The effect of arthritis on the quality of life in hereditary hemochromatosis.

OBJECTIVE

To assess clinical factors affecting the quality of life in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis.

METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients with hereditary hemochromatosis completed a self-administered survey (Medical Outcome Survey, MOS-SF36). The effects of cirrhosis, diabetes, and arthritis on physical, social, and general health variables were assessed in 8 subscales including physical, social, emotional, and general health.

RESULTS

Multiple linear regression models demonstrated that arthritic patients had impairments in more subcategories (physical functioning, pain and general health perception) than cirrhotic (vitality) and diabetic patients. A multivariate analysis of variance model suggested that arthritis is the strongest single factor affecting quality of life (p = 0.0516).

CONCLUSION

Although cirrhosis is the major factor affecting survival, arthritis is a prominent clinical factor affecting quality of life in hemochromatosis.