Assessment of health related quality of life in patients with thyroid diseases

Abstract

We analyzed data from the EQ-5D questionnaire to assess health related quality of life in patients with thyroid diseases. Response data on 26 patients (16 patients with nodular goiter, 10 patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases) and 11 healthy controls are summarized. Results: We found a moderate statistical dependence between the three investigated groups and the presence of pain (χ2=7.739; p=0.045; Cramer's V=0.337). We found a statistically significant difference between the three groups (patients with nodular formations, patients with thyroid autoimmune diseases and controls) and the index of health status. There was a statistically significant lower mean index of health status in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases (58) compared to healthy controls (80). In conclusion, evaluation the quality of life in patients with thyroid disorders by the use of the questionnaire EQ-5D for showed the presence of differences in both in patients with nodular goiter and in those with autoimmune thyroid diseases compared to controls. It is necessary to introduce in clinical practice specific and more detailed questionnaires to assess quality of life in patients with thyroid diseases and the effect of ongoing treatment.