Evaluation of quality of life and fatigue in radiologically isolated syndrome

Abstract

BackgroundRadiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) is a new subtype entity described at the very left of the demyelinating disease spectrum, where spatial dissemination of T2-weighted lesions can be documented on MRI in subjects with no history of neurological symptoms. ObjectivesThis study was a longitudinal assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and fatigue in RIS patients. MethodsNon-converted RIS patients were evaluated at the time of diagnosis, and at 1 and 2 years of follow-up; their scores were compared with scores in clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) patients and age-matched controls. ResultsSociodemographic characteristics were comparable at baseline. There was no statistical difference between RIS and CIS groups in terms of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) positivity or T2 lesion load. For HRQOL evaluations, RIS patients scored the same as controls, while CIS patients scored lower. Fatigue was detectable in both RIS and CIS patients compared with baseline and with controls. Mental HRQOL scores decreased significantly for RIS patients during follow-up. ConclusionHRQOL impairment and fatigue were detectable during follow-up in both non-converted RIS and CIS patients.