Case-Control Cohort Study of Patients' Perceptions of Disability in Mastocytosis
2008

Understanding Disability in Mastocytosis Patients

Sample size: 453 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Hermine Olivier, Lortholary Olivier, Leventhal Phillip S., Catteau Adeline, Soppelsa Frédérique, Baude Cedric, Cohen-Akenine Annick, Palmérini Fabienne, Hanssens Katia, Yang Ying, Sobol Hagay, Fraytag Sylvie, Ghez David, Suarez Felipe, Barete Stéphane, Casassus Philippe, Sans Beatrice, Arock Michel, Kinet Jean Pierre, Dubreuil Patrice, Moussy Alain

Primary Institution: Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Necker, Paris, France

Hypothesis

What is the impact of mastocytosis symptoms on patients' perceived disability and quality of life?

Conclusion

Mastocytosis patients experience significant disability and a wide range of symptoms, which are not necessarily related to disease classification or specific mutations.

Supporting Evidence

  • 70% of mastocytosis patients reported feeling disabled.
  • 32 out of 38 symptoms were reported more frequently by patients than controls.
  • Patients with mastocytosis have a wide variety of disabling symptoms.
  • Disability perception was not significantly different between disease classifications.
  • The presence of the D816V mutation did not correlate with perceived disability.
  • Patients reported significant psychological impacts due to their symptoms.
  • Most patients had at least one measurable disability.
  • Symptoms of mastocytosis may be under-recognized and under-diagnosed.

Takeaway

People with mastocytosis feel sick and have many symptoms that make their lives harder, even if doctors can't see it on tests.

Methodology

A case-control study was conducted with 363 mastocytosis patients and 90 controls, using questionnaires to assess perceived disability and symptoms.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in self-reported symptoms and perceptions.

Limitations

The study may not capture all aspects of mastocytosis and relies on self-reported data.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 363 mastocytosis patients and 90 healthy controls, with a mix of disease types.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0002266

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