Multiple Sclerosis Health Quality

BACKGROUND: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and the involvement of multiple internal organs. Previous studies reported poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with SSc compared with the general population. However, very little is known about how HRQoL in SSc patients compares with that in patients with other systemic autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and Sjogren's syndrome (SjS)...

Occupational therapists have an established and important role in helping people work while living with an illness or a disability. Although workplace accommodations and rehabilitation efforts can extend paid work for workers with progressive health conditions, the reality is that these populations often cease work earlier in the life trajectory than expected. Evidence suggests that transitioning out of paid work is difficult for people with disabilities. For example, factors such as poor health, low income, and involuntary retirement put people with multiple sclerosis at risk for poor adjustment...

The precise etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is unknown but epidemiologic evidence suggests this immune-mediated, neurodegenerative condition is the result of a complex interaction between genes and lifetime environmental exposures. Diet choices are modifiable environmental factors that may influence MS disease activity. Two diets promoted for MS, low saturated fat Swank and modified Paleolithic Wahls Elimination (WahlsElim), are currently being investigated for their effect on MS-related fatigue and quality of life (NCT02914964)...

OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between fatigue, cognition, domains of the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L), disability, and utilities estimated with several Western European value sets in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Data from a multinational, cross-sectional, observational study of patients with MS (N = 16,808) conducted in 16 European countries were used. Health-related quality of life data were collected through the EQ-5D-3L, and fatigue and cognitive difficulties were self-assessed on a 10-point visual analogue scale...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Teriflunomide is a once-daily oral immunomodulatory agent approved in 80 countries for the treatment of patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). The study objective was to estimate the cost effectiveness of teriflunomide (14 mg tablet, daily) versus interferon beta-1b (250 mcg subcutaneous injection, every other day) among RMS patients from the Chinese healthcare system perspective. METHODS: A Markov model with annual cycles and a lifetime horizon was utilized to assess cost-effectiveness of teriflunomide in comparison with interferon beta-1b in RMS patients...

BACKGROUND: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is associated with poor quality of life (QOL). Individuals suffering from MS must make multiple adjustments as their condition changes. To date, little is known about the role of psychosocial adjustment in improving QOL of patients with MS. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between psychosocial adjustment and HRQOL controlling for demographic variables among patients with MS. METHODS: This study used a descriptive-correlational design...

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of a combined upper limb and breathing exercise for a home-based program and to explore its effect on primary fatigue and quality of life in ambulatory and non-ambulatory individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) in a short time. METHOD: Nineteen individuals with MS were assigned into semi-controlled pre-post feasibility study based on Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) status and divided into two groups: exercise (five ambulatory, five non-ambulatory; EDSS 1...

INTRODUCTION: Body composition refers to the relative distribution of different tissue types within the body, including fat, lean, and bone tissues. There is evidence for associations between body composition and the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). The relationship between body composition and disease progression and disability accumulation, however, is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To examine: a) differences in overall and regional body composition by disability status in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS); and b) the relationship between body composition and other outcomes reflecting impairments and limitations due to MS...

Sensory problems, such as neuropathic pain, are common and debilitating symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). Regulatory T (Treg) cells are critical for maintaining immune homeostasis, however, their role in MS-associated pain remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Treg cell ablation is sufficient to trigger experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and facial allodynia in immunised female mice. In EAE-induced female mice, adoptive transfer of Treg cells and spinal delivery of the Treg cell cytokine interleukin (IL)-35 significantly reduced facial stimulus-evoked pain and spontaneous pain independent of disease severity, and increased myelination of the facial nociceptive pathway...

Variations in access to health care are known to contribute to differences in life expectancy, morbidity and health-related quality-of-life across population subgroups. We undertook a scoping review to identify what is known about in-country variations in access to services for adults with multiple sclerosis and to identify gaps in the literature to inform future research and national policies. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PSYCHINFO, SocINDEX and Social Science Abstracts from inception to end of December 2016 for quantitative studies which had investigated differences in access to prevention services, healthcare services, treatments and social care between inequality groups, defined using the PROGRESS-PLUS framework...

BACKGROUND: Compliance to disease modifying therapy (DMT) is associated with a reduced risk of relapse, lower healthcare resource utilization, and improved health-related quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Our objective was to assess the compliance and discontinuation rates of fingolimod relative to other oral, injectable, and infusible DMTs available on the market at the time of the study in Canada in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). METHODS AND FINDINGS: We conducted a retrospective claims analysis...

BACKGROUND: Little is known on how to measure patient-relevant benefit of relapse treatment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to develop and validate a new method for monitoring recovery from MS relapses and patient-relevant treatment benefits. METHODS: A 27-item questionnaire was developed using a multi-step approach comprising open item collection, multidisciplinary expert panel and cognitive debriefing. It was evaluated regarding psychometric properties and feasibility in a longitudinal validation study with 100 patients with MS undergoing relapse treatment...

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the exercise intensity and feasibility of recreational ballroom dance for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Seven persons with MS participated in 2 one-hour dance sessions per week for 6 weeks. Dance types included rumba, foxtrot, waltz, and push-pull. Six other persons with MS comprised a control group that did not dance. Heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored during the sessions...

BACKGROUND: There is currently no scientific evidence supporting the use of specific diets in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS); the strongest dietary associations are observed with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. Despite this, there are many websites that provide advice or suggestions about using various dietary approaches to control symptoms or disease progression. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the dietary advice for the symptomatic management of MS available on the internet...

BACKGROUND: Although there is accumulating evidence on neuropathic pain in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), little is known about musculoskeletal pain. The aim was to examine the frequency, type, distribution of pain and related factors in pwMS. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 223 pwMS. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and painDETECT Questionnaire were used to assess pain. Depression, fatigue, sleepiness, and health-related quality of life were assessed...

BACKGROUND: Pilates can be an interesting rehabilitation strategy for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), since is a low-cost and attractive physical exercise modality that has shown to have beneficial effects in other neurological pathologies. For prescribing Pilates to this population, health professionals should be aware of its potential benefits, a goal that can be achieved by making available updated scientific evidence in this regard. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and a meta-analysis aimed at identifying the characteristics and methodological quality of the investigations that have studied the effects of Pilates in people affected with MS...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study aimed was to measure the quality of life, fatigue, stress, and depression in a consecutive sample of caregivers of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. METHODS: We included data from 131 consecutive caregivers of MS patients [age=51.2±12.8 years (mean±SD), males=53.4%, duration of caregiving=10.0±6.3 years]. We assessed the quality of life, fatigue, stress, and depression of the caregivers using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey, Krupp Fatigue Severity Scale, Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale, and Hamilton Scale for Depression, respectively...

PURPOSE: To identify the existing evidence evaluating the cost-effectiveness of physiotherapy treatments for people with neurological disorders. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched from database inception until July 2018. Studies estimating the cost-effectiveness as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, cost per quality-adjusted life year, cost per disability-adjusted life year and cost per other measurable results were included. Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, and Consensus on Health Economic Criteria list were used for rating the quality of the evidence...

Nearly 80% of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) do not engage in sufficient amounts of exercise for managing symptoms and improving quality of life. We have addressed this problem by developing a systematic line of qualitative research targeting the patient-provider interaction for promotion of exercise within comprehensive MS care. This research resulted in a conceptual model that guides health care providers in promoting exercise among persons with MS. The current study involves a final evaluation of the model based on semistructured interviews with 28 MS health care providers...

Bowel dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is highly prevalent. Constipation and fecal incontinence can coexist and alternate, impacting on the patient's quality of life and social interactions, as well as burdening the caregivers. The cost for the health care providers is also significant, with increased number of hospital admissions, treatment-related costs, and hospital appointments. The origin is multifactorial, and includes alteration of neurological pathways, polypharmacy, behavioral elements, and ability to access the toilet...