Fatigue in Daily Life in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Fatigue is a well-recognized complaint with major impact on daily life in primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Previous research has not taken into account several crucial aspects of fatigue. This study examined various aspects of fatigue in the daily life of patients with PSS and SLE and in healthy controls. We compared age-adjusted, repeated measurements of fatigue across the day of female patients with SLE (n = 20, mean age 43.4 +/- 11.3), with PSS (n = 28, mean age 53.7 +/- 13.9) and healthy participants (n = 30, mean age 50.5 +/- 13.4). General and physical fatigue was significantly higher in patients than in healthy participants. Groups did not differ with respect to average levels of reduced motivation or mental fatigue. Both general and physical fatigue and reduced activity varied significantly during the day. Adjusting for depressive symptoms, groups showed significantly different time courses during the day. In healthy participants and patients with SLE, fatigue first decreased and then increased, whereas a rather opposite course-at least for the first part of the day-was observed in patients with PSS. Using an ecologically valid assessment method, we demonstrated substantially higher levels of daily fatigue in SLE and PSS patients as compared to healthy participants, thereby jeopardizing these patients' quality of life. The effect of disease on variations in fatigue over the day should be the subject of further inquiry, especially as it might clarify underlying mechanisms.

Quality-of-Life Measurements Versus Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

“…This brings a new dimension to treatment response-one that may not necessarily correlate with reduction in disease activity and prevention of damage. Multiple common symptoms in SLE contribute to poor quality of life, including fatigue [3][4][5][6][7][8], depression [9][10][11], pain (including fibromyalgia [FM] pain) [12,13], sleep disturbances, and cognitive dysfunction [10, 14•].…”

Reliability and validity of the Fatigue Severity Scale in Swedish for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

“…It is reported in 50-90% of patients with SLE (5-8) and such patients reportedly have more fatigue than healthy people do (9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14). As fatigue influences quality of life (13), it is an important variable to assess in treatment interventions. Thus a reliable and valid instrument for measuring fatigue that can be used in SLE is much needed.…”

Integral Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

“…This therapy include exercise, rehabilitation programmes and cognitive behavioral therapy. (Godaert et al, 2002) Studies suggest aerobic exercise is effective for reducing fatigue in some people with SLE. This exercise includes low-impact aerobics, walking, cycling, and jogging.…”

“…(Bakshi 2003;Dittner et al, 2004 ;Godaert et al, 2002 ;Neill, 2005 ;Zifko, 2004). Researches for reducing fatigue in people with SLE are few and show strategies not completely effective in the long-term.…”