Functioning of a patient suffering from granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) - a case study

Introduction
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a rare condition belonging to a group of autoimmune diseases. Due to its chronic, relapsing nature and varied clinical picture, the condition is becoming an important clinical problem, also in terms of the patient’s functioning during the disease. The aim of this study is to assess the functioning of a patient suffering from granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Material and methods
The study was conducted on a 48-year-old patient hospitalized for granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). The study employed a customized interview questionnaire and standardized survey instruments, including the Functioning in Chronic Illness Scale (FCIS), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS).

Results
The patient’s medical interview included complaints of joint pain, accompanied by abnormal physical exercise intolerance, shortness of breath and cough with sputum expectoration. The respondent scored 83 points on the Functioning in Chronic Illness Scale (FCIS), 32 points on the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and 26 points on the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS).

Conclusions
In the case of the examined patient, functioning in chronic disease was in general on an average level. Despite some limitations, the patient demonstrated a tendency to accept his condition, which was reflected in the absence of negative emotions associated with the disease, and a high degree of satisfaction with life.