Abstract: EP1374
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Clinical aspects of MS - MS symptoms
Background: Sexual dysfunction (SD) has been reported in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). However, in clinical practice SD is commonly underdiagnosed. The frequency of SD in pwMS, and its association with disability, anxiety, depression and fatigue has not been studied in Argentina so far. We aimed to assess SD frequency in pwMS and to investigate its association as possible associated risk factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study (MS = 202 and healthy volunteers (HV) = 200, matched for sex and age) based on self-administered questionnaires such as Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire (MSISQ-19), The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was performed in pwMS. In addition, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in women and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) in men were evaluated. Thus, we assessed the frequency of SD in pwMS and risk factors associated with SD in pwMS compared with HV.
Results: The frequency of primary, secondary and tertiary SD in pwMS was 81%, 87.3% and 75.2%, respectively. Both erectile dysfunction and female SD were significantly higher in pwMS than in HV (89% vs. 26% and 54% vs. 21%, respectively). Both males and females reported similar symptoms of SD. In addition, fatigue, anxiety and depression were significantly associated with pwMS in comparison with HV. Thirty (14%) pwMS had no sex at last 12 months. Only 45 (22.2%) pwMS had a discussion about sexual issues with their neurologist and 33 (16.3%) pwMS had counselling about sexual issues. Total MSISQ-19 scores were correlated significantly with fatigue (r 0.46), anxiety (r = 0.36), depression (r = 0.50), EDSS (r = 0.44), FSFI (r = - 0.57) and IIEF (r = - 0. 65).
Conclusion: SD frequency was very common among pwMS in Argentina. Physical and psychological factors previously mentioned have a negative impact on the sexual function. Therefore, an effective diagnosis and management for SD should be done in order to take actions to improve the quality of life of these patients.
Disclosure: ECC: nothing to disclose
JPP: nothing to disclose
AC: nothing to disclose
PAL: nothing to disclose
Abstract: EP1374
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Clinical aspects of MS - MS symptoms
Background: Sexual dysfunction (SD) has been reported in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). However, in clinical practice SD is commonly underdiagnosed. The frequency of SD in pwMS, and its association with disability, anxiety, depression and fatigue has not been studied in Argentina so far. We aimed to assess SD frequency in pwMS and to investigate its association as possible associated risk factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study (MS = 202 and healthy volunteers (HV) = 200, matched for sex and age) based on self-administered questionnaires such as Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire (MSISQ-19), The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was performed in pwMS. In addition, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in women and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) in men were evaluated. Thus, we assessed the frequency of SD in pwMS and risk factors associated with SD in pwMS compared with HV.
Results: The frequency of primary, secondary and tertiary SD in pwMS was 81%, 87.3% and 75.2%, respectively. Both erectile dysfunction and female SD were significantly higher in pwMS than in HV (89% vs. 26% and 54% vs. 21%, respectively). Both males and females reported similar symptoms of SD. In addition, fatigue, anxiety and depression were significantly associated with pwMS in comparison with HV. Thirty (14%) pwMS had no sex at last 12 months. Only 45 (22.2%) pwMS had a discussion about sexual issues with their neurologist and 33 (16.3%) pwMS had counselling about sexual issues. Total MSISQ-19 scores were correlated significantly with fatigue (r 0.46), anxiety (r = 0.36), depression (r = 0.50), EDSS (r = 0.44), FSFI (r = - 0.57) and IIEF (r = - 0. 65).
Conclusion: SD frequency was very common among pwMS in Argentina. Physical and psychological factors previously mentioned have a negative impact on the sexual function. Therefore, an effective diagnosis and management for SD should be done in order to take actions to improve the quality of life of these patients.
Disclosure: ECC: nothing to disclose
JPP: nothing to disclose
AC: nothing to disclose
PAL: nothing to disclose