Impact of Behcet's syndrome on health-related quality of life: influence of the type and number of symptoms

Methods. A questionnaire was mailed to the 641 adult members of the Behcet's Syndrome Society in the UK. Participants provided information on socio-demographic characteristics, disease duration, current symptoms (mouth ulcers, genital ulcers, skin lesions, fatigue, joint problems, stomach/bowel problems, eye problems, pathergy reaction, headaches and other neurological problems), symptom control and quality of life (the EQ-5D index). Linear regression was used to test the associations of the type and number of symptoms with the EQ-5D index. Results. Of the 447 members, 400 who returned the questionnaires had a confirmed diagnosis of BS. Of them, 362 had information on the variables selected for this analysis (76% females and 94% white British). The mean EQ-5D index was 0.47 (s.d. 0.38). Of the 10 symptoms assessed, joint problems had the strongest impact on quality of life, followed by neurological problems, pathergy reaction and stomach/bowel problems (adjusted coefficients of -0.15, -0.13, -0.11 and -0.18, respectively). Furthermore, the number of symptoms was significantly related to the EQ-5D index after adjustment for socio-demographic characteristics, disease duration and symptom control. The EQ-5D index decreased by -0.05 U for every additional symptom reported. Conclusions. BS has a considerable impact on quality of life. Both the type and number of symptoms affect the quality of life of adults with BS.