1. Quality of life in elderly patients with essential thrombocythaemia. An Italian multicentre study.
- Author
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Oliva, Esther, Piccin, Andrea, Mazzucconi, Maria, Morra, Enrica, Recine, Umberto, Pogliani, Enrico, Pane, Fabrizio, Gobbi, Marco, Gugliotta, Luigi, Krampera, Mauro, Cascavilla, Nicola, Cacciola, Rossella, Cacciola, Emma, Fioritoni, Giuseppe, Fanin, Renato, Liberati, Anna, Angelucci, Emanuele, and Tura, Sante
- Subjects
THROMBOCYTOPENIA ,MYELOPROLIFERATIVE neoplasms ,THROMBOSIS ,HEMORRHAGE ,QUALITY of life - Abstract
Essential thrombocythaemia (ET) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by elevated platelet counts and increased incidence of thrombosis and haemorrhage. Median age at diagnosis is 65-70 years. Life expectancy is similar to that of the healthy population. Symptoms and complications may affect quality of life (QoL); in particular, in elderly patients ET may represent an additional burden. We performed a survey in 494 elderly ET patients to evaluate patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Comorbidities were present in 305 (62%) patients. Factorial analysis based on survey items representing psychological aspects of daily life identified an 'attitude domain' with four clusters of patients: (A) very pessimistic ( n = 99), (B) pessimistic ( n = 101), (C) optimistic ( n = 90), and (D) very optimistic ( n = 107). Patients in cluster A had more comorbidities ( p = 0.003) while patients in cluster D required fewer medical visits and were less disturbed by medications ( p < 0.0001). Independent factors predicting Short-Form Health Survey, version 2 physical QoL were grade of optimism ( p < 0.0001), gender ( p = 0.007), and Charlson comorbidity index ( p < 0.0001)). Grade of optimism and disturbances related to medication predicted mental QOL ( p < 0.0001). In conclusion, physicians should take into consideration PROs, as 'attitude' is associated with physical and mental QoL. Treatment should be tailored to patients' needs according to comorbidities, lifestyle, and psychological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012
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