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Factors associated with poor health-related quality of life of patients with cirrhosis.
- Source :
-
Gastroenterology [Gastroenterology] 2001 Jan; Vol. 120 (1), pp. 170-8. - Publication Year :
- 2001
-
Abstract
- Background & Aims: Increasing interest is being given to health-related quality of life in chronic diseases. In cirrhosis, both physical functioning and mental well-being may be altered, but no study has investigated factors associated with a poor perceived health status.<br />Methods: We measured quality of life by Short Form-36 and Nottingham Health Profile questionnaires in 544 patients with cirrhosis. Data were compared with age- and gender-adjusted values of 2 random samples of the Italian population (more than 2000 subjects). Factors associated with poor perceived health status were identified by logistic regression.<br />Results: All domains of health-related quality of life, except pain, were altered in cirrhosis (by 9%-42%), mainly in younger patients. There were minor differences in relation to gender, whereas etiology had no effects. Severity of disease (Child-Pugh score) and, above all, muscle cramps were the factors most closely associated with poor health status perception. Self-rating of disease progression was associated with ascites and pruritus, whereas previous variceal sclerotherapy and the use of disaccharides had a protective effect. Most areas of daily life were affected by perceived health problems; this was mainly true for paid employment and sex life in men and home life and social life in women.<br />Conclusions: Quality of life is variably impaired in cirrhosis, also in uncomplicated patients. Non-life-threatening symptoms, such as muscle cramps, are of major concern. These data are the basis for longitudinal studies measuring the effects of therapy and procedures on patient-derived health outcomes.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0016-5085
- Volume :
- 120
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Gastroenterology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 11208726
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1053/gast.2001.21193