Javier Olascoaga-Urtaza
Spain
Research Article
Quality of Life, Depression, Sexual Dysfunction and Work Absenteeism in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients Starting Glatiramer Acetate as First-Line Treatment: A Prospective Cohort Study
Author(s): Javier Olascoaga-Urtaza, Virginia Meca-Lallana, Rocío Hernández-Clares, Lluís Ramió-Torrentà, Domingo Pérez, Ana María Alonso, Gerardo Joaquín Soriano, Jose Abos-Navarro, Francisco Padilla, Noemi Llopis and Rainel Sánchez-de la RosaJavier Olascoaga-Urtaza, Virginia Meca-Lallana, Rocío Hernández-Clares, Lluís Ramió-Torrentà, Domingo Pérez, Ana María Alonso, Gerardo Joaquín Soriano, Jose Abos-Navarro, Francisco Padilla, Noemi Llopis and Rainel Sánchez-de la Rosa
Introduction: Quality of life (QoL) has gained increasing importance in multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to
assess QoL and potentially associated factors such as depression, sexual dysfunction and work absenteeism in
patients starting glatiramer acetate (GA) in clinical practice.
Methods: A prospective cohort study carried out in relapsing-remitting MS patients starting GA as first-line
treatment. Patient information on QoL (Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 [MSQoL-54]), depression (Beck
Depression Inventory), sexual dysfunction (Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19) and work
absenteeism was assessed from starting GA to week 96.
Results: Ninety-eight evaluable patients were enrolled in the study (mean age, 38.0 ± 8.4 years; female, 69.4%;
mean MS duration, 42.6 ± 62.9 months; annual relaps.. View More»
