High-resolution computed tomography and health-related quality of life in Mycobacterium avium complex disease

Kyoto, Japan.

To validate the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) in pulmonary Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex disease and to analyse the significance of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings as determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after adjusting for clinical and physiological parameters.

Eighty-five patients completed the SGRQ, pulmonary function tests and other patient-reported measurements. HRCT findings were assessed using an established computed tomography (CT) scoring method.

The SGRQ was validated with good internal consistency, test-retest reliability and significant correlations with most physiological variables and other patient-reported measurements. White blood cell counts, C-reactive protein levels, sputum culture results, treatment history, total CT scores, and consolidation, cavity and lobar volume-decrease CT component scores were significantly correlated with the SGRQ total and component scores. Stepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that the consolidation, cavity and lobar volume-decrease component scores were correlated with the SGRQ total and/or component scores. The total CT scores had the strongest relationships with the SGRQ total scores among the various clinical parameters tested, including microbiological, radiological, physiological and laboratory findings (32.8% of variance).

HRCT findings, particularly consolidation, cavity and lobar volume-decreases, were the most significant clinical parameters related to patient HRQoL.