Self-reported quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients: preliminary results based on the Polish MS Registry.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to analyze selected clinical and sociodemographic factors and their effects on the quality of life (QoL) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients registered in the Polish MS Registry.


METHODS
This was a cross-sectional observational study performed in Poland. Data on personal and disease-specific factors were collected between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015, via the web portal of the Polish MS Registry. All patients were assessed by a physician and asked to complete the Polish language versions of the following self-evaluation questionnaires: EuroQol 5-Dimensions, EuroQoL Visual Analog Scale, and Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were performed to determine the factors associated with QoL.


RESULTS
The study included 2,385 patients (female/male ratio 2.3:1) with clinically confirmed MS (mean age 37.8±9.2 years). Average EuroQol 5-Dimensions index was 0.72±0.24, and the mean EuroQoL Visual Analog Scale score was 64.2±22.8. The average Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale score was 84.6±11.2 (62.2±18.4 for physical condition and 23.8±7.2 for mental condition). Lower QoL scores were significantly associated with higher level of disability (odds ratio [OR], 0.932; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.876-0.984; P=0.001), age >40 years (OR, 1.042; 95% CI, 0.924-1.158; P=0.012), longer disease duration (OR, 0.482; 95% CI, 0.224-0.998; P=0.042), and lack of disease modifying therapies (OR, 0.024; 95% CI, 0.160-0.835; P=0.024). No significant associations were found between QoL, sex, type of MS course, patient's education, and marital status.


CONCLUSIONS
The Polish MS Registry is the first national registry for long-term observation that allows for self-evaluation of the QoL. QoL of Polish patients with MS is significantly lower compared with the rest of the population. The parameter is mainly affected by the level of disability, duration of the disease, and limited access to immunomodulatory therapy.
Department of Neurology, Specialist Hospital, Końskie.
Waldemar
W
Brola
Depsartment of Neurology, Holy Spirit Specialist Hospital, Sandomierz.
Piotr
P
Sobolewski
Department of Neurology, Specialist Hospital, Końskie.
Małgorzata
M
Fudala
AGH University of Science and Technology, Krakow.
Stanisław
S
Flaga
Swietokrzyski Regional Branch of the Polish National Health Fund (NFZ), Kielce.
Konrad
K
Jantarski
First Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw.
Danuta
D
Ryglewicz
Department of Psychology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland.
Andrzej
A
Potemkowski
Poland; multiple sclerosis; patient-reported outcomes; quality of life