Reviews
Fatigue in systemic sclerosis: a systematic review
F. Basta1, A. Afeltra2, D.P.E. Margiotta3
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Rheumatology, Campus Bio-Medico, University of Rome, Italy. f.basta@unicampus.it
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Rheumatology, Campus Bio-Medico, University of Rome, Italy.
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Rheumatology, Campus Bio-Medico, University of Rome, Italy.
CER10677
2018 Vol.36, N°4 ,Suppl.113
PI 0150, PF 0160
Reviews
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PMID: 29303706 [PubMed]
Received: 10/07/2017
Accepted : 23/10/2017
In Press: 15/12/2017
Published: 30/09/2018
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
To systematically review fatigue in systemic sclerosis (SSc) in terms of prevalence, features, correlates, predictors and management.
METHODS:
We performed a literature search in PubMed (Medline), EBSCO and COCHRANE databases up to June 2017 selecting articles regarding fatigue in SSc. The articles finally selected fulfilled the following eligibility criteria: written in English, referred to fatigue in SSc, reporting original data, including validated questionnaires measuring fatigue.
RESULTS:
A total of 43 records were included. Fatigue in SSc has a prevalence similar to that of other rheumatic diseases and is one of the most prevalent and debilitating symptom experienced by SSc patients. Fatigue leads to a significant impairment of quality of life, parenting, household and work ability. Fatigue is associated with psychosocial factors (depression, pain and sleep disorders), sociodemographic factors and clinical manifestations of the disease (pulmonary and gastrointestinal involvement). Indeed, the relationship with scores of disease activity is uncertain. Pharmacological therapeutic approaches were broadly ineffective in reducing fatigue. More encouraging results concern physical activity, complementary and alternative medicine.
CONCLUSIONS:
Adequate management of fatigue could lead to a marked improvement of the patient’s quality of life, also contributing to reduction in SSc indirect costs.
