Quality of life for veterans with multiple sclerosis on disease-modifying agents: Relationship to disability

Abstract

Abstract-Our objective was to compare self-reported healthrelated quality of life (HRQOL) for U.S. veterans with multiple sclerosis (MS) on disease-modifying agents with provider reports of HRQOL from standard disability measures. We conducted a 3-year prospective observational study of 204 subjects who used interferon beta or glatiramer acetate and compared subjects' responses on the Veterans Short-Form 36 (VSF-36) (36-item short-form functional status assessment for veterans) with the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the Functional System (FS) scales, which are standard MS disability scales. EDSS and FS scores were significantly correlated with some VSF-36 domains (physical function [r = -0.57], role physical [r = -0.37], and physical component summary [r = -0.40]) and weakly correlated with other domains. HRQOL scores did not predict disability or compliance with therapy. We observed decrements in HRQOL at relatively low disability levels. HRQOL measures directly associated with physical function were correlated with standard MS disability scales. Researchers need to clarify the role of HRQOL in clinical outcomes assessment, as shown by the lack of outcome sensitivity and predictive value of the VSF-36.

Quality of life in multiple sclerosis: a Kuwaiti MSQOL-54 experience

“…These findings are in line with the vast majority of reports (4)(5)(6)(7)(8). These findings are in line with the vast majority of reports (4)(5)(6)(7)(8).…”

A Multidimensional Computerized Adaptive Short-Form Quality of Life Questionnaire Developed and Validated for Multiple Sclerosis

“…Compared with the most important longitudinal studies that parallel the present study, our patients were younger or older (others had mean ages of 42, 53 44, 54 and 34 years), 55 had less severe baseline disability statuses (mean EDSS scores of 4.1 53 and 5.1 54 were seen in other studies), and had a sex-ratio of 3:1 (4:1, 53 2:1, 54 and 2.5:1 55 were found in other studies). Future research with different sample characteristics could improve the generalizability and applicability of the MusiQoL-MCAT.…”

Responsiveness of the Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life questionnaire to disability change: a longitudinal study

“…Compared with the most important longitudinal studies that parallel the present study [38-40], our patients were younger or older (mean ages of 42 [38], 44 [39], and 34 years [40], respectively), had less severe baseline disability statuses (mean EDSS score of 4.1, 5.1, and 2.9, respectively), had a sex-ratio of 3:1 (4:1, 2:1, and 2.5:1, respectively), and presented a low number of worsened patients while Benito-Leon [41] identified 30% having clinical progression of disability over an identical follow-up period. The patients were consecutive outpatients assessed in a context of MS treatment monitoring, often presented a stable disease.…”