Abstract
There is no doubt that patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) have a significantly impaired quality of life (QOL). Pain and disability often leave these patients helpless and frustrated. The recognition that addressing physical and psychological functioning plays a significant role in an overall treatment approach led to the inclusion of QOL measures as secondary outcomes in clinical trials with IMID patients. To that end, both generic and disease-specific instruments have been utilized. Measurement of health-related QOL (HRQOL) and patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in a controlled manner allows for better understanding of the correlation between different aspects of disease activity and QOL. In addition, the effects of different therapeutic options on HRQOL-related outcomes can be further evaluated. This 3-part section describes key QOL-related complaints of patients with IMID affecting joints, skin, or gut. An overview of the strengths and weaknesses of various commonly used HRQOL instruments is provided. Finally, the influence of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α agents on HRQOL outcomes, as assessed in recent clinical trials, is highlighted.
- QUALITY OF LIFE
- OUTCOME ASSESSMENT
- RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
- INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES
- PSORIASIS
- PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS
Footnotes
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Supported by an unrestricted grant from Abbott Canada. Dr. Dutz is supported by a Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Senior Scholar award and is a Senior Scientist at the Child and Family Research Institute. Dr. Russell has received consultant fees from Amgen/Wyeth, Schering-Plough, UCB, and Abbott Canada; and speaking fees from Roche and BMS. Dr. Gulliver has acted as investigator, speaker, and advisor for Abbott, Amgen/Pfizer, Merck, and Janssen-Ortho; and has received research funding from Abbott and Amgen/Pfizer. Dr. Dutz has acted as an advisor for Abbott, Amgen, Janssen Ortho, and Leo Pharma, and as a speaker for Abbott, Amgen, and Leo Pharma.