Comparison of two questionnaires measuring the health-related quality of life in patients with idiopathic interstitial pulmonary fibrosis

Objectives & nbsp;To compare two questionnaires that measure health-related quality of life (HRQL) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients.& nbsp;Background & nbsp;IPF is a disease with a progressive course as it is associated with high rates of mortality and a median survival rate of 3-4 years, so it severely affects the patient's quality of life. General and disease-specific questionnaires are available to assess HRQL.& nbsp;Patients and methods & nbsp;HRQL was measured in 30 previously diagnosed IPF patients using a general questionnaire [short form 36 and specific questionnaires - St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)]. Pulmonary function tests and 6-min walking distance test (6MWDT) were used to assess the patients' functional status. Dyspnea at rest was evaluated by baseline dyspnea index and after exercise by the modified Borg scale.& nbsp;Results & nbsp;Pulmonary function tests showed a restrictive pattern, a decline in the exercise capacity of the patient (6MWDT), and higher scores of dyspnea at rest and following exercise. Both questionnaires showed a good correlation with some of patients' functional parameters but all of the SGRQ domains showed a strong correlation with all functional status parameters. Also, a good correlation with HRQL was presented by 6MWDT and baseline dyspnea index.& nbsp;Conclusion & nbsp;Specific SGRQ is a more suitable instrument for HRQL assessment in IPF patients than the general questionnaire (short form 36).