Contributions
Abstract: P394
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Clinical aspects of MS - Clinical assessment tools
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease which produces multiple symptoms affecting quality of life (QOL). In Colombia, its effect on quality of life at the personal, family and social levels has not been explored extensively.
Objective: To describe the QOL of MS patients based on the domains of the generic instrument created by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Methods: An observational, descriptive study with a group of patients participating in an integral healthcare program from a specialized center between December, 2016 and February 2017. The WHOQOL-BREF instrument was applied, and each domain was scored from 0 to 100. The higher the score, the better the QOL. Likewise, a descriptive analysis of the instrument´s domains and the socio-demographic and clinical features was conducted. Categorical variables appeared as absolute and relative frequencies; continuous variables, in turn, appeared as the median and the interquartile range (IQR). The researchers adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki. Consequently, informed consent was obtained from the participants.
Results: A total of 173 patients were assessed, 80.3% (139) of which were women, with a median age of 43 years (IQR 35-51). In addition, 39% (68) were single, 35.8% (62) were employed and 30% (52) reported a decrease in their job performance caused by the disease. Relapsing-remitting MS was the most prevalent phenotype (82.1%). The median for the disease´s duration was 7 years (IQR 3.6-14). Similarly, 73.4% of the patients experienced no relapse during the last year, and 88.2% received disease modifying treatment. The most frequent clinical manifestations were fatigue (71.7%), sensory symptoms (54.3%) and risk of depression for 90.8% (Zung test). Moreover, 66.5% had an EDSS between 0 and 2, which is indicative of minimal disability. The Physical, Psychological, Social Relationships and Environment domains had median values of 44 (IQR 34.5-56), 69 (IQR 50-81), 56 (IQR 44-94) and 69 (IQR 56-88), respectively. Additionally, the median was 4 (IQR 3-4) for overall QOL, and 3 (IQR 3-4) for satisfaction with health.
Conclusion: as previously reported, physical health domain QOL is the most affected in patients with MS even with low EDSS and no relapses in the previous year; despite having a chronic and potential disabling disease, most patients are satisfied with their overall QOL.
Disclosure: The researchers declared no conflicts of interests
Abstract: P394
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Clinical aspects of MS - Clinical assessment tools
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease which produces multiple symptoms affecting quality of life (QOL). In Colombia, its effect on quality of life at the personal, family and social levels has not been explored extensively.
Objective: To describe the QOL of MS patients based on the domains of the generic instrument created by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Methods: An observational, descriptive study with a group of patients participating in an integral healthcare program from a specialized center between December, 2016 and February 2017. The WHOQOL-BREF instrument was applied, and each domain was scored from 0 to 100. The higher the score, the better the QOL. Likewise, a descriptive analysis of the instrument´s domains and the socio-demographic and clinical features was conducted. Categorical variables appeared as absolute and relative frequencies; continuous variables, in turn, appeared as the median and the interquartile range (IQR). The researchers adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki. Consequently, informed consent was obtained from the participants.
Results: A total of 173 patients were assessed, 80.3% (139) of which were women, with a median age of 43 years (IQR 35-51). In addition, 39% (68) were single, 35.8% (62) were employed and 30% (52) reported a decrease in their job performance caused by the disease. Relapsing-remitting MS was the most prevalent phenotype (82.1%). The median for the disease´s duration was 7 years (IQR 3.6-14). Similarly, 73.4% of the patients experienced no relapse during the last year, and 88.2% received disease modifying treatment. The most frequent clinical manifestations were fatigue (71.7%), sensory symptoms (54.3%) and risk of depression for 90.8% (Zung test). Moreover, 66.5% had an EDSS between 0 and 2, which is indicative of minimal disability. The Physical, Psychological, Social Relationships and Environment domains had median values of 44 (IQR 34.5-56), 69 (IQR 50-81), 56 (IQR 44-94) and 69 (IQR 56-88), respectively. Additionally, the median was 4 (IQR 3-4) for overall QOL, and 3 (IQR 3-4) for satisfaction with health.
Conclusion: as previously reported, physical health domain QOL is the most affected in patients with MS even with low EDSS and no relapses in the previous year; despite having a chronic and potential disabling disease, most patients are satisfied with their overall QOL.
Disclosure: The researchers declared no conflicts of interests