Background And Objectives: Even though pain in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is common and possibly associated with reduced quality of life, its exact prevalence and characteristics remain vaguely understood. We aimed to estimate the true extent of pain and its associations with quality of life in Lithuanian MS patients and to compare this data with that of a control group.
Materials And Methods: Data were collected prospectively at the Department of Neurology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics. A face-to-face structured interview and a questionnaire were used to collect demographic and clinical data of the MS ( = 120) and control ( = 120) groups. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was used to quantify disability in the MS group. Scores ≥4/10 in the Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire were classified as neuropathic pain. Patients were evaluated using the anxiety and depression subsets of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A and HADS-D), the physical and mental component subsets of the Short Form-12 questionnaire (PSC-12 and MSC-12).
Results: The MS and control groups did not differ in pain prevalence (76.7% vs. 65.9%, = 0.064) or intensity. Lhermitte sign, lower limb, and face pain were more common in the MS group, whereas subjects in the control group were more often affected by lower back, neck, and joint pain. Neuropathic pain and pain lasting longer than 2 years were more common among pain-affected MS patients than among controls. MS patients with pain had higher EDSS, HADS-D, and HADS-A and lower PSC-12 scores than those without pain; however, no difference was found regarding the duration of MS or age. Males with MS and pain had higher MSC-12 and HADS-D scores in comparison to the same subset of females.
Conclusions: Pain affects approximately three out of four patients with MS in Lithuania and is negatively associated with the mental and physical aspects of quality of life.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7695204 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/medicina56110596 | DOI Listing |
Pilot Feasibility Stud
January 2025
Academic Unit for Ageing and Stroke Research, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
Background: There is a growing evidence base to support the use of self-management interventions for improving quality of life after stroke. However, stroke survivors with aphasia have been underrepresented in research to date. It is therefore unclear if self-management is an appropriate or effective approach for this group.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAIDS Res Ther
January 2025
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
The global HIV epidemic remains a major public health challenge, with DTG playing a key role in ART regimens due to its efficacy and tolerability. This study evaluated virological outcomes and resistance mutations in patients on DTG in Mozambique through a retrospective cohort study in seven DREAM centers. Data from 29,601 patients (98.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Health Serv Res
January 2025
Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Level 3, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.
Background: Social prescribing link workers support individuals to engage with community resources, co-creating achievable goals. Most schemes are community-based, targetting adults. Vulnerable populations including hospitalized children with neurodisability and their families, could also benefit from social prescribing.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Psychiatry
January 2025
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
Background: Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the gold-standard treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, access to CBT and specialized treatments is often limited. This pilot study describes the implementation of a guided Internet-Based CBT program (ICBT) for individuals seeking treatment for OCD in a psychiatric outpatient department in Leipzig, Germany, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Rep
January 2025
Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, NO. 172 Tong Zi Po Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410006, Hunan, China.
Osteoporotic fractures are a major public health concern, particularly among the aging population, as they significantly contribute to morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life. While cardiovascular health (CVH) has traditionally been linked to cardiovascular disease outcomes, emerging evidence suggests it may also influence bone health. This study investigates the association between CVH, as measured by the Life's Essential 8 (LE8) score, and the prevalence of osteoporotic fractures in U.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!