Evaluating Health-Related Quality of Life, Work Ability, and Disability in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: An Unmet Need

摘要

To our knowledge, there are no specific and validated measures of quality of life (QoL) or degreenof disability for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). A review of the literature shows that,nwith the exception of one recently designed specifically for pulmonary hypertension, QoLnquestionnaires used in PAH studies are generic measures. These are selected because of sharednsymptoms that do not necessarily correlate well with functional or physiologic measures and havennot been validated for applicability in PAH.nIn this review, we present the available QoL tools for pulmonary artery hypertension andndescribe the need for more specific instruments that consider the physical and emotionalnimplications of the diseases associated with PAH and the impact of various treatment options. Wenalso discuss the impact of PAH on work ability and the need for provisions to address medicalndisability status and Social Security benefit status. (CHEST 2009; 136:597–603)