Quality of life assessment in behçet’s disease: an observational case control single center study

Abstract

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a multisystemic inflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent exacerbations. Limited studies have shown it has a negative impact on patients quality of life(QoL). This study aimed to evaluate Quality of Life in Patients with Behçet’s disease compared with healthy controls. A case-control study involved 71 patients with BD compared with 71 healthy controls matched in age and sex. Health-related quality-of-life was evaluated using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). All the components of Short Form-36 (SF-36), its summary scores, and Total Short Form-36 (Total SF-36) score was significantly lower (p-value <0.001) in patients compared to controls. Each organ involvement studied may affect independently specific SF-36 subscores. Central nervous system involvement in BD had a strong impact since it affects most of the SF-36 subscores.  Health-related Quality of life was significantly impaired in Iraqi patients with Behçet’s disease compared to healthy controls. Each organ involvement studied may affect independently specific SF-36 subscores.