Kidney Supportive Care for Working-Age Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Profile of Characteristics and Symptom Burden.

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects people across their lifespan. Kidney supportive care (KSC) is typically offered for older people for symptom management, education, and/or advance care planning (ACP). However, younger people may also benefit from KSC. This study sought to explore characteristics of working-age adults with CKD accessing KSC. Using a cross-sectional design, working-age adults (18-64 years) with CKD referred to a KSC service from February 2016 to July 2021 were included. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from patients' hospital records. Self-reported symptoms (Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale renal [IPOS-renal]) and health-related quality of life (European quality of life [EQ-5D-5L]) were assessed. Reasons for referral to KSC, kidney replacement therapy (KRT) pathway at referral, and comorbidity calculated using the Charlson Comorbidity Index were also assessed. One Hundred Fifty-six working-age adults attended the KSC service. Median age was 57 years, with more than half receiving KRT. Weakness (92.2%), poor mobility (83.3%), and pain (82.5%) were the most prevalent and severe symptoms. The majority were referred for symptom management (n = 83, 53.2%) and 27% for ACP (n = 42). The ACP completion rate was low (28.9%). Those on dialysis had significantly higher symptom scores than those not receiving dialysis (p < 0.05). Working-age adults with CKD experience a significant and debilitating symptom burden and need to consider options for treatment. This study provides new understanding about working-age adults with CKD that may help provide the specific support needed to meet their end-of-life care needs.