Demographic and clinical determinants of the quality of life in adults with inherited and acquired myopathies

Abstract

AbstractBackground and purposeMeasuring health‐related quality of life (QOL) is vital for understanding the disease impact, but the complex relationship between clinical parameters and QOL remains unclear. The objective was to determine the demographic and clinical factors that influence the QOL in adults with inherited and acquired myopathies.MethodsThe study was of cross‐sectional design. Detailed demographic and clinical details were collected. Patients answered Neuro‐QOL and Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System short‐form questionnaires.ResultsData was collected from 100 consecutive in‐person patient visits. Mean age of the cohort was 49.5 ± 20.1 (18–85) years, and the majority were male (53, 53%). Bivariate analysis between the various demographic and clinical features with the QOL scales revealed single simple question (SSQ), handgrip strength, Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score, female gender, and age to be nonuniformly associated with the QOL scales. There was no difference between inherited and acquired myopathies for any of the QOL scores, except for the poorer lower limb function domain in inherited myopathies (36.7 ± 7.3 vs. 40.9 ± 11.2, p = 0.049). Linear regression models revealed lower SSQ, lower handgrip strength, and lower MRC sum score to independently predict poor QOL.ConclusionsHandgrip strength and SSQ serve as novel predictors of QOL in myopathies. Handgrip strength has a significant impact on physical, mental, and social domains and deserves special attention with respect to rehabilitation. SSQ correlates well with QOL and can be employed as a quick and global assessment of a patient's well‐being. Differences in QOL scores between patients with inherited and acquired myopathies were minimal.