[HTML][HTML] Itch in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma as a quality of life indicator

R Ottevanger, S van Beugen, AWM Evers, R Willemze… - JAAD international, 2022 - Elsevier
R Ottevanger, S van Beugen, AWM Evers, R Willemze, MH Vermeer, KD Quint
JAAD international, 2022Elsevier
Background Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a chronic and progressive disease that
has a major impact on quality of life (QoL). Objectives To describe the impact of the different
stages of disease in patients with classical mycosis fungoides, folliculotropic mycosis
fungoides, and Sézary syndrome on generic-and dermatology-specific QoL and the relation
with itch. Methods A cross-sectional cohort study of patients with classical mycosis
fungoides, folliculotropic mycosis fungoides, and Sézary syndrome was performed …
Background
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a chronic and progressive disease that has a major impact on quality of life (QoL).
Objectives
To describe the impact of the different stages of disease in patients with classical mycosis fungoides, folliculotropic mycosis fungoides, and Sézary syndrome on generic- and dermatology-specific QoL and the relation with itch.
Methods
A cross-sectional cohort study of patients with classical mycosis fungoides, folliculotropic mycosis fungoides, and Sézary syndrome was performed. Outcomes were the Skindex-29 score, Impact of Chronic Skin Disease on Daily Life which includes a visual analogue scale itch, and RAND-12.
Results
One hundred six patients with CTCL were included. Compared to the total mycosis fungoides group, patients with Sézary syndrome had significantly worse Skindex-29 scores. Patients with advanced disease had statistically higher scores for the symptom (P = .007), functioning (P = .002), and total score (P = .012). The degree of itching was strongly correlated with the total Skindex-29 score (R = 0.713, P < .001).
Conclusion
The different stages of CTCL can have a significant effect on multiple domains of generic- and dermatology-specific QoL. Itch was strongly correlated with QoL and therefore can be used as an overall QoL indicator. The effect on QoL, even in patients with early-stage disease, should not be underestimated.
Elsevier