Quality of life in multiple sclerosis--association with clinical features, fatigue and depressive syndrome

The aim of the study was to assess the health related quality of life in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) in association with clinical features, fatigue and depressive symptoms. The examined group consisted of 61 patients (45 women and 16 men) in the mean age of 38.6 +/- 11.4. The mean duration of disease was 7.1 +/- 6.1 years. The control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers. The following questionnaires were used: EuroQol (EQ5D) with visual scale EuroQol-VAS, Modified Impact Fatigue Scale (MIFS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The quality of life in the examined group of MS patients was significantly lower in comparison to the control group. Results of EQ-5D and EQ-VAS were influenced by age, disease course, level of disability and carried treatment. Statistically significant association was also found between results of the questionnaires assessing quality of life and either fatigue or depressive symptoms. The used questionnaires confirmed that quality of life in patients with MS is significantly worse, especially in the older people with secondary progressive course of the disease, more disable and not treated. Presence of fatigue and depressive symptoms influenced the self-assessment of quality of life. Complex care of MS patient should consider diagnosis and treatment of fatigue and depression which could improve their quality of life.