Goals of Cappellini et al for a Disease Severity Scoring System (DSSS)

Description

Cappellini et al proposed a disease severity scoring system (DSSS) for non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). The goals of a DSSS for evaluating a patient were outlined. The authors are from the University of Milan, University College London, American University of Beirut, University of Athens, Mahidol University (Bangkok) and the University of Cagliari.

The goals of disease severity scoring system as a patient evaluation tool:

(1) to determine the patient’s status

(2) to classify disease subgroups

(3) to guide to the initiation of therapy

(4) to monitor disease progression

(5) to monitor the response to therapy (responsiveness)

(6) to compare outcomes for patients with similar disease activity

Additional goals not listed:

(1) to be independent of comorbid conditions (specific for target condition)

(2) to guide adjustments in therapy

(3) to predict course and prognosis

The usefulness of a score is dependent on how well it achieves these goals.

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