Psychometric evaluation of the myasthenia gravis composite using Rasch analysis

Muscle Nerve. 2012 Jun;45(6):820-5. doi: 10.1002/mus.23260.

Abstract

Introduction: The MG Composite (MGC) is a validated outcome measure of the clinical manifestations of myasthenia gravis.

Methods: We performed Rasch analyses of the MGC to investigate additional properties, including its unidimensionality and the appropriateness of the weights assigned to the response categories for the MGC items.

Results: The fit statistics indicated that the 10 items belong together and can be summated for a total score. There was an overall absence of item order distortion between response categories. The Rasch model's expected category response values were compatible with item weights previously assigned.

Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that: (1) the score can be summated to estimate an overall disease severity score; (2) the response options of the 10 items are not significantly distorted; and (3) the assigned weights of the response options are appropriate.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Disability Evaluation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myasthenia Gravis / diagnosis*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / physiopathology
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care*
  • Psychometrics
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Severity of Illness Index*