Quality of life, disability, and clinical variables in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

ABSTRACT

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease that results in a progressive increase in dysfunctions, limitations and restrictions over time, which can impact on quality of life (QoL). Therefore, expanding knowledge on QoL and possible factors associated with ALS can enable the development of actions to ensure greater wellbeing for the population. Objective: To investigate QoL in ALS and determine associations with demographic, functional and clinical aspects. Methods: Forty-five individuals with ALS (56.4±11.1 years) participated in the study. Demographic, clinical and functional aspects were investigated. Functioning and QoL were assessed using disease-specific tools (ALS Functional Ranting Scale-Revised/ALSFRS-R and ALS Assessment Questionnaire/ALSAQ-40). Fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale. Descriptive, correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed with the aid of the SPSS. Results: The mean ALSAQ-40 score was 279.0±118.3. QoL was significantly worse among women (p=0.001) and poor QoL was associated with the inability to walk (p=0.014), pain (p=0.021) and disease severity (p≤0.002). QoL was strongly correlated with the ALSFRS-R score (r=-0.82). Moderate to weak correlations were found for mobility [turning in bed (r=-0.62), locomotion (r=-0.33) and sit to stand (r=-0.40)], strength (r=-0.49), fatigue (r=0.35) and pain (r=-0.32) (p<0.03). The regression analysis revealed that the ALSFRS-R score (β=-0.76; p=0.00) and fatigue (β=0.20; p=0.04) were predictors of QoL. Conclusions: QoL was worse in women, older people, severe stages of ALS, patients with impaired mobility, those with a poorer physical performance and those who reported pain. Functional status and fatigue are predictors of QoL in ALS.

RESUMO

Antecedentes: Esclerose lateral amiotrófica (ELA) é uma doença do neurônio motor que resulta em um aumento progressivo das disfunções, limitações e restrições ao longo do tempo, o que pode afetar a qualidade de vida (QV). Ampliar o conhecimento sobre QV e os possíveis fatores associados permitirá o desenvolvimento de ações que garantam maior bem-estar. Objetivo: Avaliar a QV na ELA e verificar a associação com aspectos demográficos, funcionais e clínicos. Métodos: Participaram 45 indivíduos com ELA (5,4 ± 11,1 anos). Foram avaliados aspectos demográficos, clínicos, funcionais (ALS Functional Ranting Scale-Revised / ALSFRS-R), QV (ALS Assessment Questionnaire/ ALSAQ-40, respectivamente) e fadiga (Escala de gravidade da fadiga). Uma análise descritiva, correlação e regressão linear múltipla foram realizadas no programa estatístico SPSS. Resultados: Escore do ALSAQ-40 foi de 279,0 ± 118,3 para a população de ELA avaliada. Verificou-se pior QV significativa em mulheres (p=0,001), incapacidade de andar (p=0,014), dor (p=1,021) e com gravidade da doença (p≤0,002). QV correlacionou-se fortemente com ALSFRS-R (r =-0,82) e de moderada a fraca com mobilidade [virar na cama (r =-0,62), locomoção (r =-0,33) e sentar-se em pé (r=-0,40)], força (r=-0,49), fadiga (r=0,35) e dor (r=-0,32) (p<0,03). A análise de regressão encontrou ALSFRS-R (β=-0,76; p=0,00) e Fadiga (β=0,20; p=0,04) como preditores de QV. Conclusões: QV estava pior nas mulheres, em idosos, estágios de maior gravidade da ELA, na disfunção de mobilidade, no baixo desempenho e na dor. A funcionalidade e a fadiga na ELA são preditores de QV.

Keywords:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - Motor Neuron Disease - Quality of Life, Rehabilitation

Palavras-chave:

Esclerose Amiotrófica Lateral - Doença dos Neurônios Motores - Qualidade de Vida - Reabilitação

Authors’ contributions:

MAA: was involved with study concept and design, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation of data, and preparation of the manuscript; IMMS, SMH: were involved with study concept and design, analysis and interpretation of data, and preparation of the manuscript; MFAR, JSA: were involved recruitment of subjects, data collection and preparation of the manuscript; CMA, LCS: were involved in study concept and assisted with the analysis and interpretation of data and revised the manuscript.

Support:

Pró-reitoria de extensão da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (PROEX/UFMG).

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 25. Mai 2021

Angenommen: 15. Juli 2021

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
30. Januar 2023

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