Value of patient self-assessment in the diagnosis and monitoring of post-thrombotic syndrome: the Patient-Tracked Symptoms questionnaire

The post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a frequent and burdensome disease, but no gold standard test exists to diagnose it. The value of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in recording transient signs/symptoms, thereby possibly improving diagnosis/monitoring and subsequent clinical care in some diseases, is increasingly being recognized. For example, PROs have been successfully used in cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and endometriosis. In this context, we describe a patient-reported questionnaire (the Patient-Tracked Symptoms questionnaire) that contains questions on the presence of signs/symptoms of PTS. This questionnaire has face validity and was successfully used in the Home-LITE trial. It could prove valuable in monitoring patient symptoms, especially in home-based patients who do not have regular contact with hospital clinicians. Patients who report symptoms can then undergo follow-up assessment by health care professionals at their next clinic visit. The Patient-Tracked Symptoms questionnaire could help clinicians to recognize the PTS early, enabling them to initiate treatment promptly.