Gender Differences in Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Medical Consumption

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The aim of this study was to examine gender differences in quality of life (QOL) and in constitutional symptoms that coincide with sarcoidosis. The study population included 1026 sarcoidosis patients--all members of the Dutch Sarcoidosis Society--who completed the WHOQOL-100 and a symptom checklist. Women experienced more symptoms than men. With regard to QOL, male and female patients who suffered from symptoms differed in the broader domains of Physical Health and Psychological Health. Specific facets reflected pain, sleep, positive affect, appearance, mobility, and activities of daily living. Future studies should focus on the different experience of the disease between male and female patients more extensively. Studies are needed to evaluate whether the differences in the present study between male and female sarcoidosis patients are caused by a subject selection bias or life style differences; have a genetic, hormonal or biological base; or just are an epiphenomenon.

Fatigue, quality of life and health status in sarcoidosis

“…Sarcoidosis has a considerable impact on the QoL of patients, especially in those with current symptoms, but also, to a lesser extent, in patients with a relatively mild respiratory functional impairment [4]. This conclusion was affirmed in three other QoL studies [12,57,58].…”

“…As might be expected, rheumatoid arthritis patients demonstrated more problems related to pain and mobility [57]. In another study, sex differences were examined with regard to QoL and symptoms [12]. Male and female patients with symptoms differed from each other in pain, sleep, positive feelings, appearance, mobility and activities of daily living.…”

“…Concerning QoL, nonspecific symptoms, such as fatigue and pain, have an important impact on the QoL of sarcoidosis patients [12,18,57]. In one study [4], 64 sarcoidosis patients completed the WHOQOL-100 and a symptom checklist.…”

“…Male and female patients with symptoms differed from each other in pain, sleep, positive feelings, appearance, mobility and activities of daily living. Except for positive feelings, female patients exhibited a lower QoL [12]. The patients in this study were all recruited through the DSS.…”

“…In a group of patient members of the DSS, females indicated more often that they suffered from fatigue [12]. However, a study among chronic outpatients showed higher scores for fatigue in males [13].…”