[Quality of life and multiple sclerosis]

Abstract

Introduction: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a complex concept in which evaluation of physical, emotional and social domains of health are included. Since chronic diseases has raised, the importance of HRQoL evaluation has increased, overall in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) whose HRQoL has shown to be worse than in other chronic diseases.

Aim: To review the information available about the HRQoL in patients with MS to provide an overview of the current situation.

Development: Previously performed clinical trials identified the main factors related to the HRQoL: physical factors (sensitive/motor deficits, fatigue, pain, sexual/bladder dysfunction), psychological factors (depression, anxiety, cognitive disturbances, coping strategies) and social factors (family/social relationships, work activity). The inclusion of HRQoL questionnaires in the patients' follow-up is a relevant issue to optimize its treatment, making easier treatment decision and improving adherence, as well as to reduce the inconveniences derived from medication such as adverse events.

Conclusions: HRQoL evaluation is really complex in patients with MS, being difficult to identify the main domains that impact on HRQoL. However, its regular evaluation provides essential information to improve the symptomatic treatment, increase the adherence to treatment and modify the immunomodulating treatment.