Fatigue in patients with sarcoidosis, compared with the general population

Objective

Fatigue is a significant symptom in sarcoidosis patients. The causes for this symptom are unclear. The aims of this study were to analyze age and gender differences in fatigue, compared with the general population, and to test the psychometric properties of two questionnaires measuring fatigue in sarcoidosis.

Method

A sample of 1197 patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis was examined in Germany with the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI).

Results

The percentages of patients exceeding the fatigue cut-offs were 70% (FAS) and 68% (MFI), respectively. While in the general population there is a nearly linear age trend (high fatigue scores with increasing age), among the patients there is only a very slight and nonlinear age trend. Female patients are more affected by fatigue than male patients, but this relationship is also true in the general population. Both questionnaires (FAS and MFI) are equally suited to test fatigue; their psychometric properties are good. They should not be replaced with a single question concerning tiredness.

Conclusion

The comparison to norm data is highly recommended for the evaluation of age and gender differences. Compared with the general population, young sarcoidosis patients are especially affected by fatigue.