De Boer J, Sprangers M, Frissen J, Lange J, van der Ende M, Schreij G, Kauffmann R, Weigel H, Ten Napel C, Koopmans P; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1991 Jun 16-21; 7: 201 (abstract no. W.B.2078).
W.H.O Collaborating Center on Quality of Life, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of treatment with zidovudine (ZDV) monotherapy versus a combination of zidovudine and interferon-alpha (IFN) on quality of life. METHODS: The study is an integral component of multi-centre randomized clinical trial (N=40) comparing the efficacy and tolerance of ZDV vs ZDV/IFN in symptomatic HIV-infected patients (CDC IV). Quality of Life (QoL) is assessed by means of the EORTC core Quality of Life Questionnaire and an AIDS-specific module. They assess functional status, AIDS and treatment related symptoms, psychosocial functioning, and overall QoL. These questionnaires were administered prior to start of treatment and every 3 months thereafter. Treatment effects were calculated using paired and unpaired t-tests. RESULTS: 37 subjects (ZDV:17; ZDV/IFN:20) participated in the QoL study. At baseline and at follow-up, no significant differences were found between the two treatment conditions in terms of QoL parameters. At baseline, more than 50% of the patients reported a high degree of fatigue and emotional distress. After six months emotional distress was significantly reduced (paired t-test, p less than 0.005) and a better overall QoL was reported (p less than .05). CONCLUSION: Prior to start of treatment and at 6 months follow-up, QoL of the two treatment conditions was comparable. For the entire group, overall QoL and psychological well-being improved over time. We advocate inclusion of QoL measures when comparing potentially toxic treatments.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
- HIV Infections
- Humans
- Interferon-alpha
- Life
- Quality of Life
- Questionnaires
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
- United States
- Zidovudine
Other ID:
UI: 102192660
From Meeting Abstracts