Impact of fatigue on quality of life in adults with multiple sclerosis

Fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS) is defined as the lack of physical and/or mental energy perceived by the individual that interferes with normal activities. It is the most common symptom in MS, present in up to 90% of people with MS. Fatigue along with disability, depression, cognitive impairment, and disease-modifying therapy (DMT) affect quality of life (QoL).

We designed a prospective observational study in patients with MS and DMT of moderate efficacy to assess the association between fatigue and the epidemiological, clinical, and pharmacological aspects that influence in the QoL. We analysed variables related to patients, disability, fatigue (MFIS), clinical and radiological activity, depression (BDI), cognitive impairment (SDMT), and QoL (EQ-5D).

we included 91 people, 65.9% women, mean age 43.9 years. The DMT were: 27.4% interferon-β, 15.38% glatiramer acetate, 9.89% teriflunomide, and 47.25% dimethyl fumarate. The median of the EDSS was 1.5 points. 40.9% have presented fatigue, 36.3% cognitive deterioration and 30.7% of the patients depression.

Patients with fatigue are older, more disabled, have a higher prevalence of depression and worse QoL. Evolution time, relapses, MRI lesion load, and DMTs are not associated with fatigue. Fatigue is a frequent symptom in patients with MS that influences in the QoL, hence the importance of its diagnosis and treatment.