Correlation of measures of pain, function, and overall response: results pooled from two identical studies of etoricoxib in chronic low back pain.

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN:

Assessment of correlation of measures of low back pain (LBP) using data pooled from 2 identical studies.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the relative responsiveness of and correlation between various measures of LBP, including the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), the LBP intensity (LBPI) visual analog scale (VAS), and patient's global assessment of response to therapy (PGART).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:

Several tools are available to measure pain, functional limitation, and response to therapy for LBP. Studies have shown varying degrees of responsiveness and correlation.

METHODS:

This was a pooled subgroup analysis of patients with chronic LBP from 2 identical studies comparing etoricoxib 60 mg, 90 mg, and placebo. LBP was assessed by the time-weighted average change from baseline over 12 weeks as measured by RMDQ, LBPI VAS, and PGART. Correlation was calculated using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

RESULTS:

The correlation (r) between LBPI and RMDQ changes ranged from 0.657 and 0.703; correlations between LBPI and PGART changes ranged from 0.677 and 0.738. Cutpoints separating responders from nonresponders for all 3 measures fell near the 66.7th percentile of response and were consistent with minimal clinically significant changes identified in the literature.

CONCLUSION:

In this study, the RMDQ, LBPI VAS, and PGART showed a high degree of correlation in measuring response to therapy in LBP, suggesting clinicians may be able to simplify assessments.

• Authors: Eric A Sheldon, Steven R Bird, Steven S Smugar, Andrew M Tershakovec
• Journal: Spine (Spine (Phila Pa 1976)) Vol. 33 Issue 5 Pg. 533-8 (Mar 01 2008) ISSN: 1528-1159 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18317199 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
• Pyridines
• Sulfones
• Etoricoxib

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Chronic Disease
• Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors (administration & dosage)
• Disability Evaluation
• Etoricoxib
• Female
• Humans
• Low Back Pain (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pain Measurement
• Pyridines (administration & dosage)
• ROC Curve
• Sulfones (administration & dosage)
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Treatment Outcome