Validity of the disease repercussion profile in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

The Disease Repercussion Profile (DRP) was developed for use with patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and has been shown to be a valid and clinically useful assessment of patient-perceived handicap. This study aimed to determine whether the Disease Repercussion Profile was also suitable for use with patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Sixty patients with a definite diagnosis of SLE from a consultant rheumatologist were recruited into the study. They completed a series of questionnaires that assessed quality of life, depression, anxiety, attitudes towards the illness and the DRP. Results showed that patients with SLE endorsed each of the six spheres of the DRP as being frequently affected by their illness. Activity was most often endorsed. Both relationships and social activity were equally frequently adversely affected, and more often affected than the remaining spheres of finance, emotions and appearance. However, as in RA, when any area of function was affected, it was rated as very important to the individual. Indicators of quality of life were reliably related to all areas of function, as was depression and attitudes towards illness. The present study indicates that the DRP does have relevance for patients with SLE. Strong correlations between quality of life indicators, depression, attitudes towards illness and DRP subscales and total score indicate that this measure is a valid tool to assess the effect of illness on individuals with SLE.