Estudio de la calidad de vida en la esclerosis múltiple

Abstract

PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS Se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo y transversal con pacientes afectados de EM en nuestra área sanitaria. De un total de 519 pacientes con EM definida por neurólogos, tomando como referencia los criterios diagnósticos de McDonald et al [16]. Incluimos en el estudio a aquellos pacientes, con cualquier forma de evolución, que tuviesen una puntuación en la escala EDSS menor o igual a 9 y que se A STUDY OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN CASES OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS Summary. Aims. Our objective was to study the quality of life (QoL) in a sample of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) as measured by their scores on the QoL questionnaire SF-36 (Short Form 36 Health Survey) and its relationship with the extent of deterioration of the disease according to the EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale). Patients and methods. The QoL SF-36 scale was administered to 78 patients with defined MS. Those who had suffered outbreaks or whose condition had clearly deteriorated in the past 6 months were excluded, and variables such as age, sex and gait disorders, among others, were analysed. Patients were divided into three groups according to their degree of disability on the EDSS scale: group 1 (EDSS 0-3), group 2 (EDSS 3.5-5.5) and group 3 (EDSS > 6). Results. There were significant differences in the mean scores of groups 1 and 3 in several dimensions of the QoL questionnaire (p < 0.05): general state of health, emotional role, physical functioning, physical role and body pain. Differences were also observed in physical functioning and physical role in groups 1 and 2. In group 1, the dimensions with the lowest mean score were body pain and vitality. In group 3, the dimension with the lowest score was physical functioning. The health dimensions belonging to the realm of mental health were the ones that reflected the smallest difference according to the stage, since no statistical significance existed for dimensions such as vitality, social functioning or mental health. Body pain and vitality were more affected at an early stage (group 1) and the effects on physical functioning were stronger at a later stage (group 3). Conclusions. As the disease progresses (EDSS > 6), the dimensions of the QoL SF-36 questionnaire concerning physical health (physical functioning) become affected. Body pain and vitality are the most strongly affected dimensions in the early stages of the disease. These findings should be confirmed in a larger sample in order to provide them with a higher degree of validity.

The effect of functional limitations and fatigue on the quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis

“…The demographic analysis of this series shows that individuals with MS in Rio de Janeiro have demographic characteristics similar to those described in other regions of Brazil [23][24][25][26][27] and in the rest of the world 2,7,8,10,28,29 . From a clinical perspective, the value of EDSS measured after a mean duration of 8.4 years of the disease indicated mild disability in the majority of cases like Ferreira et al 25 .…”

“…Mean duration of the disease <10 years and the mild disability found in around two-thirds of cases justifies this result. Studies carried out by Janssens et al 8 and Delgado-Mendilívar et al 2 reported a decrease in the general health and vitality domains in series of patients who also had mild disability.…”

“…The disease generally affects young adults in the productive phase of their professional life and is considered an incapacitating disease 1 . Patients with MS are frequently affected by abnormalities in gait and motor signs that affect their quality of life (QoL) 2 . Various authors have clearly shown a de-crease in the QoL of patients with MS compared to control groups 3,4 .…”

“…Various authors have clearly shown a de-crease in the QoL of patients with MS compared to control groups 3,4 . The SF-36 scale has been widely used in QoL studies carried out in MS patients 2,[5][6][7][8][9][10] .…”

“…Among the factors that affect the QoL of the individual with MS are fatigue 6,11 , depression 7,11,12 , anxiety 12 , impaired physical and cognitive function, and disease progression 2 . Fatigue, disability and decreased sleep quality…”