Title: The COVID-19-related quality of life changes in patients with multiple sclerosis
Abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of patients with relapsing-remitting MS, who suffered from Covid-19 disease. Methods. We examined 48 patients (31 - women and 17 – men). The QOL was evaluated by the questionnaire SF-36. The mean age was 38 ± 18 years. The average disease duration was about 8.32 ± 11.54 years and the EDSS score was 3,1 ± 1,7. Confirmed Covid-19 was diagnosed in 27 of patients (PCR or retrospective IFA-test). The QOL results of those who had Covid-19 were compared to those who were not infected (control group). Results. The SF-36 results were the following: physical functioning - (33,30 ± 2,33) points against (53,00 ± 3,67) in the control group (p < 0,01), physical role functioning - (15,25 ± 2,57) and (61,73 ± 5,84) (p < 0,01), bodily pain - (34,26 ± 1, 85) scores and (51,25 ± 5,48) (p < 0,05), general health - (21,91 ± 1,36) points against (41,80 ± 2,64) (p < 0,05), vital activity - (41,43 ± 1,64) scores and (65,50 ± 2,34) (p > 0,05), social functioning - (52, 12 ± 1,80 points and (68,14 ± 3,81) (p > 0,05), emotional role functioning - (26,81 ± 3,08) and (48,02 ± 7, 42) scores (p < 0,05), mental health - (31,54 ± 1,55) points against (51,44 ± 2,65) (p < 0,05). Conclusions. Thus, a significant quality of life decrease was observed in all subscales except vital activity and social functioning.