Article

Bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction are often overlooked symptoms in
patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and can be associated with lower
health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim is to explore the association of
bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction with HRQoL in MS patients stratified by
disease duration (5 years) and controlled for clinical and
sociodemographic variables. METHODS: The study comprised 223 MS patients (mean
age 38.9 +/- 10.8 years, 67% female, mean EDSS 3.0 +/- 1.5) who filled out the
Short-Form-36 Health Survey, the Bladder Control Scale, the Bowel Control Scale
and the Incapacity Status Scale. The relationships between the variables were
analyzed with multiple linear regression using the SF36's Physical Component
Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) as dependent variables. RESULTS:
More severe bladder dysfunction was associated with lower PCS in both disease
duration groups (beta = -0.35, p </= 0.001 versus beta = -0.43, p </= 0.001),
whereas more severe sexual dysfunction was associated with lower MCS in the group
with shorter disease duration (beta = -0.23, p </= 0.05). CONCLUSION: Bladder and
sexual dysfunction are associated with a poorer HRQoL in MS patients even if they
have had MS for a relatively short time. Recognition and proper treatment is
needed to prevent the development of more severe dysfunction; this may also lead
to a better HRQoL. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Bladder and sexual
dysfunction are associated with a poor health-related quality of life in MS
patients. Sexual dysfunction may explain mental health issues among individuals
with a short disease duration. Recognition and treatment may prevent the
development of more severe sexual and bladder dysfunction and increase physical
health-related quality of life.

Langue : ANGLAIS