Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: is patient well-being related to anatomical manifestation?

PURPOSE: To date, there is no uniform staging system to quantify the extent of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). In scientific research on RRP, patient factor has not been leading in developing its potential staging system. Therefore, this report investigated the association between objective anatomical measurement and Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). METHODS: The extent of RRP was determined according to the Derkay score. Images from RRP patients were retrieved from laryngoscopic examinations (during phonation and respiration). Four laryngologists assigned Derkay scores independently. The RRP-specific Distress Thermometer & Problem List (DT&PL) was used as PROM. Derkay scores were compared to DT&PL scores using a linear mixed model. RESULTS: Eighty-eight pairs of images were studied. The linear mixed model analysis resulted in a regression coefficient of 0.54 (P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.28–0.80). The average inter-observer class correlation coefficient was 0.95 (95% CI 0.93–0.96). CONCLUSION: A moderate association was found between Derkay and DT&PL scores. Considering that RRP is a benign lesion, proper reflection of patient complaints is essential when staging the condition. Future research should consider the significance of the patient’s quality of life to develop a definitive staging method for clinical practice.