The Use of EQ-5D for Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Determinants in Children with Complex Endocrine Conditions

The routine assessment of quality of life (QoL) is rarely performed in clinical paediatric endocrinology and needs further exploration.

Between October 2022 and December 2023, 216 patients (M:F, 134:82) with a median age of 11.8 years (10th, 90th: 5.6, 16) completed a total of 227 EQ-5D questionnaires, which included an assessment of 5 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 a complaint, clinic outcome and number of encounters and specialities involved in the patient's care within the preceding 12 months.

The median VAS was 90/100 (65, 100), while the median dimensions score was 6/15 (5, 10) for <16 years and 7/15 (5, 9) for >16 years. The VAS score was negatively associated with the dimensions score, with the strongest correlation in the >16 years 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 specialities involved over the previous year was associated with a worse VAS score (p = 0.001) and dimensions scores (p < 0.001).

The EQ-5D can be used in paediatric endocrinology with a clear association with burden of illness as reflected by the complexity of the condition. EQ-5D may represent a useful generic tool for the routine assessment of QoL in paediatric endocrinology.