A comparative study of outcome in myositis and other musculoskeletal disorders assessed using the Nottingham health profile.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the comparative impact of myositis and other musculoskeletal disorders on general health using the Nottingham health profile (NHP) as a generic measure of health status.


METHODS
A prospective observational study of 113 females with myositis, 142 females with rheumatoid arthritis, 45 females with spinal osteoporosis and 96 females with knee osteoarthritis.


RESULTS
All mean NHP section scores were higher in myositis and other musculoskeletal disorders compared to population mean values. Section scores for energy and social isolation were high in myositis compared to all other disorders. Scores for physical disability in myositis were similar to RA. Pain scores were higher in RA and OA compared to myositis. Backwards linear regression models explained 26-42% of the variation in energy and social isolation scores. Emotion and physical section scores were the major determinants and the pattern was similar in all disorders. Disease duration and age had little effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Myositis is not simply a disease with physical problems but has wide ranging effects on social and emotional well being. Until disease-specific instruments are available, a generic measure like the NHP can be used to assess problems other than muscle pain and loss of strength.
Chung
Y L
YL
Clinical and Academic Rheumatology, King's College Hospital, Dulwich, London, UK. ychung@rpms.ac.uk
Mitchell
H L
HL
Houssien
D A
DA
Al-Mahrouki
H
H
Carr
A J
AJ
Scott
D L
DL
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D009220:Myositis / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology; D013131:Spine / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires