Validation of paediatric quality of life inventoryTM (PedsQLTM) generic core scales 4.0 in Chinese patients with idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract

Introduction: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with idiopathic scoliosis is important, as the disease onset occurs during prepubertal and pubertal growth. Currently there is a lack of generic instrument for these younger patients, and patient-perceived outcome measures have shortcomings. Thus, we aimed to validate the use of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) in local patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Methods: Paediatric patients with and without idiopathic scoliosis were consecutively recruited at outpatient clinics. Patients were asked to complete PedsQL (8-12 years or 13-18 years, depending on age), the youth version of EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D-Y), and the refined Scoliosis Research Society–22 (SRS-22r) patient questionnaires. Scores were compared between the patients with and without scoliosis. Sensitivity of PedsQL was explored using EQ-5D-Y dimensions, and its correlation with SRS-22r questionnaire was examined. Results: A total of 566 patients were recruited, 63.0% of them with scoliosis. The total mean scores of PedsQL were 90.6 ± 9.6 (8-12 years) and 87.7 ± 10.9 (13-18 years) with no floor/ceiling effects (<15%). Significantly higher PedsQL summary and total scores were detected in the patients with scoliosis than in those without scoliosis. Among patients with scoliosis, all PedsQL scores were lower (p<0.05) for those with problems in the five dimensions of EQ-5D-Y. The PedsQL correlated with SRS-22r only for patients with scoliosis. Conclusion: The PedsQL was sensitive in patients with scoliosis who perceived themselves as having problems in mobility, self-care, doing usual activities, having pain or discomfort, and feeling worried, sad, or unhappy. Together with its minimal floor and ceiling effects and its correlation with SRS-22r, PedsQL was found to be useful in reflecting HRQoL of paediatric patients with idiopathic scoliosis.