Wachtel and colleagues administered a brief 20-item questionnaire to patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) to measure their functional status and well being (health-related quality of life). The frequency of constitutional symptoms, neurologic symptoms, dyspnea, and diarrhea had steep gradient effects on physical function, social function, mental health, pain, and general health perception. Symptomatic AIDS was much more devastating than were the effects of other diseases. More attention should be directed to controlling symptoms among patients with AIDS. The use of functional status and well-being measures in everyday medical practice can significantly enhance the effectiveness of medical care.
