AB1374 Performance of eq-5d, rapid-3 and hads scales in the assessment of quality of life and functional status in patients with erythema nodosum
Authors: N. Savushkina, V. Amirdjanova, O. Egorova, B. Belov
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2018)

<h3>Background</h3> Erythema nodosum (EN) is the typical example of a mostly <i>septal panniculitis</i> with no vasculitis. Sarcoidosis and streptococcal infection are considered to be the most common etiological factors. There are no special scales available for practitioners to assess the efficacy of EN treatment in spite of high disease prevalence in general population. Sensitivity, specificity and validity of EQ-5D, RAPID-3 and HADS questionnaires have been demonstrated in other rheumatic diseases. <h3>Objectives</h3> The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of EQ-5D, RAPID-3 and HADS scales in EN patients. <h3>Methods</h3> The study included 47 patients (45 females, 2 males) aged 37,6±11,2 y with mean EN duration 2,5<sup>1; 6</sup> months who were on the record at V. A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology during 2013–2017 yy. All patients filled in EQ-5D, RAPID-3 and HADS questionnaires at baseline (first visit) and 12 months later. The sensitivity of the questionnaires was assessed by comparing obtained scores with patient's response to therapy until achievement of nodular regression at the time of dynamic examination. The construct validity was determined using a correlation analysis with "external criteria", such as presence of artralgia/arthritis, palpatory tenderness of nodules assessed with VAS scale, ESR and CRP levels. <h3>Results</h3> Complete nodular regression was achieved in 39 patients. Positive post-treatment changes (nodular regression) correlated with improved EQ-5D (EQ-5D-index – p=0,005, EQ-5D-VAS – <i>p</i>=0,009) and HADS-anxiety subscale – p=0,02. No significant association was found for other questionnaires with <i>p</i> value<i>=</i>0,11 for RAPID-3 and p=0,69 for HADS-depression scale. Moderate correlation was established at control visit after 12 months (Mo12) between EQ-5D-index and nodular tenderness to palpation (r=–0,49, p<i>=</i>0,0001), between EQ-5D-index and ESR value (r=–0,55, p=0,0016), as well as between general health status assessed by VAS and nodular tenderness to palpation at baseline visit (r=–0,56, p=0,0001), indicating close association of data obtained by these assessment tools with objective physical and laboratory findings. There was also moderate correlation between functional RAPID-3 scores and nodular tenderness to palpation at Mo12 (r=0,37, p=0,0172) and ESR level (r=0,52, p=0,0002). These data demonstrate close association of assessment scales performance with objective health status. Moderate correlation was established for HADS-depression subscale scores with nodular tenderness to palpation in 12 moth after initiation of treatment (r=0,41, <i>p</i>=0,0077) and CRP value (r=0,34, p=0,025). There were no additional statistically significant correlations for RAPID-3 and HADS subscales with clinical and laboratory findings. <h3>Conclusions</h3> EQ-5D questionnaire is a valid and sensitive tool for assessment of quality of life in EN patients. <h3>Acknowledgements</h3> The study had no sponsorship. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared