Fatigue: a principal contributor to impaired quality of life in ANCA-associated vasculitis

Basu, N. , Jones, G. T., Fluck, N., MacDonald, A. G., Pang, D., Dospinescu, P., Reid, D. M. and Macfarlane, G. J. (2010) Fatigue: a principal contributor to impaired quality of life in ANCA-associated vasculitis. Rheumatology, 49(7), pp. 1383-1390. (doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keq098) (PMID:20400759) (PMCID:PMC3091420)

Abstract

Objectives: To describe quality of life (QoL) in an ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) cohort and make comparisons with a general population sample. In addition, we aimed to take preliminary steps to identify potential disease and psycho-social factors which may determine QoL impairment. Methods: A population-based case–control study was designed. All AAV patients resident in Grampian, Scotland, were invited to participate as cases. Controls were identified from a random sample of persons registered with four local general practices. Participants completed a questionnaire comprising validated generic and symptom-specific tools in the assessment of QoL. In addition, all cases were clinically assessed and putative disease factors recorded. Cases and controls were compared and, in addition, disease and psycho-social associations were explored for identified QoL impairments. Results: In total, 74/90 (82%) cases and 781/2000 (39%) controls participated. Cases reported a significant impairment in physical health (P < 0.0001), but not mental health (P = 0.85), compared with controls, as measured by Short Form-8 (SF-8). Following adjustment for age and sex, persons with AAV were more than twice as likely to report mild/moderate fatigue [odds ratio (OR) 2.0; 95% CI 1.1, 3.8] or severe fatigue (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.4, 4.5) compared with controls. Furthermore, among cases, fatigue was found to be strongly associated with impaired physical health (P < 0.0001), while disease factors such as disease activity and damage were not (P = 0.60 and 0.27, respectively). Conclusions: Patients with AAV report impaired physical but not mental health. Specifically, fatigue is a principal complaint and appears to be a major determinant of impaired QoL.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Funding: N.B. is funded by the Chief Scientist Office. This study received financial support from NHS Grampian, Department of Rheumatology.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Reid, Professor David and Basu, Professor Neil
• Authors: Basu, N., Jones, G. T., Fluck, N., MacDonald, A. G., Pang, D., Dospinescu, P., Reid, D. M., and Macfarlane, G. J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Rheumatology
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 1462-0324
• ISSN (Online): 1462-0332
• Published Online: 17 April 2010