarce. • Brief instruments are required for implementation of self-report patient-reported outcomes in clinical practice. What is New: • The PROMIS Pediatric Global Health (PGH-7) can be used in research and clinical practice to briefly assess overall pediatric health, while providing valid and reliable measurements. • The PGH-7 provides more efficient assessment of pediatric overall health than the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory.

Mental and Social Health of Children and Adolescents With Pre-existing Mental or Somatic Problems During the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown.

Background: The COVID-19 lockdown increases psychological problems in children and adolescents from the general population. Here we investigate the mental and social health during the COVID-19 lockdown in children and adolescents with pre-existing mental or somatic problems. Methods: We included participants (8-18 years) from a psychiatric (N = 249) and pediatric (N = 90) sample, and compared them to a general population sample (N = 844). Measures were assessed during the first lockdown (April-May 2020) in the Netherlands. Main outcome measures were Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) domains: Global Health, Peer Relationships, Anxiety, Depressive Symptoms, Anger, and Sleep-Related Impairment, as reported by children and youth. Additionally, socio-demographic variables, COVID-19-related questions, changes in atmosphere at home from a parent and child perspective, and children's experiences of lockdown regulations were reported by parents. Results: On all measures except Global Health, the pediatric sample reported least problems. The psychiatric sample reported significantly more problems than the general population sample on all measures except for Anxiety and Peer Relationships. Having a COVID-19 affected friend/relative and a COVID-19 related change in parental work situation negatively moderated outcome, but not in the samples with pre-existing problems. All parents reported significant decreases in atmosphere at home, as did children from the general population. Conclusion: We observed significant differences in mental and social health between three child and adolescent samples during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and identified COVID-19-related factors influencing mental and social health.

Psychometric properties of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) Pediatric Anger Scale in the Dutch general population.

This study aimed to validate the PROMIS® pediatric v2.0 Anger scale in the Dutch general population, provide reference data, and compare reliability and relative efficiency between the full-length scale, its short-form, computerized adaptive test (CAT), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQLTM) emotional functioning (EF) subscale scores. Children (N = 1,328), representative of the Dutch population, were asked to complete the PROMIS pediatric Anger scale (8-18 years) and PedsQLTM (8-17 years). A graded response model (GRM) was fit to the data. Structural validity was assessed by checking item-fit statistics (S-X2, p < .001 = misfit). For construct validity, a moderate correlation (Pearson's r > 0.50) was expected between the Anger scale and PedsQLTM EF subscale score. Dutch mean T score based on the U.S. model was calculated to provide reference data and cut-offs. Standard error of measurement (SE(θ)) was used to assess reliability (SE(θ) < .32 = .90 reliability). Relative efficiency was calculated (1 - SE(θ)2/N items) to compare how good the measures performed relative to the amount of items administered. In total, 527 children completed the PROMIS pediatric Anger scale, of which 482 completed the PedsQLTM. Structural validity was sufficient as no items displayed misfit (S-X2 = 22.9-40.3, p > .001). The Anger scale score correlated moderately (Pearson's r = .64) with the PedsQLTM EF subscale score. Dutch mean T score was 44.20 (SD = 11.39), with cut-offs of >52.2 for moderate and ≥62.3 for severe symptoms. Reliable measurements were obtained at the population mean and >2SD in the clinically relevant direction. CAT outperformed all other measures in efficiency. The PROMIS pediatric Anger scale displayed sufficient psychometric properties within the Dutch population and reference data are available. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

From statistics to clinics: the visual feedback of PROMIS® CATs.

BACKGROUND: To reduce the burden of completing Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), PROMIS® Computerized Adaptive Tests (CATs) are being implemented in pediatric clinical practice. We aimed to develop recommendations for visual feedback options for PROMIS CATs on individual item and domain score level as an evidence-based feedback recommendation for PROMIS CATs is lacking. METHODS: Focus groups were held with clinicians who use the KLIK PROM portal. Literature-based feedback options were provided to initiate group discussion. Data was analyzed using thematic coding method. Additionally, a questionnaire was sent out to assess patients' (12-18y) and parents' (child 0-18y) preference for individual item feedback. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Six focus groups were held (N = 28 clinicians). Regarding individual item feedback, showing the complete item bank, with only responses to administered items in traffic light colors was preferred. For domain scores, line graphs were preferred, including numerical (T-)scores, reference and cut-off lines, and traffic light colors. Separate graphs per domain, ranked in order of importance and harmonization of directionality ('higher = better') were considered important. Questionnaire results (N = 31 patients/N = 131 parents) showed that viewing their own item responses was preferred above receiving no item feedback by 58.1% of the patients and 77.1% of the parents. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the outcomes and after discussion with the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS National Center, recommendations for PROMIS CAT feedback options were developed. PROMIS CATs can now be used in clinical practice to help clinicians monitor patient outcomes, while reducing the burden of completing PROMs for patients significantly.

The impact of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic on mental and social health of children and adolescents.

PURPOSE: During the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands, governmental regulations resulted in a lockdown for adults as well as children/adolescents. Schools were closed and contact with other people was limited. In this cross-sectional, population-based study, we aimed to investigate the mental/social health of children/adolescents during COVID-19 lockdown. METHODS: Two representative samples of Dutch children/adolescents (8-18 years) before COVID-19 (2018, N = 2401) and during lockdown (April 2020, N = 844) were compared on the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) domains: global health, peer relationships, anxiety, depressive symptoms, anger, sleep-related impairment by linear mixed models and calculating relative risks (RR (95% CI)) for the proportion of severe scores. Variables associated with worse mental/social health during COVID-19 were explored through multivariable regression models. The impact of COVID-19 regulations on the daily life of children was qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS: Participants reported worse PROMIS T-scores on all domains during COVID-19 lockdown compared to before (absolute mean difference range 2.1-7.1 (95% CI 1.3-7.9). During lockdown, more children reported severe Anxiety (RR = 1.95 (1.55-2.46) and Sleep-Related Impairment (RR = 1.89 (1.29-2.78) and fewer children reported poor Global Health (RR = 0.36 (0.20-0.65)). Associated factors with worse mental/social health were single-parent family, ≥ three children in the family, negative change in work situation of parents due to COVID-19 regulations, and a relative/friend infected with COVID-19. A large majority (> 90%) reported a negative impact of the COVID-19 regulations on daily life. CONCLUSION: This study showed that governmental regulations regarding lockdown pose a serious mental/social health threat on children/adolescents that should be brought to the forefront of political decision-making and mental healthcare policy, intervention, and prevention.

Paediatric patients report lower health-related quality of life in daily clinical practice compared to new normative PedsQLTM data.

AIM: To compare Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) of paediatric patients with newly collected HRQOL data of the general Dutch population, explore responses to individual items and investigate variables associated with HRQOL. METHODS: Children (8-12y) and adolescents (13-17y) from the general population (N = 966) and from a paediatric population (N = 1209) completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQLTM ) online via the KLIK Patient-Reported Outcome Measures portal. PedsQLTM scale scores were compared between groups with independent t tests, by age group and gender. Responses to PedsQLTM items were explored using descriptive analyses. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine which variables were associated with HRQOL. RESULTS: Paediatric patients reported worse HRQOL than the general population on all PedsQLTM scales (p ≤ .001, d = 0.20-1.03), except social functioning, and a high proportion reported problems on PedsQLTM items, for example, 'I have trouble sleeping'. Younger age, female gender and school absence were negatively associated with HRQOL (ß = -0.37-0.10, p ≤ .008). CONCLUSION: Paediatric patients reported lower HRQOL than the general population, and school absence, female gender and younger age were associated with lower HRQOL. The results underline the importance to structurally monitor paediatric patients' HRQOL in clinical practice to detect problems and offer the right help on time.

Psychometric properties of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) pediatric item bank peer relationships in the Dutch general population.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to validate the PROMIS Pediatric item bank v2.0 Peer Relationships and compare reliability of the full item bank to its short form, computerized adaptive test (CAT) and the social functioning (SF) subscale of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™). METHODS: Children aged 8-18 (n = 1327), representative of the Dutch population completed the Peer Relationships item bank. A graded response model (GRM) was fit to the data. Structural validity was assessed by checking item-fit statistics (S-X2, p < 0.001 = misfit). For construct validity, a moderately strong correlation (> 0.50) was expected between Peer Relationships and the PedsQL SF subscale. Cross-cultural DIF between U.S. and NL was assessed using logistic regression, where an item with McFadden's pseudo R2 > 0.02 was considered to have DIF. Percentage of participants reliably measured was assessed using the standard error of measurement (SEM) < 0.32 as a criterion (reliability of 0.90). Relative efficiency ((1-SEM2)/nitems) was calculated to compare how well the instruments performed relative to the amount of items administered. RESULTS: In total, 527 (response rate: 39.7%) children completed the PROMIS v2.0 Peer Relationships item bank (nitems = 15) and the PedsQL™ (nitems = 23). Structural validity of the Peer Relationships item bank was sufficient, but one item displayed misfit in the GRM model (S-X2 < 0.001); 5152R1r ("I played alone and kept to myself"). The item 733R1r ("I was a good friend") was the only item that displayed cross-cultural DIF (R2 = 0.0253). The item bank correlated moderately high (r = 0.61) with the PedsQL SF subscale Reliable measurements were obtained at the population mean and > 2SD in the clinically relevant direction. CAT outperformed all other measures in efficiency. Mean T-score of the Dutch general population was 46.9(SD 9.5). CONCLUSION: The pediatric PROMIS Peer Relationships item bank was successfully validated for use within the Dutch population and reference data are now available.

Psychometric properties of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Sleep Disturbance and Sleep-Related Impairment item banks in adolescents.

Sleep problems have a high prevalence and negative daytime consequences in adolescents. Current sleep measures for this age group have limitations. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS® ) developed sleep item banks for adults. In a previous validation study, these item banks were adapted to a shortened version for adolescents. The current study aimed to further explore the psychometric properties of the 11-item Sleep-Related Impairment and 23-item Sleep Disturbance item banks in Dutch adolescents. We investigated structural validity by testing item response theory assumptions and model fit; measurement invariance by performing differential item functioning analyses; performance as a computerized adaptive test; reliability by marginal reliability estimates and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients and limits of agreement); and construct validity by hypothesis testing. Additionally, we provide mean values for the item banks. The study sample consisted of 1,046 adolescents (mean age 14.3 ± 1.6), including 1,013 high-school students and 33 sleep-clinic patients. The Sleep Disturbance-23 showed lack of unidimensionality, but had sufficient test-retest reliability, and could distinguish between adolescents with and without sleep or health issues. The Sleep-Related Impairment-11 showed sufficient unidimensionality and model fit and was thus tested as a computerized adaptive test, demonstrating an equal amount of reliable measures to the full item bank. Furthermore, the Sleep-Related Impairment-11 could distinguish between adolescents with and without sleep or health issues and test-retest reliability was moderate. The use of both item banks in the full form and the use of the Sleep-related Impairment-11 as a computer adaptive test is recommended.

Cognitive and Motor Outcome in Patients with Early-Detected Central Congenital Hypothyroidism Compared with Siblings.

CONTEXT: Early treatment of primary congenital hypothyroidism (CH) prevents irreversible brain damage. Contrary to primary CH, outcome studies on central CH are scarce. Most patients with central CH have multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (MPHD); these patients are also at risk for neonatal hypoglycemia. OBJECTIVE: To assess cognitive and motor outcome in patients with early-treated central CH detected by the Dutch neonatal screening. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, primary outcome full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) was measured in patients with MPHD and patients with isolated central CH born between January 1, 1995, and January 1, 2015, with siblings as controls. Secondary outcomes were intelligence test subscales and motor function. Linear mixed models were used to compare both patient groups and siblings, followed by post hoc tests in case of significant differences. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients (52 MPHD; 35 isolated central CH) and 52 siblings were included. Estimated marginal means for FSIQ were 90.7 (95% CI 86.4-95.0) in patients with MPHD and 98.2 (95% CI 93.0-103.5) in patients with isolated central CH. While patients with MPHD scored lower FSIQs than siblings (mean difference -7.9 points, 95% CI -13.4 to -2.5; P = .002), patients with isolated central CH did not. Processing speed was lower in both patient groups than in siblings (mean differences -10.5 and -10.3 points). Motor difficulties occurred significantly more often in patients (33%) versus siblings (5%; P = .004). CONCLUSION: In early-treated central CH, FSIQ is comparable with siblings in patients with isolated central CH, while patients with MPHD have a significantly lower FSIQ. This may be explained by disease-specific consequences of MPHD, such as neonatal hypoglycemia and more severe hypothyroidism.

Psychometric Properties of the Pediatric Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Item Banks in a Dutch Clinical Sample of Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the psychometric properties of 8 pediatric Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) item banks in a clinical sample of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS: A total of 154 Dutch children (mean ± SD age 14.4 ± 3.0 years; range 8-18 years) with JIA completed 8 pediatric version 1.0 PROMIS item banks (anger, anxiety, depressive symptoms, fatigue, pain interference, peer relationships, physical function mobility, physical function upper extremity) twice and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (C-HAQ) once. Structural validity of the item banks was assessed by fitting a graded response model (GRM) and inspecting GRM fit (comparative fit index [CFI], Tucker-Lewis index [TLI], and root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA]) and item fit (S-X2 statistic). Convergent validity (with PedsQL/C-HAQ subdomains) and discriminative validity (active/inactive disease) were assessed. Reliability of the item banks, short forms, and computerized adaptive testing (CAT) was expressed as the SE of theta (SE[θ]). Test-retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and smallest detectable change. RESULTS: All item banks had sufficient overall GRM fit (CFI >0.95, TLI >0.95, RMSEA <0.08) and no item misfit (all S-X2 P > 0.001). High correlations (>0.70) were found between most PROMIS T scores and hypothesized PedsQL/C-HAQ (sub)domains. Mobility, pain interference, and upper extremity item banks were able to discriminate between patients with active and inactive disease. Regarding reliability, PROMIS item banks outperformed legacy instruments. Post hoc CAT simulations outperformed short forms. Test-retest reliability was strong (ICC >0.70) for all full-length item banks and short forms, except for the peer relationships item bank. CONCLUSION: The pediatric PROMIS item banks displayed sufficient psychometric properties for Dutch children with JIA. PROMIS item banks are ready for use in clinical research and practice for children with JIA.