AB0672 Functional capacity and quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis – data from Moscow register of patients with systemic sclerosis

Abstract

BackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem, connective tissue disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organ involvement, which can influence quality of life and functional capacity. SSc patients show some problems associated with reduced quality of life.ObjectivesSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem, connective tissue disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organ involvement, which can influence quality of life and functional capacity. SSc patients show some problems associated with reduced quality of life.MethodsIn total, 51 patients with SSc were included: 50 women and 1 man (mean age: 63,2 ± 10,1 year, limited SSc 28/diffuse SSc 23, median duration since first non-Raynaud symptom: 10,1 years) who fulfilled the ACR/EULAR classification criteria (2013), filled in questionnaires assessing disability (HAQ, Health Assessment Questionnaire) and quality of life (SF-36, Medical outcomes study Short Form 36 - Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary).ResultsAverage HAQ in patients with limited and diffuse SSc was 0,66±0,58 and 0,9±0,59. Data analysis showed that 59% of the patients were in the mild to moderate HAQ disability category (0 ⩽ HAQ < 1), 39% in the moderate to severe disability category (1 ⩽ HAQ < 2), and 2% in the severe to very severe disability category (2 ⩽ HAQ ⩾ 3). The SF36 mean scores of the total group were 34,8±8,7 on the Mental Component Summary and 37,0±13,1 on the Physical Component Summary.ConclusionSsc and its complications decrease quality of life and functional capacity. Although validated in SSc, the HAQ disability index underestimates respiratory failure due to interstitial lung disease, gastrointestinal symptoms, cardiovascular complications and severity of Raynaud phenomenon. Alternative measures of functional impairment should be examined. Health-related quality of life, which was assessed by the SF-36 is reduced in both physical and mental domains. It should be taken into account by clinicians for further improvement of treatment and development rehabilitation program.