Evaluation of quality of life, functionality and disability in patients with systemic sclerosis in a University Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs that promotes high morbidity and mortality. Objective: To evaluate the functionality, disability and quality of life of patients with systemic sclerosis and to compare the clinical forms of the disease. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study performed at the Rheumatology Clinic of the Hospital das Clínicas of the Federal University of Pernambuco (HC-UFPE) from August 2018 to April 2019. The non-probabilistic, convenience sample consisted of 60 patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (SSc), followed at the Rheumatology outpatient clinic of the Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Pernambuco. To evaluate the outcomes, the following instruments were used: Cochin Hand Functional Scale (CHFS) for hand function; 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) for quality of life; and Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ) for functionality and disability. Results: The mean results for CHFS, SHAQ, SF-12 Physical Component Summary and SF-12 Mental Component Summary were 14.5 (6.0-29.75), 1.01±0.56, 35.04±8.09, 40.94±10.56, respectively. There were no significant differences in CHFS outcomes between patients with diffuse and limited forms of SSc, SHAQ and the mental component of SF-12. However, in the physical component of SF-12, a better score was found in patients with the diffuse form of the disease (p=0.04). Conclusion: Patients with SSc present an important impairment of hand function, quality of life and functional capacity, and those with limited cutaneous form present worse scores of the physical component in the evaluation of quality of life.