Impact of a specific rehabilitation program on the quality of life of patients with a Cushing's syndrome

L. Havé*^a (Dr), E. Savatier^a (Dr), S. Drion^a (Dr), M. Buffe-Lidove^a (Dr), A. Schmitt^a (Dr), G. Raverot^b (Prof)

^a HIA Desgenettes, Lyon, FRANCE ; ^b Groupement Hospitalier Est, Fédération d'endocrinologie, Hospices civils de Lyon, Lyon, FRANCE

* laurence.have@inserm.fr

Cushing’s syndrome is likely to impact negatively quality of life of patients (Pivonello, 2016). The persistence of many different clinical manifestations affecting musculoskeletal system, cognitive functions, emotional behavior, fatigue, pain… is commonly reported during the remission period.

Taking into account the multidimensional consequences of Cushing’s syndrome, we have developed a specific rehabilitation program for patients who complained with persistent fatigue, pain and presented signs of deconditioning. It consisted in a 3-weeks hospitalization in a rehabilitation department, coordinated by a physician specialized in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, including the intervention of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychomotor therapists, nurse specialized in therapeutic education, dietician and psychologist.

To assess the impact of this program, we conducted a retrospective study. The objectives were to compare SF-36 scores in the first day of the rehabilitation program and after 3 months. We analyzed the evolution of others parameters such as extensibility, muscular force and endurance. Other parameters such as anxiety and depression, balance, cognitive functions were assessed during the program.

The analyze of the medical dossiers of 22 patients hospitalized between July 2020 and January 2022 highlighted , 3 months after the rehabilitation program, a statistical increase of the physical and mental scores of SF -36, extensibility, endurance and muscular force (p<0,05).

Quality of life of patients with Cushing’s syndrome remains altered even in the remission period (Lindsay, 2006). A specific multidimensional rehabilitation program provides an increase of the different physical and mental functions persistently altered in patients with Cushing’s syndromes. This original program highlights the importance and efficiency of the rehabilitation in the management strategy of Cushing’s syndrome. Further study will permit to precise the modalities of follow up in terms of relevant criteria, frequency and duration to optimize the rehabilitation strategy.

The author has declared no conflict of interest.