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Drink up! Fatigue potentially linked to hydration status in MS

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  • Drink up! Fatigue potentially linked to hydration status in MS

    Fatigue and fluid hydration status in multiple sclerosis: A hypothesis

    Molly C Cincotta Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA

    Matthew M Engelhard Department of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA

    Makela Stankey College of Arts and Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA

    Myla D Goldman⇑ Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA

    •Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 800394, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.

    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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    The editors at Multiple Sclerosis Journal wrote an editorial on this study and the complexities of studying fatigue and MS. It is definitely not black and white. - D

    FULL ARTICLE: http://msj.sagepub.com/content/early...516666337.full

    Dave Bexfield
    ActiveMSers
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