Validation of the Achalasia Patient-Reported Outcomes Questionnaire

John E. Pandolfino, Dustin A. Carlson, Josie McGarva, Peter J. Kahrilas, Michael Vaezi, David Katzka, Tiffany H. Taft*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Achalasia is a debilitating major motor disorder of the oesophagus. Hypervigilance and symptom-specific anxiety substantially impact dysphagia symptom reporting, and quality of life is a critical patient outcome. Earlier achalasia symptom scales did not consider these constructs in their psychometric development. Aim: To develop a new symptom measure, the Achalasia Patient-Reported Outcomes (APRO) Questionnaire. Methods: Four gastroenterologists with achalasia expertise generated preliminary items. Patients reviewed items via cognitive interviews. Patients undergoing high-resolution manometry completed the APRO with Oesophageal Hypervigilance and Anxiety Scale, Northwestern Oesophageal Quality of Life Scale, and three measures of reflux and dysphagia. Full APRO psychometric assessment (reliability, validity, factor structure) was done. Cluster analysis evaluated APRO + symptom-anxiety/hypervigilance patient phenotypes. Results: We included 961 patients with normal motility and 296 with achalasia. The APRO yielded three subscales: dysphagia, reflux, chest pain with two items for weight change and diet modifications. Reliability and validity were excellent. Twenty-five percent of achalasia patients may have high levels of anxiety/hypervigilance despite low symptoms, while 8% may report severe symptoms with low anxiety/hypervigilance. The APRO significantly predicted quality of life, but less cognitive-affective processes. Conclusions: The APRO is a reliable and valid measure of achalasia symptoms that addresses the limitations of existing questionnaires. Symptom anxiety and hypervigilance moderate the relationship between APRO and quality of life; 33% of patients with achalasia exhibit concerning patterns in symptom severity, anxiety and hypervigilance that may contribute to poorer outcomes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1434-1443
Number of pages10
JournalAlimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Volume56
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2022

Funding

This study is funded by NIH‐NIDDK 1P01DK117824‐01. This study is funded by NIH-NIDDK 1P01DK117824-01.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology (medical)
  • Hepatology

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