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Prevalence of Fibromyalgia: A Survey in Five European Countries

OBJECTIVE A survey was performed in 5 European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain) to estimate the prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) in the general population. METHODS In each country, the London Fibromyalgia Epidemiological Study Screening Questionnaire (LFESSQ) was administered by telephone to a representative sample of the community over 15 years of age. A positive screen was defined as the following: (1) meeting the 4-pain criteria alone (LFESSQ-4), or (2) meeting both the 4-pain and the 2-fatigue criteria (LFESSQ-6). The questionnaire was also submitted to all outpatients referred to the 8 participating rheumatology clinics for 1 month. These patients were examined by a rheumatologist to confirm or exclude the FM diagnosis according to the 1990 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. The prevalence of FM in the general population was estimated by applying the positive-predictive values to eligible community subjects (ie, positive screens). RESULTS Among rheumatology outpatients, 46% screened positive for chronic widespread pain (LFESSQ-4), 32% for pain and fatigue (LFESSQ-6), and 14% were confirmed FM cases. In the whole general population, 13 and 6.7% screened positive for LFESSQ-4 and LFESSQ-6, respectively. 3The estimated overall prevalence of FM was 4.7% (95% CI: 4.0 to 5.3) and 2.9% (95% CI: 2.4 to 3.4), respectively, in the general population. The prevalence of FM was age- and sex-related and varied among countries. CONCLUSION FM appears to be a common condition in these 5 European countries, even if data derived from the most specific criteria set (LFESSQ-6) are considered.

Fibromyalgia syndrome in the general population of France: A prevalence study

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome in the French general population. METHODS A validated French version of the London Fibromyalgia Epidemiology Study Screening Questionnaire (LFESSQ) was administered via telephone to a representative community sample of 1014 subjects aged over 15 years, selected by the quota method. A positive screen was defined as: (1) meeting the 4-pain criteria alone (LFESSQ-4), or (2) meeting both the 4-pain and 2-fatigue criteria (LFESSQ-6). To estimate the positive predictive value of LFESSQ-4 and LFESSQ-6, this questionnaire was submitted to a sample of rheumatology outpatients (n=178), who were then examined by a trained rheumatologist to confirm or exclude the diagnosis of FM according to the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria. The prevalence of FM in the general population was estimated by applying the predictive positive value to eligible community subjects (i.e., positive screens). RESULTS In the community sample, 9.8% and 5.0% screened positive for LFESSQ-4 and LFESSQ-6, respectively. Among rheumatology outpatients, 47.1% screened positive for LFESSQ-4 and 34.8% for LFESSQ-6 whereas 10.6% were confirmed FM cases. Based on positive screens for LFESSQ-4, the prevalence of FM was estimated at 2.2% (95% CI 1.3-3.1) in the French general population. The corresponding figure was 1.4 % (95% CI 0.7-2.1) if positive screens for LFESSQ-6 were considered. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that FM is also a major cause of widespread pain in France since a point prevalence of 1.4% would translate in approximately 680,000 patients.

HFS-14, a Specific Quality of Life Scale Developed for Patients Suffering from Hand–Foot Syndrome

BACKGROUND Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a common reaction to certain chemotherapies and new targeted therapies, impairing patient quality of life (QoL). However, there is currently no specific tool to measure QoL in patients with HFS. Objective. The objective was to develop and validate a HFS-specific QoL questionnaire (HFS-14). PATIENTS AND METHODS From a list of 31 items identified from a literature review and patient interview notes, item reduction and pilot testing by cognitive debriefing resulted in a final 14-item questionnaire with excellent internal reliability. Clinical validity was assessed in 43 patients with HFS by comparing the HFS-14 score according to HFS clinical grade based on the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE), version 3.0, and by measuring its correlation with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Skindex-16, and short-form 12 health-related questionnaires and pain measurement. RESULTS The mean HFS-14 score was significantly higher in patients with clinical grade 2 and grade 3 HFS than in those with grade 1 HFS. The higher the HFS-14 score, the greater the QoL impairment. The HFS-14 score was highly correlated with the DLQI and Skindex-16 scores. In the population of patients with severe grade 3 NCI-CTCAE HFS, the HFS-14 score was significantly higher in patients having both hands and feet severely involved than in those with severe involvement of one limb (hands or feet) with the other one less severely affected. CONCLUSIONS This scale specifically developed for patients with HFS is a valid and valuable tool for measuring HFS-related QoL impairment.

Sensitive skin in Brazil and Russia: An epidemiological and comparative approach

BackgroundSensitive skin is characterized by the occurrence of sensations of tingling, prickling, heat, burning, pain or itching and, on occasion, erythema, in response to multiple physical, chemical or hormonal factors that do not have irritant properties by themselves.ObjectiveWe chose here to evaluate sensitive skin in two countries with very different populations, climates and lifestyles: Russia and Brazil.MethodRepresentative nationwide samples of the Russian and Brazilian populations aged 15 and over were selected. The same methodology was used: the individuals were questioned by telephone and selected as per the quotas method (sex, age, householder profession, rural/urban location and region).ResultsIn the Brazilian population, 22.3% versus 45.7%, in favour of women, reported having a “sensitive” skin. Significant differences were only observed by geographic residence. In the Russian population, 25.4% {ptversus} 50.1%, in favour of women, reported having a “sensitive” skin. Significant differences were observed in skin sensitivity according to social-professional categories, region of residence and subject age. The same results were found in both populations for sensitivity to cosmetics and food intake.ConclusionsRespondents with rather sensitive or very sensitive skin are 2 or 3 times more reactive to climatic, environmental factors, cosmetics and food intake.

PPAD: A tool for presumption of atopic dermatitis

Although it is a frequent disease, atopic dermatitis is poorly recognised and therefore under‐diagnosed. The aim of this study was to define and validate a convenient tool allowing presumption of atopic dermatitis for non‐dermatologists. A 20‐item questionnaire (PPAD) and an 8‐item short version (PPAD‐S) were developed in French by a board of experts, then tested on outpatients presenting with atopic dermatitis or not. Diagnosis was confirmed by a dermatologist, who measured the severity of the disease by using SCORAD. PPAD and PPAD‐S proved to be efficient tools for presumption of atopic dermatitis, but not tools for diagnosis. Scores were correlated to the severity of the disease. PPAD and PPAD‐S can be considered useful tools for orientating patients with undiagnosed atopic dermatitis to a specialised consultation, all the more quickly since atopic dermatitis is severe.

PIH39 PATIENTS WITH URINARY DISORDERS, EVOCATIVE OF BPH WHAT ARE THEIR EXPECTATIONS?

(95%). From their past experience, 21% of them mentioned that they seldom get their drugs labeled whereas 14% of the total respondents were not sure whether they get their drugs labeled or not. In this study, gender, age, and level of education showed signifi cant associations with most responses (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: General public in Malaysia are aware about the importance of drug labeling and about one fi fth of the population surveyed rarely receive their medicines labeled appropriately. Therefore, decision makers have to strictly enforce the existing drug labeling requirements for dispensed medications.

PFM4 DIAGNOSIS OF FIBROMYALGIA AND HEALTH CARE RESOURCE USE IN PRIMARY CARE IN THE UK

not exist (7% of French GPs did not answer). They have an average of 6.1 and 8.3 patients suffering from fibromyalgia for the French and Portuguese GPs respectively. Concerning the use visual analog scales for measurement of pain, if 11% of French GPs use them systematically and 35% never use them, we have 4% and 44% respectively in Portugal. CONCLUSION: The comparison between French and Portuguese General Practitioners management of FM reveals quite no differences in the prescriptions and for both a low use of morphine like agents. Concerning other type of management and physical exercises they essentially differ for acupuncture, osteopathy, hypnotherapy and bicycling. We can also note important difference concerning the use of visual analog scales, used more frequently in France.

PFM5 CROSS-SURVEY OF FRENCH AND PORTUGUESE RHEUMATOLOGISTS GLOBAL MANAGEMENT OF FIBROMYALGIA

not exist (7% of French GPs did not answer). They have an average of 6.1 and 8.3 patients suffering from fibromyalgia for the French and Portuguese GPs respectively. Concerning the use visual analog scales for measurement of pain, if 11% of French GPs use them systematically and 35% never use them, we have 4% and 44% respectively in Portugal. CONCLUSION: The comparison between French and Portuguese General Practitioners management of FM reveals quite no differences in the prescriptions and for both a low use of morphine like agents. Concerning other type of management and physical exercises they essentially differ for acupuncture, osteopathy, hypnotherapy and bicycling. We can also note important difference concerning the use of visual analog scales, used more frequently in France.

PSN16 NAIL PSORIASIS: IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE

item questionnaire. Although the two new versions of the IPSO shared only 6 items, both reflected the original IPSO well. However, several arguments such as lower correlation coefficients, higher Chronbach’s alpha’s, ordered thresholds, unidimensionality and less differences among subgroups of patients suggested that the Rasch version of the IPSO may be the preferred instrument to use. CONCLUSION: The IPSO can be improved and shortened and the Rash reduced version of this instrument is likely to assess the psychosocial impact of moderate to severe psoriasis on patients’ lives best because it is a short, reliable and unidimensional measurement.

PUK30 BENIGN PROSTATE HYPERPLASIA: RELATION BETWEEN IPSS, SPI AND QUALITY OF LIFE IPSS ITEM SCORES

feeder study baseline). These changes were maintained or further improved during the open-label extension, such that significant improvements (p < 0.001 vs. feeder study baseline) were observed for darifenacin 7.5/15mg in the same eight KHQ domains after a further 24 months of treatment. Darifenacin was well tolerated and the overall long-term safety profile was consistent to that observed in the 12 week phase III studies. CONCLUSIONS: Darifenacin significantly improves QoL in patients with OAB, with improvements maintained for 2 years during open-label treatment.