Factors associated with poor health-related quality of life of patients with cirrhosis.
Gastroenterology
; 120(1): 170-8, 2001 Jan.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-11208726
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.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.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.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.
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Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Calidad de Vida
/
Cirrosis Hepática
Tipo de estudio:
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
/
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Año:
2001
Tipo del documento:
Article