Health-related quality of life in primary Raynaud phenomenon

To assess health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with primary Raynaud phenomenon (RP).

The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire and the EQ-5D questionnaire were administered to 81 patients with primary RP who had been referred to a rheumatological department. The scores were compared with data of control subjects.

In the physical dimensions of the SF-36, the subjects who had RP had significantly lower scores (worse HRQL) than controls (47.6 +/- 9.8 vs. 52.2 +/- 9.3, P = 0.021). The physical component score (PCS) was correlated with age (P = 0.003) and the number of comorbidities (P = 0.004). The mental health component score (MCS) was significantly lower in RP subjects than in controls (41.9 +/- 9.4 vs. 46.1 +/- 10.7, P = 0.006). As regards anxiety/depression (of the EQ-5DA/D), considerably more RP patients (77.7%) reported at least some related problems as compared with controls (60.0%) (chi = 7.93; P = 0.005). Fifty-two RP patients (64.2%) and 178 controls (57.8%) described themselves as moderately anxious/depressed, whereas 11 RP patients (13.5%), and 7 controls (2.2%) reported extreme anxiety/depression (P < 0.0001).

This study shows a reduction of the HRQL in patients with primary RP, compared with control subjects. The psychologic wellbeing represents the most involved area, whereas physical functioning and symptoms are significantly influenced by age and comorbidities. Moreover, these patients are more anxious/depressed (EQ-5DA/D). Longitudinal studies are needed to validate our findings, to explore the causal relationship between primary RP and emotional factors, and to possibly lead to encouraging behavioral therapies.