Neuropathic pain as independent predictor of worse quality of life in patients with diabetic neuropathy

Abstract

Introduction/Aim:The aim of this study was to examine influence of neuropathic pain on quality of life (QoL) in patients with diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) who did not have neither another diabetic complications nor any other significant comorbidities. Methods: Thirty two patients with DSPN and definitive neuropathic pain were compared with 32 patients with DSPN without neuropathic pain matched for age, gender, and duration of illness. Following scales were used: Pain Detect Questionnaire, Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs, Douleur Neuropatathique en 4 Question, Hamilton depression and anxiety rating scales, Neuropathy Impairment Score of the Lower Limb (NIS-LL), and SF-36 questionnaire. Results: Patients with neuropathic pain had significantly more severe DSPN measured with NIS-LL (p<0.01). Also, they were more likely to be engaged in physical work (p<0.05), and had more depression (p<0.05) than patients without neuropathic pain. Patients with neuropathic pain had significantly lower QoL in both physical and mental domains (p<0.01). Independent predictors of worse QoL in DSPN were presence of depression (beta=-0.58, p<0.01) and presence of neuropathic pain (beta=-0.23, p<0.05)-R 2 adjusted=0.48. Conclusion: Independent predictors of QoL in patients with DSPN were presence of depression and neuropathic pain, which signifies importance of early recognition and early treatment of these symptoms.