220
construct validity in both cross-sectional and longitudinal samples by yielding strong
correlations with the JADAS [ 19 ] and fair correlations with JIA outcome measures
not included in the indices. Furthermore, they exhibited good construct validity, dis-
criminant validity, responsiveness to clinical change, and reliability in a large patient
population.
Summary and Conclusions
In spite of their popularity and widespread use, most of the instruments used to
assess PCROs have remained essentially research tools and are not routinely admin-
istered in most pediatric rheumatology centers. One of the reasons that may explain
why these evaluations are uncommonly performed in daily clinical care is the length
and complexity of some questionnaires, particularly those used for the assessment
of physical function and HRQOL. Therefore, there is the concern that their regular
administration may interfere with offi ce routine and time management, with conse-
quent increased costs and time.
Research in the fi eld should therefore aim to simplify the assessment in order to
facilitate the widespread use in routine clinical practice while maintaining the sci-
entifi c integrity of the tools.
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