Health-Related Quality of Life in Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

AbstractPurpose of ReviewAntiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can be seen as a burden, with consequences on patients ’ daily life. Health has traditionally been measured using measures of morbidity or mortality. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a concept that includes quality of life through physical, mental, and social domains. As in other autoimmune diseases, HRQoL has been investigated in patients wi th APS. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the current knowledge of the assessment of HRQoL in APS.Recent FindingsAPS patients have an impaired HRQoL compared with the general population. The presence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in APS patients is associated with a worse HRQoL than in patients without SLE. Several determinants of HRQoL impairment in APS have been identified: age, gender, history of arterial thrombosis, organ damage, lack of social support and treatments.SummaryThis review highlights the negative impact of thrombosis on APS patients ’ HRQoL that should not be neglected. Besides, there is a need for a better strategy of communication and information, in order to improve HRQoL in APS.
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research