OBJECTIVE. When using Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in assessing outcomes of treatment, normative data for different diagnoses are needed to allow comparisons across existing and future studies. Aim of this study is to determine the SF-36 scores in patients with surgical lumbar spine problems. METHODS. This is a prospective observational study of consecutive surgical patients in one institution included within the framework of a national registry for lumbar spine surgery. In addition to SF-36 questionnaire responses, local pain, radiating pain, analgesic intake and walking ability were recorded, together with several other demographic variables. RESULTS. 451 patients, median age 52 (13-88) years, operated from 1998 to 2002 were included in the study. 49,7 % were males. Pre operative SF-36 scores were significantly lower than the normative values for normal population and patients with aspecific LBP, especially in physical domains. Significant but not very strong correlation was found between SF-36 scores and the other preoperative clinical variables recorded. SF36 profiles have been compared between several subgroups, categorized according to diagnosis or demographic characteristics, but no single strong effect was noted on all 8 domains. In most comparisons, subgroups showed a rather homogeneous pattern, different from patients with aspecific LBP CONCLUSION. HRQoL reported by patients scheduled for lumbar spine surgery was much worse when compared not only with that of the normal population but also with patients with aspecific LBP. Normative SF-36 values provided may now be used as a benchmark comparison in future studies of patients with lumbar spine disorders.
SF-36 scores in lumbar spine disorders: profiles and comparison with other chronic conditions
ZANOLI, Gustavo Alberto;
2003
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. When using Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in assessing outcomes of treatment, normative data for different diagnoses are needed to allow comparisons across existing and future studies. Aim of this study is to determine the SF-36 scores in patients with surgical lumbar spine problems. METHODS. This is a prospective observational study of consecutive surgical patients in one institution included within the framework of a national registry for lumbar spine surgery. In addition to SF-36 questionnaire responses, local pain, radiating pain, analgesic intake and walking ability were recorded, together with several other demographic variables. RESULTS. 451 patients, median age 52 (13-88) years, operated from 1998 to 2002 were included in the study. 49,7 % were males. Pre operative SF-36 scores were significantly lower than the normative values for normal population and patients with aspecific LBP, especially in physical domains. Significant but not very strong correlation was found between SF-36 scores and the other preoperative clinical variables recorded. SF36 profiles have been compared between several subgroups, categorized according to diagnosis or demographic characteristics, but no single strong effect was noted on all 8 domains. In most comparisons, subgroups showed a rather homogeneous pattern, different from patients with aspecific LBP CONCLUSION. HRQoL reported by patients scheduled for lumbar spine surgery was much worse when compared not only with that of the normal population but also with patients with aspecific LBP. Normative SF-36 values provided may now be used as a benchmark comparison in future studies of patients with lumbar spine disorders.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
