However , the 4 generic scales would benefit from further validation in patients with RA , the VAS requires st and ardization , and the MAF would benefit from further sensitivity data .
OBJECTIVE Fatigue is an important outcome for patients with rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) .
The purpose of this study was to identify the scales being used to measure RA fatigue , and to systematic ally examine the evidence for their validation .
Validation of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale relative to other instrumentation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
OBJECTIVE This study vali date d a brief measure of fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) , the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy ( FACIT ) Fatigue Scale . METHODS The FACIT Fatigue was tested along with measures previously vali date d in RA : the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue ( MAF ) and Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 ( SF-36 ) Vitality . The sample included 636 patients with RA enrolled in a 24 week double blind , r and omized clinical trial ( RCT ) of adalimumab versus placebo . RESULTS The FACIT Fatigue showed good internal consistency ( alpha = 0.86 to 0.87 ) , strong association with SF-36 Vitality ( r = 0.73 to 0.84 ) and MAF ( r = -0.84 to -0.88 ) , and the ability to differentiate patients according to clinical change using the American College of Rheumatology ( ACR ) response criteria ( ACR 20/50/70 ) . Psychometric performance of the FACIT Fatigue scale was comparable to that of the other 2 fatigue measures . A minimally important difference in FACIT Fatigue change score of 3 - 4 points was confirmed in a separate sample of 271 patients with RA enrolled in a second double blind RCT of adalimumab versus placebo . CONCLUSION The FACIT Fatigue is a brief , valid measure for monitoring this important symptom and its effects on patients with RA
However , the 4 generic scales would benefit from further validation in patients with RA , the VAS requires st and ardization , and the MAF would benefit from further sensitivity data .
OBJECTIVE Fatigue is an important outcome for patients with rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) .
The purpose of this study was to identify the scales being used to measure RA fatigue , and to systematic ally examine the evidence for their validation .