Session Information
Session Type: Poster Session (Sunday)
Session Time: 9:00AM-11:00AM
Background/Purpose: Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are characterized by inflammation and weakness of skeletal muscles, pulmonary and articular involvement, which can have a negative impact on all aspects of quality of life including sexual life. The aim of this study was to assess sexual functioning in female IIM patients compared to age-/sex-matched healthy controls (HC) and to determine the association between sexual health impairment and disease activity, treatment, physical and psychological aspects of the disease.
Methods: In total, 39 women (29 currently have a partner) with IIM [mean age: 54.7, disease duration: 11.8 years, dermatomyositis (DM, 19)/ polymyositis (PM, 16)/ necrotizing myopathy (IMNM, 3)/ inclusion body myositis (IBM, 1)], who fulfilled the Bohan/Peter 1975 criteria for DM/PM, and 39 healthy controls (30 currently have a partner, mean age: 54.7 years) without rheumatic diseases filled in 11 well-established and validated questionnaires assessing sexual function (FSFI, SFQ28, BISFW, PISQ-12), quality of sexual life (SQoL-F), pelvic floor function (PFIQ-7), fatigue (FIS, MAF), physical activity (HAP), and depression (BDI-II). A standard laboratory testing was performed. Data are presented as mean ± SEM.
Results: Patients with IIM had significantly higher prevalence and greater severity of sexual dysfunction (FSFI, BISF-W, SFQ28, PISQ-12) and worse sexual quality of life (SQoL-F) compared to HC (table). Worse scores in IIM patients were associated with increased inflammation [CRP: FSFI (r=-0.378, p=0.0190), SFQ-28 Satisfaction domain (r=-0.346, p=0.0356), SQoL-F (r=-0.331, p=0,0479], greater muscle weakness of m. gluteus maximus/ m. gluteus medius/ m. iliopsoas [FSFI: (r=0.426, p=0.0368), (r=0.370, p=0.0368), (r=0.394, p=0.0252), SQoL-F (r=0.504, p=0.0044), (r=0.421, p=0.0204), (r=0.462, p=0.0100)], greater fatigue [FIS: FSFI (r=-0.358 , p=0.0154), BISF-W (r=-0.415, p=0.0084), SQoL-F (r=-0.327, p=0.0481)], more severe depression [BDI-II: FSFI Arousal domain (r=-0.357, p=0.0299)], deteriorated quality of life [HAQ: BISF-W (r=-0.464, p=0.0033)], and worse ability to perform physical activities [HAP: FSFI (r=0.405, p=0.0105), BISF-W (r=0.480, p=0.0019)]. No associations were found with disease duration, prednisone dose or serum levels of muscle enzymes.
Conclusion: Women with IIM reported significantly impaired sexual function and sexual quality of life compared to age-matched healthy controls. Worse scores in IIM were associated with disease activity, physical activity, fatigue, depression and quality of life.
Acknowledgements: Supported by MHCR 023728 and GA UK 1578119
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
Hermankova B, Spiritovic M, Oreska S, Storkanova H, Cesak P, Kubinova K, Klein M, Pavelka K, Senolt L, Mann H, Vencovský J, Tomcik M. Sexual Health in 39 Female Patients with Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies [abstract]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2019; 71 (suppl 10). https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/sexual-health-in-39-female-patients-with-idiopathic-inflammatory-myopathies/. Accessed .« Back to 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting
ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/sexual-health-in-39-female-patients-with-idiopathic-inflammatory-myopathies/