Contributions
Abstract: EP1383
Type: ePoster
Abstract Category: Clinical aspects of MS - MS symptoms
Background: Sexual dysfunction (SD) is common in multiple sclerosis (MS). While SD significantly influences quality of life, physicians frequently overlook this potentially treatable condition. Thus, a more detailed assessment in clinical practice may aid diagnosis and consideration of treatment options.
Objectives: To assess prevalence and predictors of different forms of SD in Austrian MS patients using a validated questionnaire.
Methods: We used the German version of the 15-item Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire (MSISQ-15) (Foley et al. MSJ 2013). Consecutive patients at the outpatient clinic of a tertiary care center were requested to complete the questionnaire as part of their clinical visit. SD was grouped into mild, moderate and severe. We distinguished primary (CNS dysfunction that directly affects sexual feelings and/or sexual response), secondary (neurologic symptoms that indirectly impair the genital system) and tertiary (psychological aspects of MS) SD.
Results: 75 completed the questionnaire, 65% were women. Median time since diagnosis was 117 months (IQR 117) and median EDSS 2 (IQR 2.5). Overall, half of the patients had SD, the rate was higher in women (60.3 %). In detail, SD was primary in 32.4%, secondary in 35.2% and tertiary in 21.1%. Three severely affected questionnaire items were present more frequently in women (38.5% vs. 26.9%). The most common severe symptoms were bladder/urinary symptoms (women 13.3%) and lack of interest/desire (overall 21.9%). We found a correlation of EDSS and secondary SD, considering age, MS course and therapy duration (p< 0.001).
Conclusions: We corroborate a higher frequency and more severe manifestations of SD in women. Secondary SD increased with the level of clinical impairment, whereas this was not the case for tertiary SD. Notably, our data further support the necessity of comprehensive evaluation of SD in order to maintain contemporary patient care at an MS Outpatient Center.
Disclosure: Otto, F.: Dr. Otto received speakers" honoraria and travel support from Genzyme, Merck, Biogen-Idec, Novartis and Teva-Ratiopharm
Bacher, C: nothing to disclose
Chroust, V.: nothing to disclose
Karamyan A.: nothing to disclose
Oppermann Katrin: nothing to disclose
Reisp M.: nothing to disclose
Pilz, G.: Dr. Pilz has received speakers" honoraria and travel support from Teva-Ratiopharm and Genzyme.
Wipfler, P.: Dr. Wipfler travel support for scientific meetings and speaker"s honoraria from Genzyme, Merck Serono, Biogen-Idec, Bayer, Novartis and Sanofi-Aventis.
Sellner J.: Dr. Sellner received research funding from the Paracelsus Medical University, Bayer, Biogen-Idec, Merck and Novartis, has acted as paid consultant to Novartis and Genzyme, and has received speakers" honoraria from Biogen-Idec,
Ever Neuropharma, Genzyme, Novartis and Teva-Ratiopharm.
Abstract: EP1383
Type: ePoster
Abstract Category: Clinical aspects of MS - MS symptoms
Background: Sexual dysfunction (SD) is common in multiple sclerosis (MS). While SD significantly influences quality of life, physicians frequently overlook this potentially treatable condition. Thus, a more detailed assessment in clinical practice may aid diagnosis and consideration of treatment options.
Objectives: To assess prevalence and predictors of different forms of SD in Austrian MS patients using a validated questionnaire.
Methods: We used the German version of the 15-item Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire (MSISQ-15) (Foley et al. MSJ 2013). Consecutive patients at the outpatient clinic of a tertiary care center were requested to complete the questionnaire as part of their clinical visit. SD was grouped into mild, moderate and severe. We distinguished primary (CNS dysfunction that directly affects sexual feelings and/or sexual response), secondary (neurologic symptoms that indirectly impair the genital system) and tertiary (psychological aspects of MS) SD.
Results: 75 completed the questionnaire, 65% were women. Median time since diagnosis was 117 months (IQR 117) and median EDSS 2 (IQR 2.5). Overall, half of the patients had SD, the rate was higher in women (60.3 %). In detail, SD was primary in 32.4%, secondary in 35.2% and tertiary in 21.1%. Three severely affected questionnaire items were present more frequently in women (38.5% vs. 26.9%). The most common severe symptoms were bladder/urinary symptoms (women 13.3%) and lack of interest/desire (overall 21.9%). We found a correlation of EDSS and secondary SD, considering age, MS course and therapy duration (p< 0.001).
Conclusions: We corroborate a higher frequency and more severe manifestations of SD in women. Secondary SD increased with the level of clinical impairment, whereas this was not the case for tertiary SD. Notably, our data further support the necessity of comprehensive evaluation of SD in order to maintain contemporary patient care at an MS Outpatient Center.
Disclosure: Otto, F.: Dr. Otto received speakers" honoraria and travel support from Genzyme, Merck, Biogen-Idec, Novartis and Teva-Ratiopharm
Bacher, C: nothing to disclose
Chroust, V.: nothing to disclose
Karamyan A.: nothing to disclose
Oppermann Katrin: nothing to disclose
Reisp M.: nothing to disclose
Pilz, G.: Dr. Pilz has received speakers" honoraria and travel support from Teva-Ratiopharm and Genzyme.
Wipfler, P.: Dr. Wipfler travel support for scientific meetings and speaker"s honoraria from Genzyme, Merck Serono, Biogen-Idec, Bayer, Novartis and Sanofi-Aventis.
Sellner J.: Dr. Sellner received research funding from the Paracelsus Medical University, Bayer, Biogen-Idec, Merck and Novartis, has acted as paid consultant to Novartis and Genzyme, and has received speakers" honoraria from Biogen-Idec,
Ever Neuropharma, Genzyme, Novartis and Teva-Ratiopharm.