Validation of EQ-5D and HADS indices to evaluate quality of life in patients with panniculitis

Objective: to assess the psychometric properties of EQ-5D and RAPID-3 indices in patients with panniculitis (PN). Subjects and methods. A total of 83 patients (80 women, 3 men) diagnosed with PN, followed up at the V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology in 2013-2015 were examined. The patients’ mean age was 43.4+13.9 years; median disease duration was 5 [2; 24] months. All the patients filled out the EQ-5D and RAPID-3 questionnaires during the first visit and 12 months later. The sensitivity of the questionnaires was assessed by comparing the index scores with the treatment response that was estimated by the achievement of nodular regression at the time of a follow-up examination. The construct validity was determined using a correlation analysis with external criteria. Results and discussion. Positive clinical changes (achievement of nodular regression) were correlated with improvement in EQ-5D and RAPID-3 scores. The median posttreatment change in EQ-5D index scores was 0.27 [0.12; 0.45] (p=0.005), and after treatment the RAPID-3 scores decreased by an average of 9.2+5.2 (p=0.0011). Assessing the validity of EQ-5D index scores in patients with PN revealed moderate correlations not only with clinical (nodular tenderness on palpation, as evaluated by a visual analogue scale, but also with laboratory (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein levels) parameters. The RAPID-3 function assessment index correlated with the clinical signs of PN. Conclusion. The EQ-5D and RAPID-3 questionnaires are valid and sensitive common instruments for assessing quality of life and functional status in patients with PN.