Study Links MS-Related Fatigue to Disability Status and Lower Quality of Life
A group of researchers examined the significant impact of fatigue on the quality of life (QoL) and work activity among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).They assessed fatigue using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and measured QoL with the Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life (MusiQol) questionnaire. The study included 101 patients with MS over 4 months, with a median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 1.5.
Findings revealed that fatigue disproportionately affected the physical aspect of QoL in 34.7% of patients, with 45.5% of fatigued individuals reporting significant physical impairment. Fatigue also had a marked effect on employment, with 62.9% of affected individuals reducing their working hours. A higher EDSS score (≥ 2) was strongly associated with fatigue, as 53.5% of these patients experienced fatigue compared to 20.7% of those with an EDSS score below 2 (P = .0003). Moreover, patients with greater fatigue in physical and psychosocial domains had significantly higher disability scores (P = .0003 and P = .0001, respectively).
The study further underscored the relationship between disability severity and QoL. Those with moderate QoL had a median EDSS of 2, while individuals with better QoL had a median EDSS of 1 (P = .003). A higher disability burden (EDSS ≥ 2) correlated with poorer QoL, with 72.1% of these patients reporting moderate QoL.
Despite its relatively low prevalence in the study population, fatigue remains a critical factor influencing QoL and work activity in patients with MS, particularly those with higher disability levels. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address fatigue in MS management.
Reference
Galiana GL, Peñalver FJ, Gonzalez Bellene A. Impact of fatigue perception on quality of life and functionality in patients with multiple sclerosis. Presented at: 2025 ACTRIMS Forum; February 27-March 1; West Palm, Beach, FL; Session V441.
