Pruritus in primary biliary cholangitis is under-recorded in patient medical records.

OBJECTIVE: Cholestatic pruritus in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) reduces patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Despite this, existing research suggests that pruritus is under-recorded in patients' health records. This study assessed the extent to which pruritus was recorded in medical records of patients with PBC as compared with patient-reported pruritus, and whether patients reporting mild itch were less likely to have pruritus recorded. We also evaluated clinico-demographic characteristics and HRQoL of patients with medical record-documented and patient-reported pruritus. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study used clinical information abstracted from medical records, together with patient-reported (PBC-40) data from patients with PBC in the USA enrolled in the PicnicHealth cohort. Medical record-documented pruritus was classified as 'recent' (at, or within 12 months prior to, enrolment) or 'ever' (at, or any point prior to, enrolment). Patient-reported pruritus (4-week recall) was assessed using the first PBC-40 questionnaire completed on/after enrolment; pruritus severity was classified by itch domain score (any severity: ≥1; clinically significant itch: ≥7). Patient clinico-demographic characteristics and PBC-40 domain scores were described in patients with medical record-documented and patient-reported pruritus; overlap between groups was evaluated. Descriptive statistics were reported. RESULTS: Pruritus of any severity was self-reported by 200/225 (88.9%) patients enrolled; however, only 88/225 (39.1%) had recent medical record-documented pruritus. Clinically significant pruritus was self-reported by 120/225 (53.3%) patients; of these, 64/120 (53.3%) had recent medical record-documented pruritus. Patients reporting clinically significant pruritus appeared to have higher mean scores across PBC-40 domains (indicating reduced HRQoL), versus patients with no/mild patient-reported pruritus or medical-record documented pruritus. CONCLUSION: Compared with patient-reported measures, pruritus in PBC is under-recorded in medical records and is associated with lower HRQoL. Research based only on medical records underestimates the true burden of pruritus, meaning physicians may be unaware of the extent and impact of pruritus, leading to potential undertreatment.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Severe Recurrent Bilateral Nasal Polyps: Psychometric Evaluation and Content Validity.

Objective: To date, no patient-reported outcome measures have been specifically developed to assess pharmacological treatment effect in participants with severe chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with recurrent bilateral nasal polyps (NP). These studies aimed to assess (1) the psychometric properties and (2) content validity of Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) assessing NP symptom severity. Study Design: (1) Retrospective psychometric validation study using clinical trial data and (2) cross-sectional qualitative patient interview study. Setting: (1) Multicentre trial; (2) real-world. Methods: (1) Psychometric validation was performed using data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase II study (NCT01362244) investigating the effect of mepolizumab in 105 participants with severe, recurrent bilateral NP currently needing polypectomy surgery. (2) Content validity was explored through cognitive debriefing interviews in 27 adults with severe CRS with recurrent bilateral NP who had received NP surgery in the past 10 years (NCT03221192). Results: (1) Acceptable reliability, validity, and responsiveness were shown for individual VAS items, although the loss of smell VAS item performed poorly in several analyses, suggesting further evaluation of this item is needed. (2) All individual VAS items were well understood, considered relevant and were consistently interpreted by most participants, providing evidence for their content validity. Conclusion: These findings support the use of symptom VAS measures to evaluate disease experience and treatment effect in clinical trials of participants with severe CRS with recurrent bilateral NP.

Mepolizumab therapy improves the most bothersome symptoms in patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome.

Background: Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is characterized by persistent elevated blood and/or tissue eosinophil levels and eosinophil-mediated organ damage. Presentation is highly heterogenous; patients may experience symptoms affecting multiple organ systems. Objectives: To assess the effects of mepolizumab, which targets interleukin-5, on HES-related symptom burden, based on HES daily symptoms (HES-DS) questionnaire data collected during the Phase III (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02836496) study of mepolizumab in patients with HES. Methods: Each of the six HES-related symptoms were rated (0-10) daily by patients, recalling worst symptom experience in the prior 24 hours; change from baseline at Week 32 was also calculated for mepolizumab versus placebo. Results: Mepolizumab versus placebo reduced HES-related symptom burden severity in patients with HES at Week 32. Improvements in the median change from baseline scores were seen across all symptom groups except skin for patients treated with mepolizumab; greatest improvement from baseline was observed for breathing symptoms. Conclusion: These data highlight the considerable symptom burden associated with HES and further support the clinical benefits of mepolizumab treatment for these patients.

Japanese subgroup analysis of GLIMMER: A global Phase IIb study of linerixibat for the treatment of cholestatic pruritus in patients with primary biliary cholangitis.

AIM: To compare patient characteristics and outcomes between the overall and Japanese populations of GLIMMER. METHODS: GLIMMER was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase IIb study evaluating linerixibat for the treatment of pruritus in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. RESULTS: In total, 147 patients were randomized in the GLIMMER overall population with 38 patients comprising the Japanese population. Demographics and baseline clinical characteristics were similar across treatment groups and between both populations. A reduction in mean worst daily itch score from baseline to week 16 (primary endpoint) was seen in all groups, with the largest reduction observed with linerixibat 40 mg twice daily (BID; -2.92 [95% confidence interval: -5.07, -0.76] and -2.86 [95% confidence interval: -3.76, -1.95] for Japanese and overall populations, respectively). The highest proportion of responders was generally in the 40 mg BID group in both populations regardless of the responder definition applied. Improvements in health-related quality of life were generally consistent in both populations. In the Japanese and overall populations, on-treatment drug-related adverse events were reported in 25% and 19% of patients in the placebo group and 0%-86% and 31%-78% of patients in the linerixibat groups, respectively. Consistent with the mechanism of action, the most common events were gastrointestinal in nature. The effects of linerixibat on pharmacodynamic biomarkers favored BID dosing. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic responses and safety of linerixibat were consistent between the Japanese and overall populations of GLIMMER. Linerixibat may provide an effective treatment option for cholestatic pruritus in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02966834.

GLIMMER: A Randomized Phase 2b Dose-Ranging Trial of Linerixibat in Primary Biliary Cholangitis Patients With Pruritus.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: GLIMMER assessed dose-response, efficacy, and safety of linerixibat, an ileal bile acid transporter inhibitor in development for cholestatic pruritus associated with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). METHODS: GLIMMER was a Phase 2b, multicenter, randomized, parallel-group study in adults with PBC and moderate-to-severe pruritus (≥4 on 0-10 numerical rating scale [NRS]). After 4 weeks of single-blind placebo, patients with NRS ≥3 were randomized (3:1) to double-blind linerixibat/placebo for 12 weeks (to week 16), followed by single-blind placebo (to week 20). The primary objective was to investigate dose-related changes in mean worst daily itch (MWDI) score. RESULTS: One hundred forty-seven patients received placebo (n = 36) or linerixibat (once daily: 20 mg, n = 16; 90 mg, n = 23; 180 mg, n = 27; twice daily: 40 mg, n = 23; 90 mg, n = 22). Linerixibat groups exhibited ≥2-point mean reductions in MWDI from baseline at week 16; however, differences from placebo were not significant. Post hoc analysis of change from baseline in monthly itch score over the treatment period (Phase 3 endpoint) showed significant differences between placebo and linerixibat 180 mg once daily (P = .0424), 40 mg twice daily (P = .0105), and 90 mg twice daily (P = .0370). A significant relationship between total daily dose and response was observed post hoc in the per protocol population (P = .0542). Consistent with mechanism of action, diarrhea was the most frequent adverse event, and incidence increased with dose. CONCLUSIONS: Linerixibat effect on itch was not significantly different versus placebo in the primary intent-to-treat analysis but was associated with a significant dose-dependent reduction in itch in the per protocol population. A well-tolerated dose was identified for Phase 3 investigation for cholestatic pruritus in PBC. CLINICALTRIALS: gov ID: NCT02966834.

Development and equivalence of new faces for inclusion in the Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) response scale.

BACKGROUND: Accurate symptom monitoring is vital when managing pediatric asthma, providing an opportunity to improve control and relieve associated burden. The CHILDHOOD ASTHMA CONTROL TEST (C-ACT) has been validated for asthma control assessment in children; however, there are concerns that response option images used in the C-ACT are not culturally universal and could be misinterpreted. This cross-sectional, qualitative study developed and evaluated alternative response option images using interviews with children with asthma aged 4-11 years (and their parents/caregivers) in the United States, Spain, Poland, and Argentina. Interviews were conducted in two stages (with expert input) to evaluate the appropriateness, understanding and qualitative equivalence of the alternative images (both on paper and electronically). This included comparing the new images with the original C-ACT response scale, to provide context for equivalence results. RESULTS: Alternative response option images included scale A (simple faces), scale B (circles of decreasing size), and scale C (squares of decreasing quantity). In Stage 1, most children logically ranked images using scales A, B and C (66.7%, 79.0% and 70.6%, respectively). However, some children ranked the images in scales B (26.7%) and C (58.3%) in reverse order. Slightly more children could interpret the images within the context of their asthma in scale B (68.4%) than A (55.6%) and C (47.5%). Based on Stage 1 results, experts recommended scales A (with slight modifications) and B be investigated further. In Stage 2, similar proportions of children logically ranked the images used in modified scales A (69.7%) and B (75.7%). However, a majority of children ranked the images in scale B in the reverse order (60.0%). Slightly more children were able to interpret the images in the context of their asthma using scale B (57.6%) than modified scale A (48.5%). Children and parents/caregivers preferred modified scale A over scale B (78.8% and 90.9%, respectively). Compared with the original C-ACT, most children selected the same response option on items using both scales, supporting equivalency. Following review of Stage 2 results, all five experts agreed modified scale A was the optimal response scale. CONCLUSIONS: This study developed alternative response option images for use in the C-ACT and provides qualitative evidence of the equivalency of these response options to the originals.

Accurate monitoring of the symptoms associated with pediatric asthma is important when managing the condition. The CHILDHOOD ASTHMA CONTROL TEST (C-ACT) is a questionnaire widely used to measure asthma severity in young children (aged 4­11 years). Each question answered by the child in the C-ACT has four possible answer choices. To help children answer, each choice is presented alongside an image of a male child's face ranging from sad to happy. However, there are concerns that the images used are not culturally universal and could be misinterpreted­due to difficulties translating to electronic formats and a lack of differentiation between the images used. Through interviewing children with asthma, we aimed to address these concerns by developing and testing new images. Alternative image options developed included simpler faces, circles of decreasing size and squares of decreasing quantity. Children aged 4­11 years old were interviewed to test whether they understood the response scale using the new images and if they answered in the same way as with the original images. Interviews were conducted in two stages, with expert guidance at key stages. Results showed that children can interpret and understand the newly developed images and that they answer the questions the same as they would using the original images. These new images have the advantages of being culturally neutral and easier to implement on an electronic device.

Measuring respiratory symptoms in moderate/severe asthma: evaluation of a respiratory symptom tool, the E-RS®: COPD in asthma populations.

BACKGROUND: Symptom constructs included in the Evaluating Respiratory Symptoms in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (E-RS®: COPD) tool may be relevant to patients with asthma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate content validity and psychometric performance of the E-RS: COPD in moderate/severe asthma patients. METHODS: Content validity of the E-RS: COPD was evaluated in patients with moderate/severe asthma using concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing interviews. Secondary analyses using data from two clinical trials in patients with moderate/severe asthma evaluated the factor structure of the E-RS: COPD plus two supplementary items (wheeze; shortness of breath with strenuous physical activity) and assessed psychometric properties of the tool, which will be referred to as E-RS®: Asthma when used in asthma populations. RESULTS: Qualitative interviews (N = 25) achieved concept saturation for asthma respiratory symptoms. Concepts in the E-RS: COPD were relevant to patients and instructions were understood. Most patients (19/25; 76%) reported experiencing all concepts in the E-RS: COPD; no patients indicated missing symptoms. Secondary analyses of clinical trial data supported the original factor structure (RS-Total and three symptom-specific subscales). The two supplemental items did not fit with this factor structure and were not retained. RS-Total and subscale score reliability was high (internal consistency [α] > 0.70). Validity was demonstrated through significant (P < 0.0001) relationships with the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and Asthma Symptom Severity scale. E-RS: Asthma was responsive to change when evaluated using SGRQ, Patient Global Impression of Change and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire as anchors (P < 0.0001). Clinically meaningful change thresholds were also identified (RS-Total: - 2.0 units). CONCLUSIONS: The E-RS: Asthma is reliable and responsive for evaluating respiratory symptoms in patients with moderate/severe asthma.

Psychometric Properties of the Asthma Symptom Index in Patients with Severe Asthma.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of symptoms is essential in asthma clinical research. Daily symptom diaries require once- or twice-daily recording, making them less suited to real-world use. A modified version of the established Asthma Symptom Utility Index (ASUI) that includes symptom attributes (Asthma Symptom Index [ASI]) was developed as a less-burdensome measure of asthma symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ASI and replicate ASUI psychometric properties, including validity, reliability, responsiveness, and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) estimation in patients ≥12 years of age with severe asthma. METHODS: Patients from a randomized trial (MUSCA [n = 497]) and a cross-sectional study (IDEAL [n = 721]) were analyzed post hoc. Demographic information, spirometry, ASI and ASUI scores, and other patient-reported outcome measures such as Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-5) and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) at baseline and during follow-up (MUSCA only) were obtained. RESULTS: Internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability were considered good (>0.70 [Cronbach's alpha] and 0.87-0.90 [intraclass correlation]). ASI/ASUI scores correlated strongly with ACQ-5 and SGRQ scores (spearman correlation [rs] magnitude: 0.67-0.85). ASI and ASUI scores differed for asthma control (defined by ACQ-5) and lung function (% predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second). Changes in ASI and ASUI scores from baseline to week 4 and week 12 had high correlations with changes in ACQ-5 (rs magnitude: 0.57-0.69). MCIDs ranged from -0.42 to -0.26 (ASI) and 0.07 to 0.11 (ASUI). CONCLUSION: Findings show the good reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the ASI, indicating potential value for real-world symptom assessment in severe asthma.

Correction to: Development of a conceptual model and patient-reported outcome measures for assessing symptoms and functioning in patients with heart failure.

The article Development of a conceptual model and patient-reported outcome measures for assessing symptoms and functioning in patients with heart failure.

A phase IIb, randomised, parallel-group study: the efficacy, safety and tolerability of once-daily umeclidinium in patients with asthma receiving inhaled corticosteroids.

BACKGROUND: Patients with asthma uncontrolled on inhaled corticosteroids may benefit from umeclidinium (UMEC), a long-acting muscarinic antagonist. METHODS: This Phase IIb, double-blind study included patients with reversible, uncontrolled/partially-controlled asthma for ≥6 months, receiving ≥100 mcg/day fluticasone propionate (or equivalent) for ≥12 weeks. Following a 2-week run-in on open-label fluticasone furoate (FF) 100 mcg, patients were randomised (1:1:1) to receive UMEC 31.25 mcg, UMEC 62.5 mcg or placebo on top of FF 100 mcg once-daily for 24 weeks. As-needed salbutamol was provided. Primary and secondary endpoints were change from baseline in clinic trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and clinic FEV1 3 h post-dose, respectively, at Week 24. Other endpoints included change from baseline in home daily spirometry (trough FEV1, evening FEV1, morning [pre-dose] and evening peak expiratory flow) over 24 weeks. Safety was assessed throughout the study. RESULTS: The intent-to-treat population comprised 421 patients (UMEC 31.25 mcg: n =139, UMEC 62.5 mcg: n =139, placebo: n =143). UMEC 31.25 mcg and 62.5 mcg demonstrated significantly greater improvements from baseline in clinic trough FEV1 at Week 24 (difference [95% CI]: 0.176 L [0.092, 0.260; p<0.001] and 0.184 L [0.101, 0.268; p<0.001], respectively), clinic FEV1 3 h post-dose at Week 24 (0.190 L [0.100, 0.279; p<0.001] and 0.198 L [0.109, 0.287; p<0.001], respectively) and mean change from baseline in daily home spirometry over 24 weeks versus placebo. No new safety signals were identified. CONCLUSIONS: UMEC is a highly effective bronchodilator that leads to improved lung function when administered as a single bronchodilator on top of FF in subjects with fully reversible, uncontrolled/partially-controlled moderate asthma. These data support a favourable benefit/risk profile for UMEC (31.25 mcg and 62.5 mcg). TRIAL REGISTRATION: GSK study ID: 205832; Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT03012061.

Development of a conceptual model and patient-reported outcome measures for assessing symptoms and functioning in patients with heart failure.

PURPOSE: Heart failure (HF) is a common condition that places considerable burden on patients. We aimed to develop a patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure to assess the symptoms and impacts of HF. METHODS: Phase 1: a targeted literature review, expert interviews, and concept elicitation (CE) interviews with patients with HF (n = 26) were used to develop a conceptual model of the core symptoms and impacts of HF. To capture these concepts, three new fit-for-purpose PRO questionnaires were constructed in accordance with US Food and Drug Administration PRO guidance. Phase 2: three 'waves' of cognitive interviews were conducted with patients with HF (n = 28) to validate and refine the questionnaires. RESULTS: Three key symptoms-shortness of breath, oedema, and fatigue-were identified across the literature review, expert interviews and CE interviews. Several additional symptoms, cognitive changes and impacts of HF were reported in the CE interviews and included in the conceptual model. A 10-item symptom questionnaire (Heart Failure-Daily Symptom Diary) was constructed; cognitive testing showed that the final PRO measure was easy to understand/complete and relevant to patients with HF, confirming content validity. Two HF impact questionnaires were developed (Assessing Dyspnoea's Impact on Mobility and Sleep and Heart Failure-Functional Status Assessment), but required refinement to ensure patient understanding. CONCLUSIONS: Patient input contributed to the development of a PRO instrument for assessing physical and cognitive symptoms important to patients with HF using novel measurement strategies. Inclusion of daily metrics offers differentiation from other qualified instruments and may provide clinical insight for improving lifestyles. Additionally, two draft PRO measures may, after further validation, be useful to assess the impacts of HF.

Understanding the Patient Experience of Severe, Recurrent, Bilateral Nasal Polyps: A Qualitative Interview Study in the United States and Germany.

OBJECTIVES: To qualitatively explore patient experiences of severe, recurrent, bilateral nasal polyps (NP). METHODS: A targeted literature review of published qualitative studies and online blogs describing patient experiences of NP was conducted. Semistructured concept elicitation interviews were conducted in the United States and Germany with participants ≥18 years with severe, recurrent, bilateral NP to explore their symptom experience and impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQoL; NCT03221192). A subset of 10 participants reported symptoms and impacts using a smartphone or tablet application (app) over a 10-day period. RESULTS: A paucity of qualitative evidence regarding patient experience of NP was identified from the literature or blog review. Twenty-seven participant interviews were conducted. Thirty-six symptoms were identified, including 7 primary symptoms (nasal congestion [n = 27 of 27], breathing difficulties [n = 27 of 27], postnasal drip [n = 25 of 27], runny nose [n = 24 of 27], head/facial pressure [n = 23 of 27], loss of smell [n = 23 of 27], loss of taste [n = 22 of 27]) and 29 secondary symptoms (the most common were mucus/catarrh and nose bleeds [both n = 20 of 27]). Most symptoms were reported to vary both within and between days. Sixty impacts of severe NP were reported, including impacts on sleep (n = 22 of 27), physical functioning (n = 21 of 27), activities of daily living (n = 21 of 27), emotional well-being (n = 27 of 27), treatment (n = 23 of 27), social life (n = 26 of 27), and work (n = 19 of 27). Symptoms/impacts reported using the app were consistent with interview findings, although new symptoms were identified (ear pain, throat pain, nasal scabs, and nasal burning). These results supported the development of a conceptual model outlining concepts related to symptoms, impacts, and treatment of NP. CONCLUSIONS: Severe, recurrent, bilateral NP are associated with a range of symptoms that have significant detrimental impact on HRQoL.

Incorporating development of a patient-reported outcome instrument in a clinical drug development program: examples from a heart failure program.

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures can be used to support label claims if they adhere to US Food & Drug Administration guidance. The process of developing a new PRO measure is expensive and time-consuming. We report the results of qualitative studies to develop new PRO measures for use in clinical trials of omecamtiv mecarbil (a selective, small molecule activator of cardiac myosin) for patients with heart failure (HF), as well as the lessons learned from the development process. METHODS: Concept elicitation focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with patients with HF to identify concepts for the instrument. Cognitive interviews with HF patients were used to confirm that no essential concepts were missing and to assess patient comprehension of the instrument and items. RESULTS: During concept elicitation, the most frequently reported HF symptoms were shortness of breath, tiredness, fluid retention, fatigue, dizziness/light-headedness, swelling, weight fluctuation, and trouble sleeping. Two measures were developed based on the concepts: the Heart Failure Symptom Diary (HF-SD) and the Heart Failure Impact Scale (HFIS). Findings from cognitive interviews suggested that the items in the HF-SD and HFIS were relevant and well understood by patients. Multiple iterations of concept elicitation and cognitive interviews were needed based on FDA request for a broader patient population in the qualitative study. Lessons learned from the omecamtiv mecarbil PRO/clinical development program are discussed, including challenges of qualitative studies, patient recruitment, expected and actual timelines, cost, and engagement with various stakeholders. CONCLUSION: Development of a new PRO measure to support a label claim requires significant investment and early planning, as demonstrated by the omecamtiv mecarbil program.

Patient-Reported Outcomes in Chronic Heart Failure: Applicability for Regulatory Approval.

OBJECTIVES: The study sought to review the characteristics of existing patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments used with chronic heart failure (HF) patients and evaluate their potential to support an approved U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) product label claim. BACKGROUND: PROs, including symptoms and their associated functional limitations, contribute substantially to HF patient morbidity. PRO measurements capture the patient perspective and can be systematically assessed with structured questionnaires, however rigorous recommendations have been set by the FDA regarding the acceptability of PRO measures as a basis for product label claims. METHODS: Extensive searches of databases and specialty guidelines identified PRO instruments used in patients with chronic HF. Information on critical properties recommended by the FDA guidance were systematically extracted and used to evaluate the selected PRO instruments. RESULTS: Nineteen PRO instruments used with chronic HF patients were identified. The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire were the most extensively evaluated and validated in studies of this population. However, judged by criteria listed in the FDA PRO guidance, no existing PRO measure met all of the criteria to support a product label claim in the United States. CONCLUSIONS: Currently available chronic HF PRO measures do not fulfill all the recommendations provided in the FDA PRO guidance and therefore may not support an FDA-approved product label claim. Future investigations are merited to develop a PRO measure for use in patients with chronic HF in accordance with the FDA guidance.

Psychometric Properties of the Asthma Symptom Diary (ASD), a Diary for Use in Clinical Trials of Persistent Asthma.

BACKGROUND: No currently available asthma symptom diary has sufficient validation to be recommended for use as a core asthma outcome measure. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to provide validation data for the 10-item asthma symptom diary (ASD). METHODS: Data were collected in a 4-week prospective, observational study. Subjects completed 3 study visits, completing the ASD twice daily at home for 28 days. Psychometric properties in terms of dimensionality, reliability, validity, and responsiveness were assessed. RESULTS: Data from 276 subjects were analyzed; mean age was 42.9 (standard deviation [SD] = 16.4) years, mean asthma duration was 23.3 (SD = 16.8) years, and 69.6% were female. Confirmatory factor and Rasch analysis supported the ASD as unidimensional and adequately measuring the spectrum of asthma symptom severity. High Cronbach's α (0.94) and intraclass correlation coefficients (0.89-0.95) supported reliability. A high correlation between the 7-day average ASD score and the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) total score (r = 0.75) and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire total scores (r = -0.76), and a moderate correlation with FEV1% predicted (r = -0.30) supported convergent validity. Significant differences (P < .001) between groups classified by ACQ scores supported known-group validity. The 7-day average ASD scores were responsive to change, with significantly higher score changes (P < .001) in responders versus nonresponders. Minimally important differences were calculated and found to be in the range of 0.1-0.3. CONCLUSION: Results of this study indicated that the ASD is a reliable and valid asthma symptom measure for use in adult and adolescent asthma patients to evaluate the effect of treatment on asthma in clinical trials.

Symptoms and markers of symptom severity in asthma--content validity of the asthma symptom diary.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS) Task Force acknowledged the multi-faceted nature of asthma in its recent definition of asthma control as a summary term capturing symptoms, reliever use, frequency/severity of exacerbations, lung function, and future risk and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) defines the clinical manifestations (well established markers of asthma severity) of asthma to include symptoms, sleep disturbances, limitations of daily activity, impairment of lung function, and use of rescue medications. The objectives of this qualitative work were to identify symptoms and markers of symptom severity relevant to patients with moderate to severe asthma and to evaluate the content validity of the asthma symptom diary (ASD). METHODS: A qualitative interview study was conducted using a purposive sample of symptomatic adult and adolescent (≥12 years) subjects with asthma. Concept elicitation (CE) interviews (n = 50) were conducted to identify core asthma symptoms and symptom-related clinical markers, followed by cognitive interviews (n = 24) to ensure patient comprehension of the items, instructions and response options. CE interviews were coded using ATLAS.ti for content analysis. RESULTS: The study sample had a diverse range of symptom severity, level of symptom control, sociodemographic and socioeconomic status. The most frequently reported symptoms in adults were chest tightness (n = 33/34; 97.1%), wheezing (n = 31; 91.2%), coughing (n = 30; 88.2%), and shortness of breath (n = 25; 73.5%); in adolescents they were wheezing (n = 14/16; 87.5%), coughing (n = 13; 81.3%), and chest tightness (n = 11; 68.8%). Adults identified chest tightness followed by shortness of breath as their most severe symptoms; while adolescents reported coughing and chest tightness as their most severe symptoms. Sleep awakenings and limitations in day-to-day activities were frequent symptom-related clinical markers. Day-to-day variability and differences between daytime and nighttime symptom experiences reported by subjects resulted in the need for the ASD to be administered twice daily. Cognitive interviews indicated that subjects found the revised ASD items clear and easy to understand. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the content validity of the revised ASD, showing it to be consistent with patient experiences and ready for further psychometric testing.

Multinational trials-recommendations on the translations required, approaches to using the same language in different countries, and the approaches to support pooling the data: the ISPOR Patient-Reported Outcomes Translation and Linguistic Validation Good Research Practices Task Force report.

OBJECTIVES: With the internationalization of clinical trial programs, there is an increased need to translate and culturally adapt patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. Although guidelines for good practices in translation and linguistic validation are available, the ISPOR Patient-Reported Outcomes Translation and Linguistic Validation Task Force identified a number of areas where they felt that further discussion around methods and best practices would be beneficial. The areas identified by the team were as follows: 1) the selection of the languages required for multinational trials; 2) the approaches suggested when the same language is required across two or more countries; and 3) the assessment of measurement equivalence to support the aggregation of data from different countries. METHODS: The task force addressed these three areas, reviewed the available literature, and had multiple discussions to develop this report. RESULTS: Decision aid tools have also been developed and presented for the selection of languages and the approaches suggested for the use of the same language in different countries. CONCLUSION: It is hoped that this report and the decision tools proposed will assist those involved with multinational trials to 1) decide on the translations required for each country; 2) choose the approach to use when the same language is spoken in more than one country; and 3) choose methods to gather evidence to support the pooling of data collected using different language versions of the same tool.

Patient-reported treatment satisfaction measures for long-term anticoagulant therapy.

A comprehensive literature search identified seven instruments, of which three had psychometric data available. These were the 'Sawicki instrument', the Duke Anticoagulation Satisfaction Scale (DASS) and Deep Vein Thrombosis Quality of Life (DVTQoL). Sawicki assessed five domains with acceptable internal reliability. The six DVTQoL domains had good internal consistency, construct validity and reliability, although test-retest reliability and responsiveness have not been published. The DASS instrument covers three dimensions: limitations, burdens (i.e., negative impacts) and positive impacts. The burdens dimension correlated with short form-36 generic scales. The DASS had good internal consistency and item variability, and acceptable test-retest reliability and scale structure. DASS has the potential to help identify reasons for dissatisfaction and poor compliance across multiple models of care. Oral anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists affects patients' quality of life, and is further complicated by variations in compliance and ability to self-manage anticoagulation. This paper reviews instruments designed specifically to assess treatment satisfaction in patients receiving oral anticoagulation.

A critical review of the literature on fear of hypoglycemia in diabetes: Implications for diabetes management and patient education.

OBJECTIVE: In many individuals with diabetes, the unpleasant symptoms and negative consequences associated with hypoglycemia may result in significant anxiety or even a fear of hypoglycemia (FoH). This fear may have significant clinical implications for diabetes management. The aim of this review is to integrate existing research on FoH (its measurement, predictors, correlates, impact and treatment) and discuss its implications for diabetes management and patient education. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using Medline and Embase. The search was limited to journal articles published in English from 1985 to 2007 inclusive. Three hundred and one abstracts were reviewed and 273 were rejected on the basis of non-relevance. In addition to the 28 papers included, six additional papers were identified by further searches and were added to this review. RESULTS: FoH appears to be a widespread phenomenon. It is measured primarily through the use of a specific scale, the Hypoglycemic Fear Survey (HFS). There are a number of factors that relate to whether an individual is likely to develop FoH including whether there is a history of hypoglycemia in an individual, length of time since first insulin treatment, and a higher level of variability in blood glucose level. FoH has been linked to both state and trait anxiety although the relationship is complex. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence that FoH may have a significant negative impact on diabetes management, metabolic control and subsequent health outcomes. There is evidence that blood glucose (BG) awareness training and CBT can reduce levels of fear and improve disease management. More research is needed on how FoH arises and the individual variables which predict its development. In addition, well designed research is required to better understand the behavioral and medical impact of FoH, and interventions to reduce it. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: There is some evidence to suggest that interventions including BG awareness training and cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce levels of fear and improve disease management. While many aspects of FoH require further well-designed research, it is evident that this phenomenon can have a major impact on diabetes management and needs to be specifically addressed in patient education programs.