Abstract
BackgroundThose living with kidney disease (KD) report extensive symptom burden. However, research into how symptoms change across stages is limited. The aims of this study were to 1) describe symptom burden across disease trajectory, and 2) to explore whether symptom burden is unique to KD when compared to a non-KD population.MethodsParticipants aged > 18 years with a known diagnosis of KD (including haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD)) and with a kidney transplant) completed the Leicester Kidney Symptom Questionnaire (KSQ). A non-KD group was recruited as a comparative group. Multinominal logistic regression modelling was used to test the difference in likelihood of those with KD reporting each symptom.ResultsIn total, 2279 participants were included in the final analysis (age 56.0 (17.8) years, 48% male). The main findings can be summarised as: 1) the number of symptoms increases as KD severity progresses; 2) those with early stage KD have a comparable number of symptoms to those without KD; 3) apart from those receiving PD, the most frequently reported symptom across every other group, including the non-KD group, was ‘feeling tired’; and 4) being female independently increased the likelihood of reporting more symptoms.ConclusionsOur findings have important implications for patients with KD. We have shown that high symptom burden is prevalent across the spectrum of disease, and present novel data on symptoms experienced in those without KD. Symptoms requiring the most immediate attention given their high prevalence may include pain and fatigue.Trial registrationThe study was registered prospectively as ISRCTN11596292.
Highlights
Kidney disease (KD) is a global health problem affecting between 8 and 12% of the worldwide population
It is well-established that those living with kidney dysfunction report extensive symptom burden, and there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that symptom burden is an important predictor of reduced health related quality of life (HRQoL) [2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
Sixty-seven patients without a KD classification/stage (n = 18) or eGFR (n = 49) measurement were excluded as they were unable to be classified with a KD staging
Summary
Kidney disease (KD) is a global health problem affecting between 8 and 12% of the worldwide population. In the advanced stages of KD, appropriate renal replacement therapy (either dialysis or transplantation) is needed to sustain life [1]. It is well-established that those living with kidney dysfunction report extensive symptom burden, and there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that symptom burden is an important predictor of reduced health related quality of life (HRQoL) [2,3,4,5,6,7,8]. Those living with kidney disease (KD) report extensive symptom burden. The aims of this study were to 1) describe symptom burden across disease trajectory, and 2) to explore whether symptom burden is unique to KD when compared to a non-KD population
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