Impaired hand function and performance in activities of daily living in systemic lupus erythematosus, even in patients achieving lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS)

Abstract

Objective To examine hand function and performance in activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) vs healthy controls, and any associations with demographic and disease–related characteristics. Methods Hand function (grip strength, pinch strength, dexterity) and ADL performance were evaluated in 240 patients with SLE and 122 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Grip strength, pinch strength, and dexterity were measured by Jamar dynamometer, pinch gauge, and Purdue pegboard test, respectively. Self-reported ADL performance was assessed by Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Regression analysis was performed to assess the determinants of hand dysfunction. Results All hand function and ADL performance variables were significantly impaired in the entire SLE cohort and the subgroup of patients achieving lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) (n = 157) compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.05). Joint pain, often underestimated in SLE, was the major determinant of hand function and ADL performance in multiple regression models. In addition, age was correlated with grip strength and Purdue scores, gender with grip strength, arthritis with DASH and HAQ and immunosuppressives use with DASH, HAQ and grip strength. Similarly, in patients in LLDAS, painful joints correlated with DASH and HAQ, age with grip strength and Purdue (p < 0.001), gender with grip strength and immunosuppressives with HAQ and grip strength. Conclusion Hand function and daily activities performance are significantly impaired in SLE, even in patients who achieved LLDAS, suggesting the need for their evaluation and management in clinical practice.

Frequency of sarcopenia in Turkish women with systemic lupus erythematosus

“…16 In the study conducted by Keramiotou et al, it was found that arthritis was reported by 18% of the participants, while joint pain was indicated by 48% of them. 13 We believe that such a high rate is related to the presence of arthritis and arthralgia in about half of the group. The grip strength of the lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) group was higher than that of the non-LLDAS group.…”

Distinct cortical and subcortical predictors of Purdue Pegboard decline in Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonism

“…The Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) is objective, inexpensive, and easy to administer with high test-retest reliability 13 . Moreover, there are a wealth of studies evaluating PPT performance in Parkinsonism and other conditions 14 – 17 , as well as normative data for healthy aging individuals 18 . Recently, two large studies of patients with PD found a longitudinal decline in PPT performance as disease severity increased.…”