Autonomic symptom burden is associated with MS-related fatigue and quality of life

• Published in: Multiple sclerosis and related disorders 2015-05, Vol.4 (3), p.258-263
• Main Authors: Cortez, M.M, Nagi Reddy, S.K, Goodman, B, Carter, J.L, Wingerchuk, D.M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Autonomic nervous system diseases; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases - complications; Disability Evaluation; Fatigue; Fatigue - complications; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple sclerosis; Multiple Sclerosis - complications; Multiple Sclerosis - psychology; Neurology; Orthostatic intolerance; Quality of Life; Severity of Illness Index; Surveys and Questionnaires; Symptom assessment; Young Adult
• ISSN: 2211-0348; 2211-0356
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2015.03.007

Abstract Background Nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness are common in multiple sclerosis (MS), even in patients with normal exams. Little is known about the relationship of autonomic dysfunction with these symptoms and quality of life. Objective Assess the association of autonomic symptom burden with fatigue, clinical status and quality of life. Methods Subjects completed an autonomic symptom (COMPASS-31), quality of life (MSQOL-54) and fatigue (FSS) questionnaire at their routine MS clinic follow-up. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the medical record. Pearson correlations were assessed between autonomic symptoms and fatigue, quality of life, disability and disease duration. Results One-hundred subjects completed the study (mean age 48 years; 78% female; 84% relapsing-remitting), mean disease duration was 14.7 years and mean EDSS 2.5. MSQOL-54 composite scores were 58 physical and 65 mental. COMPASS-31 correlated with MSQOL-54 (Physical R = −0.60; Mental −0.54; p