There is a lack of validated tools to measure
fatigue in patients with inflammatory skin, neuropsychiatric, and medical disorders. The use of nonvalidated tools may compromise the quality of data. The purpose of this meta-review was to evaluate existing
fatigue scales commonly used to assess
fatigue in other inflammatory conditions and to identify if there are scales that have been validated in dermatologic conditions. The PubMed/MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases were systematically searched from inception through March 10, 2020, in accordance with the
PRISMA statement. Validated tools were identified and assessed according to their main measurement properties. The literature search identified 403 references, and eight studies were eligible and assessed in this review. The unidimensional
fatigue scales included were the Functional Assessment of
Chronic Illness Therapy -
Fatigue (FACIT-F), Brief
Fatigue Inventory,
Fatigue Severity Scale, Numerical Rating Scale -
Fatigue, and Visual Analog Scale -
Fatigue. The multidimensional
fatigue scales found were the Checklist Individual Strength, Chalder
Fatigue Scale, Multidimensional Assessment of
Fatigue, Multidimensional
Fatigue Inventory Scale, and Piper
Fatigue Scale. To measure
fatigue, a brief scale with the ability to detect change is needed as there is a growing interest in evaluating this dimension of treatment response. In addition, a good content validity is also needed. From this systematic review, none of the selected scales have had content validation, even though the FACIT was validated in patients with
psoriatic arthritis. Validation studies in specific disorders are urgently warranted.