Quality of Life in Sarcoidosis

Abstract

AbstractHealth-related quality of life (HRQL) is an important aspect of patient evaluation. HRQL is particularly important in sarcoidosis, where treatment decisions are often based on HRQL impairment. HRQL assessment in sarcoidosis must take into account not only the direct effects of the disease but also the disease's psychosocial and emotional impact as well as the potential toxicity of therapy. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have been used to assess HRQL in sarcoidosis cohorts. Recent HRQL PROs have been developed that are sarcoidosis-specific and have adequate resolution to be used for monitoring individual patients potentially. In this article, the approach to HRQL assessment in sarcoidosis is discussed. This article focuses on the general approach to HRQL assessment, specific sarcoidosis issues concerning HRQL assessment, the construction of HRQL PROs, and their application in sarcoidosis. Several HRQL issues in sarcoidosis will be specifically highlighted, including parasarcoidosis syndromes, sarcoidosis-induced fatigue, and the impact of corticosteroid therapy.