Health-related quality of life in patients with inherited ataxia in Ireland

Abstract

Abstract Background: Inherited cerebellar ataxias (CA) are heterogeneous progressive neurological conditions associated with significant functional limitations. This study aimed to assess the implications of inherited CA on patients’ self-reported quality of life (QoL) and impairments in work and activities. Methods: 129 individuals with ataxia responded to a survey focused on QoL. Health related QoL was measured using the RAND 36-Item Short Form Survey. An adaptation of the validated Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire was used to assess the effect of health on work productivity and ability to perform activities over the past week. Results: Nine percent of respondents were currently employed. Individuals with inherited ataxia experienced significant activity impairment and 75% required professional or informal care. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was significantly worse in all areas for the individuals with inherited ataxia compared with Irish population normative values. Participants with Friedreich’s ataxia (n=56) demonstrated worse physical functioning then those with undetermined ataxia (n=55). Female gender, younger age at symptom onset, current employment, retirement due to age or ataxia and living in a long-term care facility were associated with higher sub-scores in different domains of HRQoL, while disease duration correlated with worse physical functioning sub-scores. Conclusion: This study is the first cross-sectional study on HRQoL in patients with inherited ataxia in Ireland. It highlights high rates of unemployment, difficulty with daily activities and physical functioning limitations, which is worse than comparative international studies. Given the limited therapeutic options currently available, optimising HRQoL is an important aspect of managing ataxia.