Occupation, Job Retention and Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum (PXE)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) on employment, and occupational support strategies. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among working-age patients followed at the French PXE Center. Occupational status, disease-related impairments, workplace difficulties, and job retention strategies were assessed through a phone questionnaire. RESULTS: Among 99 patients (43.8 ± 11.9 years), 9 reported job loss or company changes attributable to PXE. Decreased visual acuity was significantly associated with lower employment rates (p=0.018), workplace restrictions (p=0.050), mood disturbances (p=0.004), and reduced professional self-esteem (p=0.009). Patients with visual impairment were more likely to receive OP support (p<0.001), disabled worker status (p<0.001), or disability pensions (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: PXE can substantially affect occupational functioning, predominantly through visual impairment. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of job retention strategies in patients with PXE.