Evaluation of Graves’ ophthalmopathy-quality of life (GO-QOL) scores in a UK-based Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) cohort
Author: Simrun Virdee
Base Hospital / Institution: London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
ePoster presentation
Abstract ID: 24-354
Purpose
TED, often disfiguring and sometimes visually impairing, can lead to significant psychosocial and economic consequences. The 2016 European Consensus recommends the routine use of the GO-QOL to bridge the gap between patients’ lived experiences and clinicians’ assessment of TED severity.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study comparing GO-QOL visual functioning (VF) and appearance (A) subscale scores with patient demographics, clinical background and current clinical status, while also identifying the questions most indicative of their psychological state.
Results
152 consecutive patients completed 257 GO-QOL questionnaires over a 32-month period, with 59 (38.8%) multiple completers. The mean (± SD) GO-QOL scores in the mild versus non-mild disease cohorts for VF were 92.2 (± 15.2) versus 69.8 (± 29.0) and for A were 79.1 (± 22.3) versus 49.6 (± 30.5). The most common affirmatives were ‘experiencing a change in appearance’ (82.9%) and ‘influence on self-confidence’ (68.1%). Psychosocial impact was greatest in patients with moderate-to-severe disease, while functional impact was greatest in those with sight-threatening disease. 18.1% (21/116) of those who reported being drivers had a Gorman score ≥ 2. The mean duration of TED was 2.5 years, while some patients continued to suffer sequelae even after 15 years. VF and A scores decreased significantly with increasing disease severity, activity and diplopia, but improved significantly post-immunosuppression. Females had significantly lower A but not VF scores than males when adjusted for disease severity, activity and immunosuppression. Younger patients with moderate-to-severe disease had lower A scores than older patients, but no correlation was found between age and VF scores. East Asian and Caucasian patients had significantly higher VF and A scores than African-Caribbean patients.
Conclusion
The granularity of the GO-QOL offers insights into the priorities and biases of our TED patients and can help target appropriate treatments.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Malik | Moledina | London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust |
| Vickie | Lee | London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust |
