The value of a patient global assessment in management of sarcoidosis

Abstract The patient global assessment (PGA) is a reported outcome instrument used to gauge the patient’s well-being. We performed a prospective study of patients seen at the University of Cincinnati Sarcoidosis Clinic. Two groups were studied: those at first visit during the time period (Initial) and those seen at least one more time by the same physician (Follow-up). A total of 1006, including 677 Initial visits, occurred during the six month period. Patients who initiated or increased their anti-inflammatory therapy had a significantly lower mean PGA score (ANOVA P<0.001, p<0.05 for increased versus all others). There was no significant difference in initial PGA score based on race, sex, or age. The change in PGA was significantly lower for those who increased medication (ANOVA P<0.001, increased different from all others, p<0.05). The PGA was significantly lower for patients who increased anti-inflammatory therapy initially or at follow-up, however there was overlap between groups.