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Quality of life assessment in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Professor E J Irvine
Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Head, Division of Gastroenterology, St Michael’s Hospital, Room 16-052 Cardinal Carter Wing, 30 Bond St., Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada; irvinej{at}smh.toronto.on.ca

ABSTRACT
Health related quality of life (HRQoL) is determined by both disease and non-disease related factors. Several studies have reported significant HRQoL impairment in GORD patients compared with the general population. Disease severity correlates strongly with HRQoL. Non-disease features, such as the presence of anxiety and comorbid conditions, also negatively impact on HRQoL. Combining a generic and disease specific instrument may avoid missing unexpected outcomes and ensure recognition of all clinically important changes. Full validation of assessment tools is critical. Long term, as well as short term, evaluation is important and is critical when undertaking comparative pharmacoeconomic evaluations.

Keywords: gastro-oesophageal reflux disease; generic measurement instrument; health related quality of life

Abbreviations: HRQoL, health related quality of life; gastro-oesophageal reflux disease; PGWBI, psychological general well being index; QOLRAD, quality of life in reflux and dyspepsia; QALY, quality adjusted life year; HUI, health utilities index mark III; GSRS, gastrointestinal symptom rating scale; PCS score, physical component summary score; MCS score, mental component summary score