Published: 04-12-2017

We searched the heoro.com database to identify the different patient-reported outcome instruments used in studies of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the geographical settings in which these studies were conducted and the interventions assessed. We ran the search from 1960 to 16th May 2017 and summarised the findings as an Evidence Map. 

Download a free copy of the Evidence Map here. To use the Map, open it in Microsoft Excel and enable macros.

We found a total of 70 abstracts that reported the use of 30 different PRO instruments. Of these, seven instruments were specific for PAH, two were designed for use in any respiratory disorder and three in heart failure, 13 were general instruments used to evaluate quality of life or utilities, one assessed the impact of treatments, and nine assessed symptoms or comorbidities of people with PAH or its underlying diseases.

Studies reporting PROs in pulmonary arterial hypertension: dates of publication by underlying diseases

The most frequently used tool was the SF-36 in 41 abstracts, followed by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (9), CAMPHOR (8), Borg Dyspnoea Index, EQ-5D  and St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (6 each). 

Studies reporting PROs in pulmonary arterial hypertension: PRO instruments used by underlying diseases

Studies generally recruited patients with any PAH (40 abstracts), CTEPH (10), but some studies focused on PAH only in patients with COPD (3), congenital heart disease (7) or systemic connective tissue/intestitial diseases (12). The main interventions assessed were  bosentan (12 abstracts) and sildenafil (6).

Studies reporting PROs in pulmonary arterial hypertension: interventions used by underlying diseases

The USA was the most frequent location for the studies, with 14 abstracts, followed by the UK (10) then Australia, Canada and France (4 each). 

Studies reporting PROs in pulmonary arterial hypertension: PRO instruments used by geographical location

A wide range of PRO tools have been used in studies of PAH, but most used the SF-36 with the US or UK the most common locations. 

Download a free copy of the Evidence Map here. To use the Map, open it in Microsoft Excel and enable macros.

We offer our Evidence Map generation service as part of our literature review consultancy work. To find out more, please contact heoro@crystallise.com.