Quality of life in patients with recurrent acute tonsillitis as measured with the TOI-14 instrument

In order to measure cost-utility in health economics, health states need to be modeled. The aim of this study was to create a basic model for the therapy of recurrent acute tonsillitis.

Our prospective study took place at our Department of Otorhinolaryngology from June 2018 until November 2019. During this period of time, patients hospitalized for an acute tonsillitis (group 1) or a peritonsillar abscess (group 2) were included. Furthermore, patients receiving a tonsillectomy were included and questioned six month postoperatively (group 3).

Overall, 64 patients were included. There were no differences in-between group (1) and (2) in the subcategories “throat problems” and “overall health”. In the subcategories “resoures” and “social-psychological restrictions”, group (2) reported fewer constraints in their quality of life. Group (3) reported a higher quality of life in all items.

Our findings indicate that clinical symptoms lower the quality of life in patients with an acute tonsillitis or a peritonsillar abscess equally. However, psychosocial factors lead to a substantial decrease in a patient´s quality of life when suffering from a recurrent acute tonsillitis. Patients receiving a tonsillectomy did score better in all items in the follow-up.

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020