Fatigue Severity Scale Score Research Articles

Employment status of multiple sclerosis patients in Japan

Aims We conducted a questionnaire survey on Japanese MS patients to determine the relationship of fatigue, depression, and physical activity limitations with the employment status. Materials and Methods The study was conducted to assess the Patient Reported Outcome of MS patients treated with disease modifying drug ≥6 months by recruiting MS patients from a web-based patient panel. Multiple regression analysis was performed by using items described in the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire-General Health Version 2.0 (WPAI-GH) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (Self-Report) (QIDS-SR), and Patient Determined Disease Step (PDDS). Results Employment rates decreased after MS development and were more pronounced in the group with advanced physical disability with PDDS score ≥ 3. Health-related activity limitations were higher with advanced disability. In the analysis of the 5 subdomains of WPAI-GH by FSS score, the domains “due to health reasons”, “disability rates during work”, “overall work disability among the employed”, and” health-related limitations” all increased with higher FSS scores.” In WPAI-GH by QIDS-SR, the work disability rate was higher in the depressed group than in the normal group, and health-related activity limitations increased with the greater depression. Limitations This is a cross-sectional survey and data are based on PRO, hence are subjective and are collected based on patients' overall responses. Some bias could be attributed to memory and literacy rates as this is an online survey. Conclusions The results suggested that the onset of MS prevented patients from working and forced them to resign from their jobs or give up full-time work. The rate of employment tended to be lower in the group with advanced limitations; suggesting that controlling the progression of limitations may lead to lower turnover, and the rate of health-related activity limitations was correlated with the degree of physical activity limitations, depression, and fatigue, respectively.

Effectiveness of multifaceted interventions including motivational interviewing and home-based rehabilitation program for improving mental and physical health in stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIn Vietnam, early screening and intervention for post-stroke mental health are limited, with rising demand for home-based rehabilitation due to the scarcity of inpatient programs. ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of multifaceted interventions, including Motivational Interviewing and home-based rehabilitation, in improving the mental and physical health of stroke patients. DesignA randomized controlled trial at the Vietnam National Geriatric Hospital assessed a multi-intervention approach for stroke survivors from 2021 to 2022. Ninety-two participants (aged over 45 with a stroke diagnosis) were randomly assigned to an intervention group (Motivational Interviewing and home-based rehabilitation) or a control group (standard care), with 46 participants in each group. Outcomes for mental health (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Fatigue Severity Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination) and physical health (Barthel Index) were measured at baseline and after 1, 3, and 6 months. Statistical analyses used t-tests, Cohen's d, and repeated measures ANOVA. ResultsOver 6 months, 37 participants completed the intervention program. Baseline characteristics were similar except for age, lesion locations, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores. The intervention group showed significant improvements in mental health and physical function. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores decreased from 9.1 to 1.8, and Fatigue Severity Scale scores dropped from 28.5 to 17.8, while Barthel Index scores improved from 58.8 to 68.8 (p < 0.001). ConclusionsWe found that participants who underwent Motivational Interviewing therapy and home-based rehabilitation were more likely than those receiving standard care to experience substantial improvements in both mental and physical health metrics. RegistrationThe research protocol was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov on August 1, 2021 (Identifier: NCT04941482, link: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04941482).

Standardized Approach to Pediatric Post-COVID Syndrome and Its Impact on Children and Adolescents: A Perspective From a Tertiary Center.

Pediatric post-COVID syndrome (pPCS) affects a notable number of children. This study aims to describe its clinical manifestations, biopsychosocial impact and management strategies. A prospective, single-center study was conducted to analyze data of pPCS patients presenting to our institution between May 2021 and November 2022. Functional impact was evaluated by assessing school absenteeism and by using the Adolescent Depression Rating Scale (ADRS), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and Fatigue Severity Scale. Among the 50 patients included [median age (interquartile range): 14.0 (12.9-15.8) years; females: 70%], the most common symptoms were extreme fatigue (84%), exertion intolerance (82%), orthostatism (66%), dyspnea (66%) and headache (66%); 25% had an abnormal Schellong test. Median (interquartile range) ADRS, PedsQL and Fatigue Severity Scale scores were 3.0 (1.0-5.0), 56% (49%-71%) and 45.0 (32.0-53.0), respectively. Sixty percent experienced partial (34%) or complete (26%) school absenteeism. The most common referrals to specialized consultations were child psychiatry (48%), pulmonology (46%), physiotherapy (36%) and an ear-nose-throat specialist (24%). Eighty percent had a typical form of pPCS, whereas 20% had a clinical presentation suggestive of a functional disorder triggered by COVID-19. The latter had more frequent thoracic pain (P = 0.012) and more referrals to pediatric neurology (P = 0.01), gastroenterology (P = 0.011), ophthalmology (P = 0.037) and child psychiatry (P = 0.035), but less to pulmonology (P = 0.014). School absenteeism and social withdrawal were also more common in this group, with more severe PedsQL and ADRS scores. pPCS is associated with a significant socio-educational burden that should be taken into account in medical, social and educational care.

Benefits of self-paced concurrent training on lung function, cardiopulmonary fitness and fatigue perception in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Aim: Studying the effects of self-paced concurrent high-intensity interval training and resistance training (HIIT-RT) on respiratory function, cardiopulmonary fitness and fatigue perception in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).Methods: Twenty-three PwMS were randomized into a 12-week training group (three times per week) (TG, n=11) or a control group (CG, n=12). Lung function (spirometry), aerobic capacity (graded cardiopulmonary-exercise-testing) and perceived fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)) were evaluated pre- and post-intervention.Results: The forced vital capacity (p=0.036, Hedges'g (g)=0.93), forced expiratory time (p=0.045, g=0.88), peak expiratory flow (p=0.043, g=0.89) increased in TG compared with CG. The TG showed an increase in peak aerobic power (p=0.004, g=1.34) and peak oxygen uptake (p<0.001, g=2.58) compared with CG. There was a decrease in ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide (p=0.02, g=1.02) and FSS scores (p<0.001, g=1.72) in TG comparatively with CG.Conclusion: 12-week self-paced HIIT-RT enhanced lung function as well as aerobic fitness, and alleviated fatigue perception in PwMS.

Post-stroke fatigue and its correlation with family functioning in patients who have experienced a first episode of stroke.

This study aimed to analyse the relevant factors that may affect post-stroke fatigue (PSF) in patients with stroke and further explore the correlation between family functioning and PSF. Patients who had experienced a first episode of stroke and were admitted to the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were rigorously screened. The general data and family functioning of the patients on admission were collected, and their family adaptation, partnership, growth, affection and resolve scores and their PSF on the 5th day of admission were collected using the fatigue severity scale (FSS). Multiple linear regression analysis was then utilized to explore the factors affecting PSF in patients with stroke. A total of 220 questionnaires were distributed, and 220 were returned, with 212 valid questionnaires and a valid return rate of 96.4%. These 212 patients had a family functioning score of 6.58 ± 2.00 and an FSS score of 36.62 ± 10.96. Spearman's correlation analysis showed negative correlations between the FSS scores and the adaptation, partnership, growth, affection, resolve and family functioning scores (r = -0.380, -0.505, -0.470, -0.303, -0.281 and -0.712, respectively; p < 0.001). Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis showed that family functioning (β' = -0.516), marital status (β' = -0.244), household income (β' = -0.185), literacy (β' = -0.181) and activities of daily living (β' = -0.084) were influential factors for PSF in patients with stroke (p < 0.05). There is a significant negative correlation between family functioning and PSF, suggesting that better family functioning may help mitigate the severity of post-stroke fatigue. Healthcare providers should identify interventions to help patients and families address fatigue, boost disease recovery, promote patients' physical and mental health and improve their quality of life.

Treatment of post-stroke fatigue with point-toward-point insertion of elongated needle and Tongdu Tiaoshen therapy of acupuncture: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the effect of point-toward-point insertion of elongated needle on post-stroke fatigue and explore its underlying mechanism. Sixty-four patients with post-stroke fatigue were randomly divided into an observation group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped out) and a control group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped out). In addition to the conventional treatment of western medicine and rehabilitation exercises, Tongdu Tiaoshen (regulating the governor vessel and the spirit) therapy of acupuncture was used in the control group, and acupuncture was applied to Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Shenting (GV 24), Fengfu (GV 16) and bilateral Fengchi (GB 20) and the needles were retained for 30 min in one treatment. In the observation group, besides the interventions as the control group, point-toward-point insertion of elongated needle was adopted. The needle was inserted from Zhiyang (GV 9) toward Dazhui (GV 14), from Shendao (GV 11) toward Yaoyangguan (GV 3) and from Yaoqi (EX-B 9) toward Yaoyangguan (GV 3); and the needles were retained for 30 min in one treatment. In the two groups, the acupuncture was delivered once daily, 6 times a week, consecutively for 4 weeks. The scores of the fatigue severity scale (FSS), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA), Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), and Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) were observed before and after treatment completion in the two groups. Using ELISA, the levels of serum interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) were detected before and after treatment completion; and clinical effect was evaluated. The scores of FSS, PSQI, HAMA and HAMD, as well as the levels of serum IL-1β, IL-6, hs-CRP and Hcy were reduced (P<0.05), and the scores of FMA and the levels of serum IL-10 were increased (P<0.05) after treatment in comparison with those before treatment in the two groups. Compared with the control group, in the observation group, the scores of FSS, PSQI, HAMA and HAMD, and the levels of serum IL-1β, IL-6, hs-CRP and Hcy were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the score of FMA and the level of serum IL-10 were increased (P<0.05). The total clinical effective rate was 83.3% (25/30) in the observation group, which was higher than 73.3% (22/30) of the control group (P<0.05). The point-toward-point insertion of elongated needle alleviates fatigue, anxiety and depression, and ameliorates sleep and motor function in the patients with post-stroke fatigue. It may be related to the attenuation of inflammatory responses.

Improved Fatigue Management in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: A Retrospective Analysis of the Efficacy of Methotrexate in Chinese Patients.

To assess the efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in improving fatigue symptoms in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). A single-center retrospective study was conducted on pSS patients experiencing fatigue symptoms. All patients received either MTX, HCQ, or a combination of MTX + HCQ for a period of six months. Clinical efficacy was measured using the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI), EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F), fatigue severity scale (FSS), and visual analog scale (VAS) score. These measures were assessed at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. A total of 86 pSS patients with fatigue symptoms were enrolled (27 received MTX, 29 received HCQ, and 30 received MTX + HCQ). Patients receiving MTX and MTX + HCQ showed significant improvements at 6th month in ESSDAI, ESSPRI, FSS, FACIT-F, and VAS scores (all P < 0.01) compared with baseline. Repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed that patients treated with MTX and MTX + HCQ experienced significant improvements in ESSDAI, FSS, FACIT-F, and VAS scores (all P < 0.01) from baseline to the 6th month. The HCQ group did not show significant improvement in FSS, FACIT-F, and VAS scores (all P > 0.05), although their ESSDAI and ESSPRI scores did improve significantly (all P < 0.01). Patients in the MTX group showed the most improvement in mean changes of ESSDAI score, FSS score, FACIT-F score, and VAS score from baseline to the 6th month. And patients received MTX treatment significantly had more fatigue remission numbers (all P < 0.05). In clinical practice, methotrexate is more effective than hydroxychloroquine in improving fatigue symptoms, as measured by patient-reported fatigue scales (FSS, FACIT-F, and VAS scores) in patients with pSS.

The Adaptive Physical Activity Study for Stroke: A Feasibility Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial

Abstract Background Between 1990 and 2017, stroke cases nearly doubled, ranking as the second leading cause of death and disability globally. Inadequate physical activity (PA) is a leading risk factor. Recent guidelines advise stroke survivors to follow population-based PA guidelines. Given stroke heterogeneity personalised PA interventions are recommended. Therefore, this study used a Sequential Multiple-Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) design to develop an adaptive mHealth intervention to improve PA post-stroke. Methods This SMART is in progress, with recruitment completed and follow-up data ending November 2024. A 12-week intervention programme was developed incorporating public patient involvement (PPI), empirical evidence and behavioural change theory to increase participation in Structured Exercise (SE), Lifestyle Physical Activity (LPA), or both. The study enrolled 54 ambulatory, community-dwelling people who were randomly assigned to either SE or LPA treatment groups. Participants used Fitbit Inspire 2 devices to monitor step counts and set personalized weekly step goals. At six weeks post-randomisation, participants were evaluated and classified as responders or non-responders based on their step count target achievement. Non-responders were re-randomized to switch treatments or augment their current regime with an additional intervention. Responders maintained their original treatment protocol. Primary outcomes address recruitment, retention and adherence rates. Secondary outcomes encompass overall health. Results Preliminary results include 54 participants (56% male) aged 51.58 (± 15.12) with Ischaemic (44%), Haemorrhagic (28%) or unknown (28%) stroke type at baseline. The mean weekly step was 7046 (±3797) while the mean Fatigue Severity Scale score was 38.02 (± 14.60). Participants had a mean Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score of 12.33 (± 6.98). Additionally, the mean Stroke Specific Quality of Life was 155.04 (58.84). Conclusion This is the first trial to use a SMART to design an adaptive intervention post-stroke internationally. Findings will inform the development of a PA intervention and subsequently will be evaluated against treatment as usual in a definitive trial.

The effects of Aerobic and oropharyngeal exercises on sleep quality of patients with obstructive sleep Apnoea syndrome: a randomized controlled study.

Our objective was to examine the effect of co-treatment of aerobic and oropharyngeal exercises on daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, fatigue severity, and life quality in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome. This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial with individuals aged 18 to 65 diagnosed with OSA at the Sleep Polyclinic and Research Hospital in Turkey between September 2023 and December 2023. The exercise group (n = 12) followed an eight-week oropharyngeal exercise program and the combined exercise group (n = 13) followed an aerobic exercise in addition to oropharyngeal exercises. The control group (n = 15) did not receive any exercise. Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnoea Scale, Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ) were used as outcome measures. The protocol is registered with http://clinicaltrials.gov/ (01/September /2023, Clinical Trial, NCT06006520). Both exercise programs were effective in improving daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, fatigue severity, and life quality. The mMRC dyspnoea scale, FOSQ, and PSQI scores did not differ between groups pre-and post-intervention. Participants receiving oropharyngeal exercise therapy showed a significant reduction in ESS and FSS scores compared to the combination treatment group. A comprehensive program of oropharyngeal exercises produced better changes in fatigue severity and daytime sleepiness in moderate to severe OSA patients compared to the combination of aerobic and oropharyngeal exercises.

Relationship between functional status and fatigue after COVID-19 infection: a multicenter study from Türkiye.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may persist for months. One of the persistent symptoms of COVID-19 is fatigue, which reduces functional status. The relationship between fatigue, functional status, and various other factors has received little attention, which this study aims to address.. Patients with COVID-19 infection were included in this multicenter cross-sectional study. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), marital status, smoking status, presence and duration of chronic disease, comorbidity index, regular exercise habits, time since COVID-19 diagnosis, hospitalization status, length of hospital stay, intubation status, home oxygen therapy after discharge, participation in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, presence of dyspnea, presence of cough, presence of sputum, and modified Medical Research Council, Post-COVID Functional Status (PCFS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and EQ-5D-5L Questionnaire scores were recorded. We enrolled 1095 patients, including 603 (55%) men and 492 (45%) women with a mean age of 50 ± 14 years. The most common chronic lung disease was COPD (11%) and 266 (29%) patients had nonpulmonary disease. The median time elapsed since COVID-19 diagnosis was 5 months; the hospitalization rate was 47%. The median PCFS grade was 1 (0-4) and the median FSS score was 4.4 (1-7). The PCFS and FSS were positively correlated (r = 0.49, p < 0.01; OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.68-2.10). Both functional status and fatigue were associated with quality of life, which was lower in older patients, those with higher BMI, those with systemic disease, those not exercising regularly, and those with more severe COVID-19 infection (defined by dyspnea, pneumonia as indicated by computed tomography, hospitalization, length of stay, ICU admission, intubation, and the need for home oxygen after discharge). Fatigue may cause poorer functional status regardless of the time since COVID-19 diagnosis. In this study, patients with FSS scores of >4.78 showed moderate to severe functional limitations. It is important to address modifiable patient risk factors and reduce the severity of COVID-19 infection.

Cortical–striatal network functional connectivity markers in poststroke fatigue: a single-centre fMRI case–control study protocol

IntroductionStructural and functional abnormalities in the cortical–striatal network (CSN) are hypothesised to play a key role in the pathogenesis of neurological disease-associated fatigue. Some small-scale functional MRI (fMRI) studies have...

Factors influencing parental fatigue in children with retinoblastoma based on the unpleasant symptoms theory

Parents of children with retinoblastoma, the most common primary ocular malignant tumour in childhood, bear a heavy caregiving burden and are very susceptible to fatigue. However, little is known about their current status of fatigue and factors influencing fatigue; therefore,this study, based on the theory of unpleasant symptoms, and included 317 parents of children with retinoblastoma in China, whose general demographic data were collected, and on whom the fatigue severity scale (FSS), the generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) and 2-item patient health questionnaire (PHQ-2) were administered, from 9 March to 1 June 2020. The parents’ FSS score and fatigue incidence were 4.41 ± 1.14 and 67.19%, respectively. The fatigue level was positively correlated with anxiety, depression, education, times of hospitalisations, and treatment types (r = 0.125–0.468, P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with health status, sleep quality, economic status, and family economic situation (r = − 0.120 to − 0.322, P < 0.05). Parent’s anxiety level, being an only child and female sex of child influenced parents’ fatigue. Healthcare personnel need to focus their attention on this high-risk fatigue group and implement appropriate interventions to reduce their fatigue level, promote their physical and mental health, and facilitate better care for children.

Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effects of Home-Based Breathing Exercises on Respiratory Function and Fatigue in COVID-19-Cured Young Patients.

This study investigates the effects of home-based Kakao Healthcare breathing exercises and stretching on respiratory function and fatigue in COVID-19-cured patients. A total of 35 participants performed four movements of home-based breathing exercises and five respiratory muscle stretching exercises four times a week for four weeks. Respiratory function was measured using forced vital capacity(FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow(PEF). Fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Data analysis was performed using independent-sample and paired-sample t-tests in SPSS 24, with the significance level set at p < 0.05. After four weeks of home-based Kakao Healthcare breathing exercises, there were significant increases in respiratory FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and PEF function values observed in the training group (T.G.) after the exercise intervention (p < 0.05). Such an increase was observed when comparing these values with their corresponding pre-exercise measurements. In contrast, there were no statistically significant differences in respiratory function outcomes before and after exercise in the control group (C.G.) (p > 0.05). The FSS scores were statistically significant within the training group (T.G.) (p > 0.05). The 4-week Kakao Healthcare breathing exercise scheme was found to be capable of improving some respiratory functions in COVID-19-recovered patients, but it showed no significant improvement in fatigue levels.

Adaptation and psychometric validation of the Kannada Version of the Vanderbilt Fatigue Scale: a tool for effective assessment of listening-related fatigue

ABSTRACT The Vanderbilt Fatigue Scale (VFS-A) is a self-reported scale for assessing listening-related fatigue among adults with hearing loss and communication-related difficulties. This study aims to translate the VFS-A into Kannada and validate it among the Indian population. The original version of the VFS-A was translated and culturally adapted into Kannada according to widely accepted guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of scales for different languages. This involved forward translation, backward translation, critical assessment by an expert panel, cognitive debriefing, and validation measures. In the validation phase, the VFS-A was administered to 276 participants with hearing loss, along with a standard hearing assessment. The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) was used to assess convergent validity. The VFS-A has high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.976) across items and sub-domains. An exploratory factor analysis revealed that the Kannada version of VFS-A data was satisfactorily fit, assuming a unidimensional factor model structure. Assessment of associations between FSS and VFS-A scores revealed a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.422; p = 0.001), suggesting good convergent validity. The Kannada version of the VFS-A is a psychometrically valid tool for assessing listening-related fatigue that may be useful for clinical and research purposes.

War Injuries and Nurses' Well-Being: Fatigue and Sleep Quality Among Critical Care Nurses in Najran Region, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Critical care nurses must maintain optimal work performance. Fatigue and sleep disturbance can limit safe practice and cause negative patient outcomes. This study aimed to explore fatigue and sleep quality among critical care nurses in the war zone in Najran City, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional research design was used and a convenience sample was applied to include 352 nurses working in critical units at various hospitals in Najran City, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire containing three partswas used: demographic characteristics, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Results The study revealed that 232 nurses (65.9%)reported poor sleep quality. Regarding fatigue levels, 89 nurses (25.2%) reported severe fatigueand 113 (32.1%) reported moderate fatigue. Notably, caring for war-related injuries exhibited a significant positive correlation (r = 0.62, p = 0.0001). Experience correlated negatively (r = -0.47, p = 0.003) with sleep quality and fatigue scores. Most significantly, involvement in caring for war-related injuries showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.71, p = 0.00001) with FSS scores. Conclusions Poor sleep quality was significantly widespread among the studied nurses. The results indicated that about one-quarter of the studied nurses reported severe fatigue, whichwas alarmingly prevalent among nurses. Nurses involved in caring for war-related injuries exhibited a strong positive correlation with both PSQI and FSS scores. Recommendations The authors recommend developing and implementing counseling and stress management programs to address the unique challenges faced by nurses caring for war-related injuries.

Patient-reported outcomes in chronic hepatitis delta: An exploratory analysis of the phase III MYR301 trial of bulevirtide

Once-daily treatment of chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) with bulevirtide is well tolerated and associated with significant reductions in HDV RNA in the blood and in biochemical liver disease activity. This study explored the effects of 48-week bulevirtide treatment on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with CHD. In an open-label, randomised, Phase 3 trial, 150 patients with CHD and compensated liver disease were stratified by liver cirrhosis status and randomised 1:1:1 to no treatment (control), bulevirtide 2 mg/day, or bulevirtide 10 mg/day for 48 weeks. HRQoL was evaluated by the following patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments at baseline, 24 weeks, and 48 weeks: EQ-5D-3L, Hepatitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (HQLQ), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Patient characteristics and HRQoL scores were balanced at baseline between the treatment (2 mg, n = 49; 10 mg, n = 50) and control (n = 51) groups. Patients receiving 2-mg bulevirtide reported significant improvements compared with controls on the HQLQ domains of role physical, hepatitis-specific limitations, and hepatitis-specific health distress. Numerically higher scores for general health, hepatitis-specific limitations, and hepatitis-specific health distress domains were reported by patients with cirrhosis who received bulevirtide vs control. FSS scores remained stable across treatment groups throughout. At week 48, patients in the 2-mg group showed greater mean improvement from baseline in health status compared with controls on the EQ-5D-3L visual analogue scale. PROs indicate that 48-week treatment with bulevirtide monotherapy may improve aspects of HRQoL in patients with CHD. Bulevirtide 2 mg is the only approved treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) in the EU. Patients with CHD have worse quality of life scores than those with chronic hepatitis B. Bulevirtide treatment for 48 weeks reduced HDV RNA and alanine aminotransferase levels and was well tolerated among patients with CHD. For the first time, this study shows that patients who received bulevirtide therapy for 48 weeks reported improvements in physical and hepatitis-related quality of life domains compared to those who did not receive therapy (control group). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, NCT03852719.

Fatigue Is Associated With Perceived Effort and 2-Dimensional Reach Performance After Stroke.

Poststroke fatigue (PSF) is prevalent and often manifests as high perceived effort during activities. Little is known about how PSF influences goal-directed reaching after stroke. The purpose of this study was 2-fold (1) to evaluate how perceived effort changed when individuals with stroke performed a reaching task with various demands and (2) to determine whether PSF was associated with perceived effort during reaching and reach performance. Thirty-six individuals with chronic stroke performed 2-dimensional reach actions under varied conditions with the more and less affected arms. Perceived effort during reaching was assessed using rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and Paas Mental Effort Rating Scale (MERS). Derived reach kinematics were used to quantify reach performance. The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) was administered to assess fatigue severity. Perceived effort was higher when participants reached with the more affected arm, reached toward far and small targets, and performed memory-guided reaching. Both RPE and MERS significantly correlated with the FSS score (r =0.50 and 0.35, respectively, P <0.05). Further, FSS correlated with movement time during the more affected arm reaching (ρ=0.40, p <0.05) and reach performance discrepancy between the fast and self-selected speed conditions when participants performed with the less affected arm (ρ=0.36, P <0.05). Exploratory analysis revealed that the relationship between fatigue and reach control appeared to be modulated by task demand. PSF is associated with perceived effort during reaching and reach performance after stroke. These relationships might offer insights into arm performance in the real world after stroke. for more insights from the authors Supplemental Digital Content available at http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A476.

Evaluating Sexual Health in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Study on the Interplay of Disability and Quality of Life.

In the context of evolving perceptions of sexuality, particularly within the realm of health and disability, this study investigates the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on female sexual function and quality of life. A quantitative study involving 130 female MS patients aged 35 to 50 was conducted, employing measures such as The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19), and The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Results indicate a significant association between greater sexual dysfunction and poorer quality of sex life, alongside the correlation of increased fatigue with diminished sexual satisfaction. Specifically, the mean FSFI score was 20.8 (SD = 9.36), with 83.8% of participants experiencing severe fatigue (FSS score ≥ 36). Sexual dysfunction demonstrated a strong, negative correlation with all FSFI subscales (p < 0.01). Factors such as education level (p = 0.016), time of diagnosis (p = 0.035), and treatment regimen (p = 0.041) also significantly influenced outcomes. Findings underscore the importance of supportive interventions, including counseling, to enhance the quality of sex life for women with disabilities, particularly those with MS.

Mixture of Rhodiola rosea and Nelumbo nucifera Extracts Ameliorates Sleep Quality of Adults with Sleep Disturbance.

Chronic sleep disturbance affects daily functioning, leading to decreased concentration, fatigue, and higher healthcare costs. Traditional insomnia medications are often associated with adverse side effects. This study investigated the efficacy of a novel compound derived from Rhodiola rosea and Nelumbo nucifera extracts (named RNE) in improving sleep quality with fewer side effects. The study included individuals between the ages of 20 and 65 with subthreshold insomnia and evaluated the effects of RNE on sleep, fatigue, and quality of life. Participants took 750 mg of RNE daily at bed-time for two weeks. The study used the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a sleep diary, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) for assessments. Of the 20 participants, 13 completed the study and showed significant improvements in sleep quality. The results showed improvements in ISI and PSQI scores, a 57% reduction in wake-time after sleep onset, and improved sleep efficiency. Although FSS scores remained unchanged, significant improvements were seen in SF-36 physical and mental health scores. The results suggest that RNE is an effective, low-risk option for sleep disturbance, significantly improving sleep quality and overall wellbeing without significant side effects.

Short-term changes in serum miRNA levels and patient-reported clinical outcomes in myasthenia gravis.

The circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) miR-150-5p, miR-30e-5p, and miR-21-5p have been suggested as potential biomarkers for myasthenia gravis (MG); however, the relationships between short-term natural changes of the miRNAs and patient-reported MG outcome scores have not been well-studied. We assessed the short-term fluctuations in miRNA levels and patient-reported outcome measures in MG. This prospective cohort study included 39 MG patients with regular follow-ups and unchanged medications at the Neurology outpatient clinic at Uppsala University Hospital. Patients had weekly follow-up visits for 1 month, at which blood samples were drawn, and scores from MG activities of daily living (MG-ADL), MG quality-of-life-15 (MG-QoL15), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were assessed. Serum levels of miRNA miR-150-5p, miR-30e-5p, and miR-21-5p were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. Intra-individual levels of miR-30e-5p and miR-150-5p were stable, whereas a significant reduction in miR-21-5p was observed from week 1 to week 2 (p = .0024) and from week 2 to week 3 (p < .0001). There were intra-individual differences over a short time in MG-ADL, with higher scores in female patients (p = .0281) and a significant reduction from the first to the second weeks (p = .0281), whereas MG-QoL15 and FSS scores were stable. The suggested MG biomarkers miR-30e-5p and miR-150-5p were more stable than miR-21-5p over a short time, indicating their short-term stability as biomarkers. Prospective multi-center studies with longer periods of follow-up and matched controls are needed to validate these miRNAs as biomarkers in MG.