Social and health care needs in patients with hereditary fructose intolerance in Spain

Hereditary fructose intolerance is a metabolic disease due to an aldolase B deficiency. Our objective was to ascertain the social and health care needs of those with this deficiency.

A prospective, observational study was performed. A survey of social and health care needs was conducted to hereditary fructose intolerance patients living in Spain.

Most patients had been diagnosed, mainly by genetic analysis in children and based on fructose overload in adults. Population surveyed had no sequelae (72.34%) or disability (64%), and 83.33% of children and 52.38% of adults were taking drugs (p <.05) (2.06 drugs on average). Most patients had attended medical visits in the past two years, mainly in metabolic disease units (42.5%) and/or nutrition units (42.5%), but less than a half attended reference centers (mostly children [p <0.05]). Although 48% were satisfied with health care, they felt discriminated in recreational activities, school, health and/or daily activities. The most reliable sources of information were the specialized care physician (69.39%) and patients' association (59.18%). Fifty-five percent reported no problem in any quality of life dimension, although some had problems in daily activities, pain, and anxiety.

Although hereditary fructose intolerance is less disabling than other rare diseases, it is important to know the needs of those who suffer from it. Although time to diagnosis has shortened, the poorer health care and satisfaction with it perceived in adults makes it necessary to emphasize the needs of this population, and the critical need of training and information of health care professionals.