Value of health-related quality of life to predict disability course in multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the value of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) to predict change in disability status in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Visschedijk
M A J
MA
Department of Medical Psychology, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands maj.visschedijk@vumc.nl
Uitdehaag
B M J
BM
Klein
M
M
van der Ploeg
E
E
Collette
E H
EH
Vleugels
L
L
Pfennings
L E M A
LE
Hoogervorst
E L J
EL
van der Ploeg
H M
HM
Polman
C H
CH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001530:Belgium / Q000453:epidemiology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires