Factors that impact health-related quality of life in adults with celiac disease: a multicenter study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the factors involved in the impairment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with celiac disease.


METHODS
A multicenter, cross-sectional prospective study was performed in patients with celiac disease who completed two HRQOL questionnaires: the gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) and the EuroQol-5D (EQ).


RESULTS
Three hundred and forty patients (163 controlled with a gluten-free diet, and 177 newly diagnosed with a normal diet) were included. The GIQLI score was significantly better in patients on a gluten-free diet (GFD) than in non-treated patients on their usual diet, both in terms of the overall score (3.3 vs 2.7, respectively; P < 0.001), as well as on the individual questionnaire dimensions. Both the preference value of the EQ as the visual analogue scale were significantly better in treated than in non-treated patients (0.93 vs 0.72 P < 0.001 and 80 vs 70 P < 0.001, respectively). Variables significantly associated with a worse HRQOL score were female gender, failure to adhere to a GFD, and symptomatic status.


CONCLUSIONS
In untreated celiac disease, the most important factors that influence patient perception of health are the presence of symptoms and a normal diet. HRQOL improves to levels similar to those described in the general population in celiac disease patients well controlled with a GFD.
Casellas
F
F
Digestive System Research Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Pg Vall d'Hebron 119-129, Barcelona 08035, Spain. fcasellas@vhebron.net
Rodrigo
L
L
Vivancos
J López
JL
Riestra
S
S
Pantiga
C
C
Baudet
J S
JS
Junquera
F
F
Diví
V Puig
VP
Abadia
C
C
Papo
M
M
Gelabert
J
J
Malagelada
J R
JR
D000328:Adult; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires