[The influence of sarcoidosis on quality of life]

In the follow up of chronic illnesses like sarcoidosis, the psychological and social dimensions are getting more important in addition to the clinical parameters. It is the quality of life (QoL) that brings psychological and social dimensions in to the clinic. In this study we aimed to investigate the QoL of patients suffering from sarcoidosis. Study Short Form (SF-36) QoL scala was applied to 70 sarcoidosis patients who have been followed up in our center at least for a year. Among these patients 49 were females, 21 were males and the mean age was 43.27 +/- 11.97, mean disease duration was 3.55 +/- 1.80 (1-8 years). In our study, we found that variables belonging to sarcoidosis influence the QoL as well as the patient herself/himself. While age and female gender influenced almost all parameters of QoL, in cases with symptoms physical component had been influenced most. Diffusing capacity (DLCO) showed positive correlation with many of the parameters of QoL, whereas disease stage did negative. Patients' income and their to be treatment did not affect QoL. In conclusion, we suggest that QoL may help to follow up and decide on the treatment of sarcoidosis along with the other treatment criteria.