title: Validation of a visual analogue score (LRTI-VAS) in non-CF bronchiectasis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Quality of life in patients with non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis is largely defined by respiratory symptoms. To date, no disease-specific tool for symptom measurement in this patient group was available. We developed the lower respiratory tract infections - visual analogue scale (LRTI-VAS) in order to quickly and conveniently quantify symptoms in non-CF bronchiectasis. This study aimed to validate LRTI-VAS for use in non-CF bronchiectasis.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study included outpatients with radiologically proven bronchiectasis and no evidence of CF. Results of LRTI-VAS were compared with other markers of disease activity {lung function parameters, oxygen saturation and three health-related quality of life questionnaires [Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), St Georges Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ)]} and validity, reliability and responsiveness were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty stable and 30 exacerbating participants completed the LRTI-VAS questionnaire. When testing for repeatability on two separate occasions, no statistically significant difference between total scores was found {1.4 [standard deviation (SD)] 5.3}, P = 0.16). Internal consistency was high across items (Cronbach's alpha 0.86). Correlation with SGRQ, SF-36 and LCQ total scores was high. Following antibiotic treatment, mean (SD) LRTI-VAS total score improved from 18.1 (SD 9.9) to 26.1 (SD 6.6) (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LRTI-VAS showed excellent validity, reliability and responsiveness to change and therefore appears a reliable tool for symptom measurement in non-CF bronchiectasis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Alkmaar Medical Centre, Alkmaar, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Josje
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Altenburg
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Alkmaar Medical Centre, Alkmaar, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wortel
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Alkmaar Medical Centre, Alkmaar, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Casper S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: de Graaff
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Tjip S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: van der Werf
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Alkmaar Medical Centre, Alkmaar, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Wim G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Boersma
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001987:Bronchiectasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D003371:Cough / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D064232:Visual Analog Scale
keywords: exacerbations; non-CF bronchiectasis; quality of life; questionnaire