Quality of life assessment in patients with multiple sclerosis has gained increasing importance as it encompasses all aspects of patientsâ lives that may be affected by the disease. Though patientsâ quality of life worsens as multiple sclerosis progresses and physical function deteriorates, it depends not only on the disability caused by physical limitations but also on their emotional status, which may also affect the perception of wellbeing and quality of life scenario, depression has been shown to have a notable impact on quality of life, and is considered a significant and independent predictor of impaired quality of life. Sexual dysfunction is another common and often underestimated clinical symptom of multiple sclerosis that, along with its emotional repercussions, has been shown to affect patientsâ quality of life. First-line disease-modifying drugs for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis including interferon-beta (INFb)-1a, INFb-1b and glatiramer acetate have been shown to improve the course of the disease. However, their effect on patientsâ quality of life has not yet been fully clarified. Indeed, the information available on INFb's effect on quality of life is controversial, ranging from some benefit to absence of effect or even to quality of life detriment.
Last date updated on March, 2024