Value of health-related quality of life to predict disability course in multiple sclerosis

To determine the value of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) to predict change in disability status in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Over a 5-year period, data were collected on HRQoL (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Health Survey) and disability status (Expanded Disability Status Scale) from a heterogeneous group of 81 Dutch-speaking patients with MS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HRQoL in the domains of Physical Functioning and Role-Physical Functioning is a significant predictor of change in disability status. A patient's subjectively perceived health-related quality of life may not be only a clinically and psychosocially meaningful outcome per se but may also be a predictor of objective outcomes such as change in disability status over a substantial period of time.