scholarly journals Improvement but no normalization of quality of life and cognitive functioning after treatment for Cushing’s syndrome

Author(s):  
Leonie H A Broersen ◽  
Cornelie D Andela ◽  
Olaf M Dekkers ◽  
Alberto M Pereira ◽  
Nienke R Biermasz

Abstract Background Cushing’s syndrome is characterized by glucocorticoid excess, which induces physical and mental symptoms, impairments in functional status and perceived health, resulting in impaired quality of life. Biochemical remission is urgently required; however, quality of life and cognitive function may remain impaired. Objective To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating changes in health-related quality of life and cognitive functioning in patients with Cushing’s syndrome after treatment. Methods Eight electronic databases were searched in March 2017, and PubMed again in May 2018, to identify potentially relevant articles. Eligible studies were (randomized controlled) trials, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies assessing quality of life or cognitive functioning in patients treated for Cushing’s syndrome. Differences were expressed as standardized mean difference, and reported with 95% confidence intervals. We compared patients before and after treatment (improvement), and patients after treatment and healthy controls (normalization). Results We included 47 articles with 2,643 patients. Most patients had Cushing’s disease and were in remission after treatment. Quality of life and cognitive functioning improved after treatment in all studied domains. Compared to a healthy control population, quality of life did not normalize. Cognitive functioning normalized in part, but not all, of the studied domains. Conclusions Treatment of Cushing’s syndrome improves quality of life and cognitive functioning. As normalization was not achieved in quality of life and in some aspects of cognitive functioning, special and continuous attention should be given to these aspects for patients after treatment. Effective interventions for further improvement and possibly normalization are urgently needed.

2013 ◽  
Vol 168 (5) ◽  
pp. 787-793 ◽  
Author(s):  
Smita Baid Abraham ◽  
Brent S Abel ◽  
Domenica Rubino ◽  
Tonja Nansel ◽  
Sheila Ramsey ◽  
...  

ObjectiveObese (OB) individuals and patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS) often have similar clinical presentations. While each group has reduced health-related quality of life (HRQL), it is not known whether the degree of impairment is different and might distinguish between them. The objective of this study was to compare HRQL in these two populations.DesignCross-sectional study.MethodsThree hundred and twenty-seven OB patients (48.1±11.7 years; 72.5% women) with weight gain and at least two features of CS were recruited from an outpatient weight management clinic. Sixty-six untreated patients with CS (41.6±13.2 years; 78.8% women) presented to the NIH Clinical Center for evaluation. Subjects completed the SF-36 survey and a locally created symptom questionnaire.ResultsAfter adjusting for symptom count, OB patients had a significantly higher (better HRQL) mean physical component summary (PCS) score than CS patients (44.9±0.6 vs 35.4±1.5, P<0.0001). However, the mean mental component summary (MCS) score was lower (worse HRQL) in the OB group (41.6±0.6 vs 50.7±1.6, P<0.0001). Symptom count showed significant correlations with PCS and MCS scores. BMI correlated with PCS (r=−0.29) in OB but not in CS patients. BMI was not associated with MCS in either group.ConclusionHRQL is significantly different between OB and CS patients. Surprisingly, after adjusting for symptom count, OB patients showed worse mental health scores than the CS population. Significant differences in HRQL and symptom count may suggest which OB patients should be screened for CS.


2012 ◽  
Vol 167 (5) ◽  
pp. 687-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
M A E M Wagenmakers ◽  
R T Netea-Maier ◽  
J B Prins ◽  
T Dekkers ◽  
M den Heijer ◽  
...  

Objective The determinants that cause impaired quality of life (QOL) in patients in long-term remission of Cushing's syndrome (CS) are unknown. The aim of this study was to get more insight into the patient and disease characteristics related to impaired QOL in these patients. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods The QOL of 123 patients in remission of CS (age 52.2±12.0 years, 106 women, duration of remission 13.3±10.4 years, 80% pituitary CS), assessed with seven validated questionnaires, was compared with the QOL of an age- and sex-matched control group (n=105). To investigate the influence of the aetiology of CS on QOL, patients in remission of pituitary and adrenal CS were compared. Furthermore, the influence of hormonal deficiencies, treatment strategy, duration of remission, gender and age on QOL was investigated. Results QOL in the total patient group and each patient subgroup was significantly worse on practically all dimensions of questionnaires compared with the control group (P<0.05), except for patients in remission of pituitary CS without hormonal deficiencies who had an impaired QOL on 50% of the QOL dimensions. Subgroup analysis revealed no difference in QOL between different patient groups, especially no difference between patients in remission of adrenal and pituitary CS. Female gender and a shorter duration of remission had a negative influence on QOL in the patient group. Conclusions QOL remains impaired in patients in long-term remission of CS regardless of aetiology, presence of hormonal deficiencies and treatment strategies. More research is needed to establish the causes.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gulchekhra Narimova ◽  
Zamira Yusupovna ◽  
Ravshan Fayzullaev ◽  
Iskandar Arifjanov

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 308
Author(s):  
Yaser Adnan Abo Jeesh ◽  
Magda El-hadi Ahmad Yousif ◽  
Moauya Al-Balal Al-Haboub

Background: Thalassemia is the most common autosomal abnormality in Syria. Its complications have an important effect on education; time off school; sport; difference from friends/ siblings; social interactions; and stigmatization. Knowledge of factors associated with quality of life in thalassemia patients is necessary for forming appropriate clinical programs, social support, and improving treatment outcomes. Purpose: The study was to assess the effects of Patients' and Care-givers' Knowledge, Attitude, & Practice (KAP) with Quality of Life among Thalassemia Major Patients' in Syria. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive analytical design was conducted at the national thalassemia center in Damascus. WHOQOL-BREF and a questionnaire developed by the researcher were used to measure the participants’ knowledge, attitudes and practices of thalassemia. Results: Total of 238 thalassemia patients participated in the study. A statistical significance was found regarding improvement of skill and knowledge scores among caregivers and thalassemia patients before and after receiving the teaching guide from 12.52±1.77 to 14.07±1.01, t=11.447, p=0.000 and from 34.12±4.50 to 37.43±4.61, t=-8.58, p= .000 respectively. Stigmatization was significantly noticed among families caring for thalassemic patients. There were a significant differences in the mean score regarding nutritional status before and after teaching guide paired t test= 12.11, p= 0.000. A statistical significance was found in females regarding social domain p=0.04. However, mean scores for overall quality of life were better in females rather than males, but these mean scores were statistically insignificant p>0.05. A statistical significant difference in ferritin levels and patient’s age was found. Results also revealed that no statistical significant differences was observed between overall quality of life of the four domains in relation to the two treatment groups (subcutaneous vs oral) and age groups. Conclusion: Thalassemia is a socio-economic problem. The most efficient way to reduce risks of having affected patients is by increasing the knowledge through training of parents regarding the disease. Our findings highlighted that there was lack in patients’ knowledge and skills regarding the disease, but a remarkable improvement in both knowledge and performance was found after patients received the teaching guide, which lead to an increase in overall patient's quality of life.


Author(s):  
Gemma Biviá-Roig ◽  
Valentina Lucia La Rosa ◽  
María Gómez-Tébar ◽  
Lola Serrano-Raya ◽  
Juan José Amer-Cuenca ◽  
...  

(1) Background: This study aimed to analyze the impact of the confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemics on the eating, exercise, and quality-of-life habits of pregnant women. (2) Methods: This was an internet-based cross-sectional survey which collected information about adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical exercise, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and perceived obstacles (in terms of exercise, preparation for delivery, and medical appointments) of pregnant women before and after the confinement. The survey was conducted in 18–31 May 2020. (3) Results: A total of 90 pregnant women participated in this study. There was a significant decrease in the levels of physical activity (p < 0.01) as well as in HRQoL (p < 0.005). The number of hours spent sitting increased by 50% (p < 0.001), 52.2% were unable to attend delivery preparation sessions because these had been cancelled. However, there were no significant differences in the eating pattern of these women (p = 0.672). Conclusions: These results suggest the need to implement specific online programs to promote exercise and reduce stress, thus improving the HRQoL in this population, should similar confinements need to occur again for any reason in the future.


Author(s):  
Damiano Pizzol ◽  
Jacopo Demurtas ◽  
Stefano Celotto ◽  
Stefania Maggi ◽  
Lee Smith ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Urinary incontinence (UI) and low quality of life (QoL) are two common conditions. Some recent literature proposed that these two entities can be associated. However, no attempt was made to collate this literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing data to estimate the strength of the association between UI and QoL. Methods An electronic search of major databases up to 18th April 2020 was carried out. Meta-analysis of cross-sectional and case–control studies comparing mean values in QoL between patients with UI and controls was performed, reporting random-effects standardized mean differences (SMDs) ± 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as the effect size. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2. Results Out of 8279 articles initially screened, 23 were finally included for a total of 24,983 participants, mainly women. The mean age was ≥ 50 years in 12/23 studies. UI was significantly associated with poor QoL as assessed by the short-form 36 (SF-36) total score (n = 6 studies; UI: 473 vs. 2971 controls; SMD = − 0.89; 95% CI − 1.3 to − 0.42; I2 = 93.5) and by the sub-scales of SF-36 and 5/8 of the domains included in the SF-36. Similar results were found using other QoL tools. The risk of bias of the studies included was generally high. Conclusions UI is associated with a poor QoL, with a strong level of certainty. This work, however, mainly based on cross-sectional and case–control studies, highlights the necessity of future longitudinal studies for better understanding the importance of UI on QoL.


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