Fibrous dysplasia patients with and without craniofacial involvement report reduced quality of life inclusive of stigma, depression, and anxiety

OBJECTIVES: Fibrous dysplasia is a rare bone disorder that causes deformity, fractures, and pain that typically manifests in childhood and persists as a chronic illness. This study evaluates adult patients with fibrous dysplasia and McCune Albright syndrome to determine whether their quality of life differs from the general population and varies in relation to disease severity and lesion location. METHODS: This study uses data from the online self-report Fibrous Dysplasia Foundation Patient Registry and operationalizes quality of life using PRO measures: SF-36, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, Neuro-Quality of Life Stigma scale, and the Brief Pain Inventory. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety seven adults, 90% white, 84% women, constitute the sample. Mean scores for all SF-36 domains and the Neuro Q stigma scale were significantly below population benchmarks. A large minority registered moderate to severe levels of anxiety and depression. Group differences were not significant across most of the SF-36 domains but were associated with experienced stigma. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates a social psychological impact of fibrous dysplasia on adults, in those with and without craniofacial involvement and with mild and severe forms of the disease. Clinical treatment should encompass assessment of quality of life issues and ensure access to psychosocial treatment resources for all fibrous dysplasia/McCune-Albright syndrome patients.