Quality of life evaluation in sarcoidosis: current status and future directions.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the current state of knowledge concerning health-related quality of life research in sarcoidosis and suggest new approaches that could be explored.


RESULTS
Current outcome measures used in sarcoidosis clinical trials typically focus on objective measurements of organ function but generally fail to account for the individual perspective or functional status of the patient. Studies on other diseases have suggested that patient-reported outcomes can be collected and summarized efficiently and can provide useful clinical information. Recent applications of item response theory and computerized adaptive testing have enabled brief yet precise evaluation of patient status.


CONCLUSIONS
Measurement developments in health-related quality of life research may be applicable in sarcoidosis. Their application may aid in clinical assessment, detection of meaningful decline, and evaluation of the effectiveness of treatments for sarcoidosis.
Victorson
David E
DE
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA. d-victorson@northwestern.edu
Cella
David
D
Judson
Marc A
MA
D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000639:trends*; D011788:Quality of Life; D017565:Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy