Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2025
A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
Published on: February 7, 2015
Measurement Properties of Outcome Instruments for Large-Vessel Vasculitis: A Systematic Literature Review
Gonçalo Boleto1, Alvise Berti2, Peter A Merkel3
1G. Boleto, MD, Université de Paris, Hôpital Cochin, Department of Rheumatology, Paris, France; goncalo.boleto@aphp.fr.
Objective:
To systematically review the measurement properties of outcome instruments used in large-vessel vasculitis (LVV).
Methods:
MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus databases were searched for studies published from inception to July 14, 2020, that addressed measurement properties of instruments used in giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TA). The measurement properties of the instruments identified were collected following the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) and Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) frameworks. Instruments were grouped according to the following domains measured: disease activity/damage, organ function, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL)/health status.
Results:
From 3534 articles identified, 13 met the predefined criteria. These studies addressed 12 instruments: 4 specific to TA, 2 designed for all types of systemic vasculitis, and 6 non-disease-specific instruments. No instruments specific to GCA were identified. Regarding TA, the Indian Takayasu Clinical Activity Score (ITAS) showed very good consistency, adequate reliability, but doubtful validity for disease activity. The Disease Extent Index-Takayasu (DEI-Tak) showed adequate construct validity but doubtful discriminating validity for disease activity/damage. Instruments, including the Vasculitis Damage Index and the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score, were poorly assessed for disease activity/damage. In total, 6 non-vasculitis-specific patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments showed inadequate validity in GCA/TA.
Conclusion:
The measurement properties of 12 outcome instruments for LVV covering the OMERACT domains of disease activity/damage, organ function, and HRQOL were assessed. The ITAS and the DEI-Tak were the instruments with the most adequate measurement properties for disease activity/damage in TA. Disease activity/damage instruments specific to GCA, as well as validated PROs for both GCA and TA, are lacking.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:27Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above...
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:27Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests