Abstract
Objective
(1) Assess the relationship between QoL, objective assessment and confounding factors. (2) Describe a model representing the severity of pathology and predicting potential responses from therapeutic interventions beyond Quality of Life measurements alone.
Methods
A cross-sectional study of allergic rhinitis (AR) patients, from a teritary rhinology clinic in 2007, with Modified Quantitative Testing (MQT) and Mini-Rhinoconjuctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (mRQLQ) assessments was performed. Correlation and regression analyses assessed the relationship of mRQLQ, MQT endpoints, and number of reactive antigens.
Results
47 patients (53% female, mean age 36.0 ± 16.3yrs) were assessed. Percentage of positive antigens was a significant factor that decreased mRQLQ (p=0.05). Maximal MQT endpoint (mMQT) correlates well to mRQLQ when controlled for percentage of positive antigens (p=0.038). In a regression analysis to predict mRQLQ, percentage of positive antigens and mMQT were good predictors (p=0.018 for percent positive antigens; p=0.038 for mMQT) and such a model was significantly linked to those factors (F=3.2, p=0.05).
Conclusions
Semi-quantitative measurement by MQT correlates with symptom severity in AR when broad reactivity does not exist. Adaptation in QoL scores may occur with more atopic individuals. A model for predicting QoL and symptom severity as measured by mRQLQ based upon MQT is presented. Such systems may enhance our ability to predict clinical outcomes, compare research cohorts, and better educate patients on treatment benefits.
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