scholarly journals Diabetes Mellitus and Epilepsy: A Comparative Quality of Life Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Antigoni Fountouki ◽  
Styliani Kotrotsiou ◽  
Theodosios Paralikas ◽  
Dimitrios Theofanidis

Background: Diabetes mellitus and epilepsy are two of the most frequent, chronic diseases affecting many millions of people around the world. Both diseases can cause long-term and acute complications that adversely affect the sufferers’ lives. Objective: The purpose was to compare the quality of life (QoL) of patients suffering from diabetes or epilepsy in relation to the general population in Greece. Methodology: A matched-control prospective design was used with a sample consisting of three sub-groups (i.e., 30 patients with diabetes, 30 with epilepsy, and 30 healthy volunteers) matched for age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Data were collected through SF-36. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS v.21 and both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed. The x2, the Mann–Whitney, and the Kruskal–Wallis test were employed for group comparisons at a significance level of <0.05. Results: The sample’s mean age was 52 years, range 48–65, and the majority was women (i.e., 60). There were no statistically significant differences among the three subcategories for an educational level or income level for the three sub-groups (P < 0.05). The mean SF-36 scores per domain for each group are as follows: Diabetes: Mean: 48.46, SD =15.83, Median: 50.2, Mode: 70.6. For Epilepsy Mean: 52.92, SD =17.37, Median: 52.7, Mode: 81.6 and Healthy volunteers Mean: 70.47, SD =14.97, Median: 69, Mode: 86.6. Thus, the general population has a higher mean, that is, 70.47 compared to diabetics 48.46 and epileptics 52.92. All comparisons were statistically significant (P < 0.05) except for the Pain, Health Vitality, and Mental Health domains (P > 0.05). Discussion: The findings highlight the impact of both diabetes and epilepsy on the QoL in Greece. Patients with DM may feel challenged by their disease and the tiring daily management of their medication and lifestyle changes. Similarly, patients with epilepsy are facing daily anxiety and practical difficulties related to their diagnosis. Both patent groups carry the constant stress of not knowing of when their condition will manifest itself with either a seizure or a hypo/hyperglycemic reaction. Conclusions: Results have shown that the general population has a better QoL than diabetic and epileptic patients. Of course, we should bear in mind that the difference in results between the three categories of the sample is minimal; thus, there is no difference in the QoL of diabetics and epileptics in the general population.

2005 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 205-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dag Isacson ◽  
Kerstin Bingefors ◽  
Lars von Knorring

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of depression on quality of life in the general population by studying its effects on i) health-related quality of life (HRQoL), ii) health state utilities, and iii) the burden of disease in the population according to age, sex, marital status, education, economy and employment.MethodsCross-sectional survey in the County of Uppsala, Sweden. A statistical sample of the general population aged 20–64 years (N = 4506) was used. Information on current state of depression was obtained by self-report. HRQoL was measured using Short Form 36 (SF-36). The time trade-off (TTO) method was used to measure health state utilities. The decrease of total health state utilities associated with depression in the population was used as a measure of burden of disease.ResultsDepression was reported by 4.0% of the population. Those with depression scored significantly lower (P < 0.001) than those without on all eight of the SF-36 domains. The depressed group also rated their health state utilities significantly lower than the others: 0.796 versus 0.933 (P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis of decrease in utilities with various medical disorders, depression was associated with the greatest decrease (–0.090, P < 0.001). Persons with depression accounted for 10.9% of the total decrease in utilities in the whole population, but this proportion varied according to the specific subgroup. For example, 16.4% and 8.6% of the total burden of disease was linked to depression among single and married people, respectively. The corresponding figures for those with the lowest and highest incomes were 15.0% and 7.9%, respectively. Among the unemployed, persons reporting depression accounted for 15.3% of the decrease in utilities in contrast to 4.9% among the employed.ConclusionsDepression has a strong impact on the quality of life and total disability in the general population. Further, the impact of depression is unevenly distributed in the population.


1999 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. E1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorothy A. Lang ◽  
Glenn Neil-Dwyer ◽  
John Garfield

Object The goals of this study were twofold: 1) to determine outcome, including quality of life, in patients who have undergone surgery for petroclival meningioma in which a standard skull base approach was used; and 2) to assess the impact of the patients' surgical treatment on their caregivers. Methods Seventeen patients (13 women and four men ranging in age from 29 to 63 years) who underwent a transpetrosal approach for a petroclival meningioma during a 5-year period were prospectively included in this study. Pre- and postoperative data including adverse events were noted. The patients were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and annually thereafter, and they completed a postoperative SF-36 questionnaire. In addition, each patient's caregiver was interviewed to determine the effect of the patient's illness on the caregiver's life and responsibilities. Twenty-two operations were performed. A new permanent neurological deficit developed in five patients and in eight a temporary deficit or exacerbation of existing deficits occurred. Two patients underwent surgery to create a facial-hypoglossal nerve communication; five required a temporary percutaneous gastrostomy and/or tracheostomy; three required a shunt; and one underwent successful squint surgery. At 1 year postoperatively 13 patients had made a good or moderate recovery, three were severely disabled, and one had died--outcomes in keeping with other studies. By contrast, responses to the SF-36 questionnaire showed that, in all eight of its categories, between 43% and 75% of surviving patients were functioning below accepted norms. Fifty-six percent of caregivers experienced a major change in lifestyle and 38% experienced a major change with respect to their work. Conclusions After transpetrosal excision of a petroclival meningioma, the quality of life for the patient is worse than that indicated in surgeons' reported results. The impact on the patient's caregiver is profound--a burden perhaps not fully appreciated by the surgeon.


2019 ◽  
Vol 101-B (3) ◽  
pp. 272-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. G. M. Verspoor ◽  
M. J. L. Mastboom ◽  
G. Hannink ◽  
W. T. A. van der Graaf ◽  
M. A. J. van de Sande ◽  
...  

Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and joint function in tenosynovial giant cell tumour (TGCT) patients before and after surgical treatment. Patients and Methods This prospective cohort study run in two Dutch referral centres assessed patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs; 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)) in 359 consecutive patients with localized- and diffuse-type TGCT of large joints. Patients with recurrent disease (n = 121) and a wait-and-see policy (n = 32) were excluded. Collected data were analyzed at specified time intervals preoperatively (baseline) and/or postoperatively up to five years. Results A total of 206 TGCT patients, 108 localized- and 98 diffuse-type, were analyzed. Median age at diagnosis of localized- and diffuse-type was 41 years (interquartile range (IQR) 29 to 49) and 37 years (IQR 27 to 47), respectively. SF-36 analyses showed statistically significant and clinically relevant deteriorated preoperative and immediate postoperative scores compared with general Dutch population means, depending on subscale and TGCT subtype. After three to six months of follow-up, these scores improved to general population means and continued to be fairly stable over the following years. VAS scores, for both subtypes, showed no statistically significant or clinically relevant differences pre- or postoperatively. In diffuse-type patients, the improvement in median WOMAC score was statistically significant and clinically relevant preoperatively versus six to 24 months postoperatively, and remained up to five years’ follow-up. Conclusion Patients with TGCT report a better HRQoL and joint function after surgery. Pain scores, which vary hugely between patients and in patients over time, did not improve. A disease-specific PROM would help to decipher the impact of TGCT on patients’ daily life and functioning in more detail. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:272–280.


BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Arnaud ◽  
Carine Duffaut ◽  
Jérôme Fauconnier ◽  
Silke Schmidt ◽  
Kate Himmelmann ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Effective inclusion in society for young people with disabilities is increasingly seen as generating opportunities for self-development, and improving well-being. However, significant barriers remain in the vast majority of activities meaningful for young adults. Research argues that various personal (disabilities, health) and environmental (access to the resources needed, accessible environment, discrimination, lack of personal economic independence) factors contribute to limited participation. However, previous studies conducted in young people with cerebral palsy (CP) mainly investigated the transition period to adulthood, and did not fully consider the whole range of impairment severity profiles or environmental barriers. In this study, we will use the follow-up of the SPARCLE cohort and a comparison group from the general population (1) to investigate the impact of the environment on participation and quality of life of young adults with CP, (2) to determine predictors of a successful young adulthood in educational, professional, health and social fields, (3) to compare quality of life and frequency of participation in social, work and recreational activities with the general population, (4) to document on participation and quality of life in those with severe disabilities. Methods The SPARCLE3 study has a combined longitudinal and cross-sectional design. Young adults with CP aged 22 to 27 years in 6 European regions previously enrolled in the SPARCLE cohort or newly recruited will be invited to self-complete a comprehensive set of questionnaires exploring participation (daily life and discretionary activities), health-related quality of life, body function, personal factors (health, personal resources), and contextual factors (availability of needed environmental items, family environment, services provision) during home visits supervised by trained researchers. Proxy-reports or adapted questionnaires will be used for those with the most severe impairments. The recruitment of a large group from the general population (online survey) will enable to identify life areas where the discrepancies between young people with CP and their able-bodied peers are the most significant. Discussion This study will help identify to what extent disabilities and barriers in environment negatively affect participation and quality of life, and how previous valued experiences during childhood or adolescence might modulate these effects.


Author(s):  
Stefano Tozza ◽  
Dario Bruzzese ◽  
Daniele Severi ◽  
Emanuele Spina ◽  
Rosa Iodice ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction In Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A (CMT1A) patients, daily life is mainly influenced by mobility and ambulation dysfunctions. The aim of our work was to evaluate the perception of disturbances that mostly impact on daily life in CMT1A patients and its difference on the basis of age, gender, disability, and quality of life. Methods Forty-one CMT1A patients underwent neurological assessment focused on establishing clinical disability through the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy Score (CMTNS) and quality of life through the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. We identified from CMT disturbances 5 categories [weakness in lower limbs (WLL), weakness in upper limbs (WUL), skeletal deformities (SD), sensory symptoms (SS), balance (B)] and patients classified the categories from the highest to the lowest impact on daily life (1: highest; 5: lowest). Ranking of the 5 categories, in the overall sample and in the different subgroups (dividing by gender, median of age and disease duration, CMTNS, domains of SF-36), was obtained and differences among subgroups were assessed using a bootstrap approach. Results Rank analysis showed that WLL was the most important disturbance on daily life whereas WUL had the lowest impact. In the older CMT1A group, the most important disturbance on daily life was B that was also the most relevant disturbance in patients with a greater disability. SD influenced daily life in younger patients. SS had less impact on daily life, with the exception of patients with a milder disability. Discussion Our findings demonstrated that the perception of disturbances that mostly impact on CMT1A patients’ daily life changes over the lifetime and with degree of disability.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Daniela Viramontes-Hörner ◽  
Zoe Pittman ◽  
Nicholas M Selby ◽  
Maarten W Taal

Abstract Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is severely impaired in persons receiving dialysis. Malnutrition has been associated with some measures of poor HRQoL in cross-sectional analyses in dialysis populations, but no studies have assessed the impact of malnutrition and dietary intake on change in multiple measures of HRQoL over time. We investigated the most important determinants of poor HRQoL and the predictors of change in HRQoL over time using several measures of HRQoL. We enrolled 119 haemodialysis and 31 peritoneal dialysis patients in this prospective study. Nutritional assessments (Subjective Global Assessment [SGA], anthropometry and 24-hour dietary recalls) and HRQoL questionnaires (Short Form-36 [SF-36] mental [MCS] and physical component scores [PCS] and European QoL-5 Dimensions [EQ5D] health state [HSS] and visual analogue scores [VAS]) were performed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Mean age was 64(14) years. Malnutrition was present in 37% of the population. At baseline, malnutrition assessed by SGA was the only factor independently (and negatively) associated with all four measures of HRQoL. No single factor was independently associated with decrease in all measures of HRQoL over 1 year. However, prevalence/development of malnutrition over one year was an independent predictor of 1-year decrease in EQ5D HSS and 1-year decrease in fat intake independently predicted the 1-year decline in SF-36 MCS and PCS, and EQ5D VAS. These findings strengthen the importance of monitoring for malnutrition and providing nutritional advice to all persons on dialysis. Future studies are needed to evaluate the impact of nutritional interventions on HRQoL and other long-term outcomes.


Author(s):  
Eman M. Khedr ◽  
Rania M. Gamal ◽  
Sounia M. Rashad ◽  
Mary Yacoub ◽  
Gellan K. Ahmed

Abstract Background Depression is common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is an unmeasured risk factor, yet its symptoms can be neglected in standard disease evaluations. The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency and the impact of depression on quality of life in SLE patients. We recruited 32 patients with SLE and 15 healthy control volunteers in the study. The following investigations were undertaken in each patient: clinical and rheumatologic assessment, SLE Disease Activity Index-2k (SLEDAI-2k), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire, and routine laboratory tests. Results There was a high percentage of depression (46.9%) in the SLE patients. Regarding quality of life (SF-36), there were significant affection of the physical and mental composite summary domains (PCS and MCS) scores in lupus patients compared with controls (P < 0.000 for both) with the same significant in depressed compared with non-depressed patients. SF-36 subscales (physical function, limit emotional, emotional wellbeing, and social function) were significantly affected in depressed lupus patients compared with non-depressed patients. There was a significant negative correlation between the score of MCS domain of SF-36 with BDI (P < 0.000) while positive correlation between SLEDAI score with depression score. In contrast, there were no significant correlations between MCS or PCS with age, duration of illness, or SLEDAI-2K. Conclusions Depression is common in SLE patients and had a negative impact on quality of life particularly on MCS domain and positive correlation with disease severity score. Trial registration This study was registered on clinical trial with registration number: NCT03165682 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03165682 on 24 May 2017.


Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca V. Steenaard ◽  
Laura A. Michon ◽  
Harm R. Haak

Insight into the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) impact of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is important. The disease and its treatment options potentially have an impact on HRQoL. For patients with limited survival, HRQoL research is of utmost importance. We will therefore provide an overview of HRQoL studies in patients with ACC. We found six studies that measured HRQoL in 323 patients with ACC (3 cross-sectional, 1 cohort, 2 trials), all indicating a reduced HRQoL compared to the general population. The FIRMACT trial found that HRQoL of patients with ACC was reduced compared to the general population, and that chemotherapy-mitotane further reduced HRQoL even though survival improved. Clinical aspects of the disease, including cortisol and aldosterone production and adrenal insufficiency have shown great impact on HRQoL in benign disease, even after the recovery of hormonal status. However, the impact of malignant adrenal disease and treatment options on HRQoL including adrenalectomy, radiotherapy, mitotane therapy, and chemotherapy have not been sufficiently studied in patients with ACC. Although the number of HRQoL studies in patients with ACC is limited, the existing literature does indicate that ACC has a large impact on patients’ HRQoL, with disease specific aspects. Further HRQoL research in patients with ACC is essential to improve patient-centered care, preferably by using an ACC-specific HRQoL questionnaire.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia-I Tsai ◽  
Yi-Chang Su ◽  
Shih-Yi Lin ◽  
I-Te Lee ◽  
Cheng-Hung Lee ◽  
...  

Aim. To evaluate how health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutions of Yin-Xu, Yang-Xu, and Stasis are related in type 2 diabetes patients. Method. Seven hundred and five subjects were recruited in 2010 for this study from a Diabetes Shared Care Network in Taiwan. Generic and disease-specific HRQOL were assessed by the short form 36 (SF-36) and the diabetes impact measurement scale (DIMS). Constitutions of Yin-Xu, Yang-Xu, and Stasis were then assessed by the body constitution questionnaire (BCQ), a questionnaire consisting of 44 items that evaluate the physiological state based on subjective symptoms and signs. Results. Estimated effects of the Ying-Xu and Stasis on all scales of the SF-36 were significantly negative, while estimated effects of the Yang-Xu on all scales (except for SF, RE, MH, and MCS) were significantly negative. For DIMS, the estimated effects of the Ying-Xu and Stasis on all scales were significantly negative except for Stasis on well-being, while Yang-Xu has a significantly negative effect only on symptoms. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that TCM constitutions of Yin-Xu, Yang-Xu, and Stasis are closely related to a reduction in HRQOL. These findings support the need for further research into the impact of intervention for TCM constitutions on HRQOL in patients with type 2 diabetes.


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