Qualities of Sore Throat Index (QuaSTI): measuring descriptors of sore throat in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

摘要

Aim: Patients with pharyngitis often describe various sensory, affective and evaluative pain qualities. Using an 11-word/phrase index, the Qualities of Sore Throat Index (QuaSTI), we characterized throat symptoms and evaluated changes in a randomized controlled trial (NCT01986361). Materials & methods: Patients received a single flurbiprofen 8.75 mg (n = 101) or placebo (n = 21) lozenge and rated throat soreness at baseline and regular intervals over 3 h, and the QuaSTI at baseline, 1,2 and 3 h post-treatment. Results: The QuaSTI distinguished active drug from placebo and detected clinically important (>2-point) changes over 3 h. Mean change from baseline over 3 h was significantly greater for flurbiprofen (154%) than placebo (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The QuaSTI is a sensitive instrument for measuring therapeutic effects in patients with pharyngitis.