Pain and quality of life in the early stages after multiple sclerosis diagnosis: a 2-year longitudinal study

Clin J Pain. 2009 Mar-Apr;25(3):211-7. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e3181891347.

Abstract

Background: Pain is a frequent symptom during the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) but its frequency and impact at the early clinical stages remain unknown.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish prevalence and severity of pain in a cohort of patients recently diagnosed with MS and to determine the evolution of pain prevalence over 2 years. Other objectives were to investigate the presence of baseline clinical predictors of pain after 2 years and to establish its impact on quality of life (QOL).

Methods: In a population-based sample of 69 patients recently diagnosed with MS (<6 mo), pain was measured using questions from the SEP-59 QOL questionnaire. A standardized bedside neurologic examination was performed to establish sensory function, sensory Kurtzke functional system score, and disability scales. Patients were reassessed after 1 and 2 years.

Results: Pain was reported by 73.5% of MS patients at baseline and by 70.6% and 61.8% at 1 and 2-year follow-ups, respectively. Clinically significant pain (grades between 3 and 6 using a 6-graded verbal scale) was reported by 63.2% of patients at baseline and by 51.5% and 45.6%, at 1 and 2-year follow-ups, respectively. Pain significantly altered daily activities in 44% of patients. Low overall QOL scores were significantly associated with pain. At 2 years time point, occurrence of pain was associated with baseline depressive symptoms after controlling for the presence of pain at baseline.

Conclusions: Pain is frequent in the early stages of MS and affects the daily QOL.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Disease Progression
  • Fatigue / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / complications*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis / psychology*
  • Pain / etiology*
  • Pain / psychology*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult