Citation

Kosty J, Macyszyn L, Lai K, McCroskery J, Park HR, Stein SC. J. Neurotrauma 2012; 29(7): 1322-1327.

Affiliation

University of Pennsylvania, Neurosurgery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States; jennifer.kosty@gmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Mary Ann Liebert Publishers)

DOI

10.1089/neu.2011.2222

PMID

22339668

Abstract

There has recently been a call for the adoption of comparative effectiveness (CER) and related research approaches in studying traumatic brain injury (TBI). These methods allow researchers to compare the effectiveness of different therapies in producing patient-oriented outcomes of interest. Heretofore, the only measures by which to compare such therapies have been mortality and rate of poor outcome. Better comparisons can be made if parametric, preference-based quality of life (QOL) values are available for intermediate outcomes, such as those described by the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE). Our objective was therefore to determine QOL for the health states described by the GOSE. We interviewed community members at least 18 years of age using the standard gamble method to assess QOL for descriptions of GOSE scores 2-7 derived from the structured interview. Linear regression analysis was also performed to assess the effect of age, gender, and years of education on QOL. One hundred and one participants between the ages of 18 and 83 were interviewed (mean 40 ± 19) years, including 55 men and 46 women. Functional impairment and QOL showed a strong inverse relationship, as assessed by both linear regression and the Spearman rank order coefficient. No consistent effect or age, gender, or years of education were seen. As expected, QOL decreased with functional outcome, as it is described by the GOSE. The results of this study will provide the groundwork for future groups seeking to apply CER methods to clinical studies in TBI.

Language: en