Systemic vasculitis and patient-reported outcomes: how the assessment of patient preferences and perspectives could improve outcomes.

Abstract

The systemic vasculitides are a group of multisystem diseases, which can be life and organ threatening. High-dose immunosuppressants are required to control inflammation in vital organs, such as the kidneys, lungs, skin, joints, and eyes. Patients report a range of impacts on their health-related quality of life due to symptoms, irreversible damage, and the adverse effects of medications. The measurement of patient perspectives within clinical studies in vasculitis is essential to capture outcomes of greatest importance to patients. Validated generic, disease-specific and symptom-specific patient-reported outcomes available for use in patients with systemic vasculitis are reviewed here.