Evaluation of visual analog scales for the assessment of symptom severity in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis

Authors: Senti, Gabriela; Vavricka, Bettina M.P.; Graf, Nicole; Johansen, Pål; Wüthrich, Brunello; Kündig, Thomas M.

Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Volume 98, Number 2, February 2007 , pp. 134-138(5)

Publisher: American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content

Abstract:

Background: The severity of rhinoconjunctivitis is typically monitored by means of nasal provocation tests (NPTs), where the nasally applied allergens trigger symptoms that are recorded using a scoring system. However, NPTs are time-consuming and stressful for patients; therefore, recording of symptoms during natural allergen exposure on visual analog scales (VASs) is increasingly being used in clinical trials.

Objectives: To evaluate (1) the correlation between VAS symptom recording by patients during natural allergen exposure and symptom scoring by the physician during the NPT and (2) the possibility of replacing the more laborious and distressing allergen provocation tests with the more patient-friendly VAS.

Methods: A total of 119 patients with allergic rhinitis due to grass pollen were enrolled in the study between June 20, 2001, and January 31, 2002. Patients reported the severity of different seasonal symptoms on a VAS and underwent a NPT.

Results: No significant correlations between VAS and NPT scores were found. However, all the correlation coefficients between the symptom scores from the NPT and the corresponding symptom scores from the VAS were much higher for the female than the male subgroup.

Conclusions: The VAS does not correlate with the NPT and, therefore, cannot replace the NPT. However, the result may suggest it worthwhile to explore the role of sex in the perception of allergy symptoms.

Document Type: Original article

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$28.00 plus tax      Refund Policy

 

OR

Back to top

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content
Share this item with others: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Page Help Click here for Page Help
Shopping cart
Tools
Sign in






Need to register?
Sign up here
Text size: A | A | A | A