Factors Affecting Quality of Life at Discharge among Patients with Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify factors, including physical functions and activities that affect quality of life (QOL) at discharge among patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

METHODS

Patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures were included in our prospective cohort study. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of QOL at discharge using two models: model 1, basic medical information and physical functions at admission, and model 2, basic medical information, physical function, and activity after 4 weeks of admission.

RESULTS

Multiple regression analysis (standard partial regression coefficients) using model 1 identified L2 to L4 bone mineral density (-0.2), Visual Analog Scale for pain during activity at admission (-0.31), and Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS-R) score at admission (0.64) as factors affecting QOL at discharge. Multiple regression analysis using model 2 identified HDS-R at admission (0.64), Pain Catastrophizing Scale score at 4 weeks (-0.34), and knee extension muscle strength at 4 weeks (0.28) as factors affecting QOL at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that if patients have high bone mineral density, intense pain, and low cognitive function at admission, then low QOL at discharge will be predicted; however, improvement of pain catastrophizing and knee extension muscle strength during first the 4 weeks of admission may be able to improve QOL at discharge. Because patients in this study were Japanese only, it is important to exercise caution when applying our results to other populations.