[A study of the quality of life in cases of multiple sclerosis]. / Estudio de la calidad de vida en la esclerosis múltiple.

AIMS: Our objective was to study the quality of life (QoL) in a sample of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) as measured by their scores on the QoL questionnaire SF-36 (Short Form 36 Health Survey) and its relationship with the extent of deterioration of the disease according to the EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The QoL SF-36 scale was administered to 78 patients with defined MS. Those who had suffered outbreaks or whose condition had clearly deteriorated in the past 6 months were excluded, and variables such as age, sex and gait disorders, among others, were analysed. Patients were divided into three groups according to their degree of disability on the EDSS scale: group 1 (EDSS 0-3), group 2 (EDSS 3.5-5.5) and group 3 (EDSS > 6). RESULTS: There were significant differences in the mean scores of groups 1 and 3 in several dimensions of the QoL questionnaire (p < 0.05): general state of health, emotional role, physical functioning, physical role and body pain. Differences were also observed in physical functioning and physical role in groups 1 and 2. In group 1, the dimensions with the lowest mean score were body pain and vitality. In group 3, the dimension with the lowest score was physical functioning. The health dimensions belonging to the realm of mental health were the ones that reflected the smallest difference according to the stage, since no statistical significance existed for dimensions such as vitality, social functioning or mental health. Body pain and vitality were more affected at an early stage (group 1) and the effects on physical functioning were stronger at a later stage (group 3). CONCLUSIONS: As the disease progresses (EDSS > 6), the dimensions of the QoL SF-36 questionnaire concerning physical health (physical functioning) become affected. Body pain and vitality are the most strongly affected dimensions in the early stages of the disease. These findings should be confirmed in a larger sample in order to provide them with a higher degree of validity.

Estudio de la calidad de vida en la esclerosis múltiple / A study of the quality of life in cases of multiple sclerosis

Objetivo. Estudiar la calidad de vida (CdV) de una muestra de pacientes con esclerosis múltiple (EM) en función de su puntuación en el cuestionario de CdV SF-36 (del inglés Short Form 36 Health Survey) y su relación con el grado de deterioro de la enfermedad según la escala EDSS (del inglés Expanded Disability Status Scale). Pacientes y métodos. Se cuantificó la escala de CdV SF-36 en 78 pacientes con EM definida. Se excluyeron a aquellos que sufrieron brotes o claro empeoramiento los últimos 6 meses, y se analizaron variables de edad, sexo, alteraciones de la marcha, entre otros. Se establecieron tres grupos, sobre la base de los grados de discapacidad en la escala EDSS: grupo 1 (EDSS 0-3), grupo 2 (EDSS 3,5-5,5) y grupo 3 (EDSS > 6). Resultados. Existen diferencias significativas en las puntuaciones medias de los grupos 1 y 3 en varias dimensiones del cuestionario de CdV (p < 0,05): salud general, rol emocional, función física, rol físico, y dolor corporal. También se encontraron diferencias para los grupos 1 y 2 en la función física y rol físico. En el grupo 1, las dimensiones con menor puntuación media fueron: dolor corporal y vitalidad. En el grupo 3, la de menor puntuación fue la función física. Las dimensiones de salud pertenecientes al ámbito de la salud mental fueron las que reflejaron una menor diferencia en función del estadio, puesto que no existe significación estadística para dimensiones como vitalidad, función social o salud mental. El dolor corporal y la vitalidad estarían más afectadas en un estadio temprano (grupo 1), y la función física en un estadio tardío (grupo 3). Conclusiones. A medida que progresa la enfermedad (EDSS > 6), se afectan las dimensiones del cuestionario de CdV SF-36 relacionadas con la salud física (función física). Dolor corporal y vitalidad serían las dimensiones más afectadas en un estadio temprano de la enfermedad. Estos resultados se deberían confirmar en una muestra más amplia para adquirir mayor validez (AU)

Aims. Our objective was to study the quality of life (QoL) in a sample of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) as measured by their scores on the QoL questionnaire SF-36 (Short Form 36 Health Survey) and its relationship with the extent of deterioration of the disease according to the EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale). Patients and methods. The QoL SF-36 scale was administered to 78 patients with defined MS. Those who had suffered outbreaks or whose condition had clearly deteriorated in the past 6 months were excluded, and variables such as age, sex and gait disorders, among others, were analysed. Patients were divided into three groups according to their degree of disability on the EDSS scale: group 1 (EDSS 0-3), group 2 (EDSS 3.5-5.5) and group 3 (EDSS > 6). Results. There were significant differences in the mean scores of groups 1 and 3 in several dimensions of the QoL questionnaire (p < 0.05): general state of health, emotional role, physical functioning, physical role and body pain. Differences were also observed in physical functioning and physical role in groups 1 and 2. In group 1, the dimensions with the lowest mean score were body pain and vitality. In group 3, the dimension with the lowest score was physical functioning. The health dimensions belonging to the realm of mental health were the ones that reflected the smallest difference according to the stage, since no statistical significance existed for dimensions such as vitality, social functioning or mental health. Body pain and vitality were more affected at an early stage (group 1) and the effects on physical functioning were stronger at a later stage (group 3). Conclusions. As the disease progresses (EDSS > 6), the dimensions of the QoL SF-36 questionnaire concerning physical health (physical functioning) become affected. Body pain and vitality are the most strongly affected dimensions in the early stages of the disease. These findings should be confirmed in a larger sample in order to provide them with a higher degree of validity (AU)