Health-related quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients with accompanying diseases

Abstract

Introduction : Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive demyelinating neurologic disease characterized by a different extent of comorbidity. Everydaily life is challenging for these patients because of physical and psychological impairments. The purpose of this study was to comparatively analyze the relationships between several health-related quality of life aspects of MS patients` in case of accompanying diseases. Material and methods : Health-related uality of life of 80 MS patients, 56 females and 24 males, at a mean age of 49 years, was examined by means of Short Form-36 questionnaire. Forty patients presented with at least one accompanying chronic disease. Results : These patients presented with similar Expanded Disability Status Scale scores of 2.0 or 2.5. Most questionnaire scores differed between MS patients without and with comorbidity. Usually, comorbidity additionally worsened patients` quality of life. There were statistically significant differences between the patients with MS alone and those with MS and comorbidity concerning the depression ( t =5.877; p<0.0001); the troubles with concentration/thinking ( t =4.822; p<0.0001); the troubles with memory ( t =4.020; p<0.0001); the feeling of fatigue ( t =4.148; p<0.0001), and the feeling of happiness ( t =-3.399; p<0.001). Conclusion : The hot topic of the health-related quality of life of the patients with MS and comorbidities necessitates further interdisciplinary research. Correct treatment and follow-up of MS patients and particularly of those with common accompanying cardiovascular and other neurological diseases could contribute to long-lasting preservation of acceptable individual quality of life.