The Use Of EQ5D For Assessment Of Health Related Quality Of Life And Its Determinants In Children With Complex Endocrine Conditions

Introduction: The routine assessment of Quality of Life (QoL) is rarely performed in the clinical paediatric endocrine and needs further exploration. Methods: Between October 2022 and December 2023, 216 patients (M:F, 134:82) with a median age of 11.8 yrs (10th,90th: 5.6, 16) completed a total of 227 EQ5D questionnaires which included an assessment of five dimensions (mobility, self-care, participation in usual activities, pain or discomfort and anxiety/depression) as well as a visual analogue scale (VAS) assessment of overall health. Additional data were collected to assess presenting complaint, clinic outcome and number of encounters and specialties involved in the patient’s care within the preceding 12 months. Results: The median VAS was 90/100 (65,100) whilst the median Dimensions score was 6/15 (5,10) for <16yrs and 7/15 (5,9) for >16yrs. The VAS score was negatively associated with the Dimensions score with the strongest correlation in >16yrs group, (r=-0.64, p=0.002). The best VAS and Dimensions scores were reported in the Early Puberty group at 99/100 and 5/15 respectively while the worst scores were reported in the Excess Weight group at 77.5/100 and 8/15, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, the number of specialties involved over the previous year was associated with a worse VAS score (p=0.001) and Dimensions score (p<0.001). Conclusions: The EQ5D can be used in paediatric endocrinology with a clear association with burden of illness as reflected by the complexity of the condition. EQ5D may represent a useful generic tool for the routine assessment of QoL in paediatric endocrinology.