Optic Neuritis

Findings from University of Pennsylvania, Department of Neurology in multiple sclerosis quality of care reported

"Patients were tested binocularly using low contrast letter acuity and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity (VA) charts. The 25 Item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25), 10 Item Neuro-Ophthalmic Supplement to the NEI-VFQ-25, Impact of Visual Impairment Scale and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were administered. Among 167 patients, mean age was 48 (10) years, with median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 2.0 (range 1.0-7.5), and median binocular Snellen acuity equivalent (ETDRS charts) 20/16 (range 20/12.5 to 20/100). Reductions in vision specific HRQOL were associated with lower (worse) scores for low contrast letter acuity and VA (p <0.001, linear regression, accounting for age). Two line differences in visual function were associated, on average, with >4 point (6.7-10.9 point) worsening in the NEI-VFQ-25 composite score, reductions that are considered clinically meaningful. Scores for the 10 Item Neuro-Ophthalmic Supplement to the NEI-VFQ-25 also correlated well with visual function. Associations between reduced low contrast acuity and worse vision targeted HRQOL remained significant in models accounting for high contrast VA, EDSS and history of acute optic neuritis. Low contrast letter acuity scores correlate well with HRQOL in MS. Two line differences in scores for low contrast acuity and VA reflect clinically meaningful differences in vision targeted HRQOL," wrote E.M. Mowry and colleagues, University of Pennsylvania, Department of Neurology.

The researchers concluded: "Low contrast acuity testing provides information on patient reported aspects of vision, supporting use of these measures in MS clinical trials."

Mowry and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry (Vision related quality of life in multiple sclerosis: correlation with new measures of low and high contrast letter acuity. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, 2009;80(7):767-72).

For additional information, contact E.M. Mowry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Dept. of Neurology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA..

The publisher's contact information for the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry is: Springer, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA.

Keywords: United States, Philadelphia, Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Care, Diabetes, Diabetic Retinopathy, Endocrinology, Multiple Sclerosis, Neuroimmunology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, Quality of Care, Quality of Life, Surgery, Urology.

This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.