Cincotta MC, Engelhard MM, Stankey M, Goldman MD. Fatigue and fluid hydration status in multiple sclerosis: A hypothesis.
Mult Scler 2016;
22:1438-1443. [PMID:
27542703 DOI:
10.1177/1352458516663854]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Fatigue is a prevalent and functionally disabling symptom for individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS) which is poorly understood and multifactorial in etiology. Bladder dysfunction is another common MS symptom which limits social engagement and quality of life. To manage bladder issues, individuals with MS tend to limit their fluid intake, which may contribute to a low-hydration (LoH) state and fatigue.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the relationship between patient-reported MS fatigue, bladder dysfunction, and hydration status.
METHODS
We performed a prospective cross-sectional study in 50 women with MS. Participants submitted a random urine sample and completed several fatigue-related surveys. Using a urine specific gravity (USG) threshold of 1.015, we classified MS subjects into two groups: high-hydration (HiH) and LoH states.
RESULTS
LoH status was more common in MS subjects with bladder dysfunction. Statistically significant differences in self-reported Fatigue Performance Scale were observed between HiH and LoH subjects (p = 0.022). USG was significantly correlated with fatigue as measured by the MS Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score (r = 0.328, p = 0.020).
CONCLUSION
Hydration status correlates with self-reported fatigue, with lower fatigue scores found in those with HiH status (USG < 1.015).
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