Patient-Reported Outcomes and Quality of Life Poster Presentation

P1054 - Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: who is at risk? (ID 1793)

Speakers
  • P. Altmann
Authors
  • P. Altmann
  • F. Leutmezer
  • K. Leithner
  • T. Monschein
  • T. Zrzavy
  • M. Ponleitner
  • M. Stattmann
  • P. Rommer
  • G. Zulehner
  • K. Berek
  • T. Berger
  • G. Bsteh
Presentation Number
P1054
Presentation Topic
Patient-Reported Outcomes and Quality of Life

Abstract

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) related disability and sexual dysfunction (SD) are known to lower a patient’s health related quality of life (HRQoL) detrimentally. However, taking a sexual history in routine care is commonly evaded. Furthermore, there is not much knowledge on SD being either an independent symptom or merely a byproduct of other symptoms such as depression or anxiety.

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of SD in patients with MS and unveil possible associations with disease parameters, depression, anxiety and HRQoL.

Methods

We present results from a cross-sectional study of 93 patients with MS. SD was determined based on the Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19) and correlated with physical disability (Expanded disability status scale, EDSS), depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS), and HRQoL (Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 questionnaire, MSQoL-54).We present results from a cross-sectional study of 93 patients with MS. SD was determined based on the Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19) and correlated with physical disability (Expanded disability status scale, EDSS), depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS), and HRQoL (Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 questionnaire, MSQoL-54).

Results

The mean (standard deviation) age in our cohort was 39 (11.4) years and sex distribution was 3:2 (f:m). At the time of enrollment, two thirds of patients had relapsing MS. The median (IQR) EDSS was 2.0 (0-4.5) with one third of patients being rated as 4.0 or higher. SD was reported by 43 (46%) patients on the MSISQ-19. Out of all included patients, 32 (34%) suffered from anxiety and 15 (16%) from depression. In comparison of patients with and without SD, we found that patients affected by SD were significantly more likely to be depressed (28% vs. 6%, p=0.005) and had a higher median [IQR] EDSS (1 [1-3] vs. 4 [1.5-6], p<0.001). HRQoL was significantly poorer in patients with MS suffering from SD (median [IQR] MSQoL-54 scores: physical subscale 52 [41-68] vs. 81 [69-89], p<0.001; mental subscale 50 [38-82] vs. 86 [70-89], p<0.001). Furthermore, SD occurred more frequently in the progressive phase of the disease. We found no associations between sexual functioning and age, sex or MS disease duration. In a multivariate linear regression model, we found the risk for SD to be 18.1-fold higher (95%CI 3.3-31.4, p<0.001) in patients with EDSS≥4, while neither depression nor anxiety were independent predictors of SD.

Conclusions

SD is common among people with MS and should be addressed in clinical routine. The risk for SD is growing substantially with increasing EDSS while being independent of depression and anxiety. SD is clearly associated with poorer HRQoL. Nonetheless, guidelines for a structured approach, patient needs and treatment strategies should be investigated further.

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