Dialysis Symptom Index Research Articles

Association of Tubular Solute Clearance with Symptom Burden in Incident Peritoneal Dialysis.

Residual kidney function is important to the health and wellbeing of patients with ESKD. We tested whether the kidney clearances of proximal tubular secretory solutes are associated with burden of uremic and heart failure symptoms among patients on peritoneal dialysis with residual kidney function. We enrolled 29 patients on incident peritoneal dialysis with residual urine output >250 ml daily. We used targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to quantify plasma, 24-hour urine, and peritoneal dialysate concentrations of ten tubular secretory solutes. We calculated the kidney and peritoneal dialysis clearances of each secretory solute, creatinine, and urea, and we estimated a composite kidney and peritoneal secretion score. We assessed for uremic symptoms using the Dialysis Symptom Index and heart failure-related symptoms using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. We used linear regression to determine associations of composite secretory solute clearances and GFRurea+Cr with Dialysis Symptom Index symptom score and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire summary score. Mean residual kidney clearances of creatinine and urea were 8±5 and 9±6 ml/min per 1.73 m2, respectively, and mean GFRurea+Cr was 8±5 ml/min per 1.73 m2. The residual kidney clearances of most secretory solutes were considerably higher than creatinine and urea clearance, and also, they were higher than their respective peritoneal dialysis clearances. After adjustments for age and sex, each SD higher composite kidney secretion score was associated with an 11-point lower Dialysis Symptom Index score (95% confidence interval, -20 to -1; P=0.03) and a 12-point higher Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score (95% confidence interval, 0.5- to 23-point higher score; P=0.04). Composite peritoneal dialysis secretion score was not associated with either symptom assessment. Residual kidney clearances of secretory solutes are higher than peritoneal dialysis clearances. Kidney clearances of secretory solutes are associated with patient-reported uremic and heart failure-related symptoms.

Routinely measuring symptom burden and health-related quality of life in dialysis patients: first results from the Dutch registry of patient-reported outcome measures.

BackgroundThe use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) is becoming increasingly important in healthcare. However, incorporation of PROMs into routine nephrological care is challenging. This study describes the first experience with PROMs in Dutch routine dialysis care. MethodsA pilot study was conducted in dialysis patients in 16 centres. Patients were invited to complete PROMs at baseline and 3 and 6 months. PROMs consisted of the 12-item short-form and Dialysis Symptom Index to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptom burden. Response rates, HRQoL and symptom burden scores were analysed. Qualitative research methods were used to gain insight into patients’ views on using PROMs in clinical practice.ResultsIn total, 512 patients (36%) completed 908 PROMs (24%) across three time points. Response rates varied from 6 to 70% among centres. Mean scores for physical and mental HRQoL were 35.6 [standard deviation (SD) 10.2] and 47.7 (SD 10.6), respectively. Patients experienced on average 10.8 (SD 6.1) symptoms with a symptom burden score of 30.7 (SD 22.0). Only 1–3% of the variation in PROM scores can be explained by differences between centres. Patients perceived discussing their HRQoL and symptom scores as insightful and valuable. Individual feedback on results was considered crucial.ConclusionsThe first results show low average response rates with high variability among centres. Dialysis patients experienced a high symptom burden and poor HRQoL. Using PROMs at the individual patient level is suitable and may improve patient–professional communication and shared decision making. Further research is needed to investigate how the collection and the use of PROMs can be successfully integrated into routine care to improve healthcare quality and outcomes.

Distinct Symptom Experience Among Subgroups of Patients With ESRD Receiving Maintenance Dialysis

ContextPatients with end-stage renal disease receiving dialysis experience multiple concurrent symptoms. A person-centered understanding of patients' symptom experiences may offer insights into individualized management. ObjectivesWe identified subgroups of patients based on their symptom experiences and the characteristics that differentiated among these subgroups. Outcomes associated with these subgroups were evaluated. MethodsA total of 354 patients on dialysis were recruited at two regional hospitals in Hong Kong. While the Dialysis Symptom Index was adopted to assess symptoms, the Kidney Disease Quality of Life 36 and Karnofsky Performance Status Scale were used to evaluate the quality of life outcomes. Information on health care utilization and mortality were retrieved from medical records. Subgroups of patients were identified using latent class analysis based on the occurrence ratings. Differences in characteristics and outcomes were determined using Chi-squared test, analysis of variance, and Cox regression analysis. ResultsThree latent classes were identified: low (37.8%), moderate physical-low psychological (29.7%), and moderate physical-high psychological (32.5%). Higher comorbidity burden and lower serum albumin levels differentiated between the low and moderate physical-low psychological classes. The moderate physical-high psychological class had the highest number of symptoms, poorest quality of life outcomes, and more unscheduled clinic visits. A shorter mean survival time (421 vs. 431 days) was also found. ConclusionConsistent with findings in other chronic conditions, subgroups of patients on dialysis have unique symptom experiences. Therefore, an individualized approach to symptom management is warranted. Our findings offer a phenotypic characterization for research on the underlying mechanisms for these symptom experiences.

Kidney function and symptom development over time in elderly patients with advanced chronic kidney disease: results of the EQUAL cohort study.

BackgroundInitiation of renal replacement therapy often results from a combination of kidney function deterioration and symptoms related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. We investigated the association between kidney function decline and symptom development in patients with advanced CKD.MethodsIn the European Quality study on treatment in advanced CKD (EQUAL study), a European prospective cohort study, patients with advanced CKD aged ≥65 years and a kidney function that dropped <20 mL/min/1.73 m2 were followed for 1 year. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the association between kidney function decline and symptom development. The sum score for symptom number ranged from 0 to 33 and for overall symptom severity from 0 to 165, using the Dialysis Symptom Index.ResultsAt least one kidney function estimate with symptom number or overall symptom severity was available for 1109 and 1019 patients, respectively. The mean (95% confidence interval) annual kidney function decline was 1.70 (1.32; 2.08) mL/min/1.73 m2. The mean overall increase in symptom number and severity was 0.73 (0.28; 1.19) and 2.93 (1.34; 4.52) per year, respectively. A cross-sectional association between the level of kidney function and symptoms was lacking. Furthermore, kidney function at cohort entry was not associated with symptom development. However, each mL/min/1.73 m2 of annual kidney function decline was associated with an extra annual increase of 0.23 (0.07; 0.39) in the number of symptoms and 0.87 (0.35; 1.40) in overall symptom severity.ConclusionsA faster kidney function decline was associated with a steeper increase in both symptom number and severity. Considering the modest association, our results seem to suggest that repeated thorough assessment of symptom development during outpatient clinic visits, in addition to the monitoring of kidney function decline, is important for clinical decision-making.

Correlation between Compliance of Protein Diet and Clinical Symptoms among Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Who Are Undergoing Hemodialysis

The compliance of protein diet of CKD patient is undergoing hemodialysis has an important role in reducing the kidney works and maintaining the weight.Thesymptoms will emerge due to the patients inability to processing the metabolism waste as the organ failure. An effort to reduce those symptoms is by dieting. The objective of this research is to find out the correlation between compliance of protein diet and clinical symptoms among patients with CKD who are underging hemodialysis. Method used a quantitative correlation with cross sectional approach, was conducted involving 90 people as respondents. A convenience sampling has been used to recruit the participan. The compliance of protein diet measured by food record and the clinical symptoms measured by Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI). The result of this research showed that 76,7% of respondents are categorized as non-compliance to the protein diet and 85,6% of the respondents categorized as feeling the reaction of the clinical symptoms. there is poor correlation between the compliance of protein diet and the clinical symptoms with p-value 0.010 (p&lt;0.05) with value correlation coefficient (+0,284). This study shows most of patients not following the diet and result in the clinical symptoms burden, better understanding of factors that contribute to clinical symptoms need to be developed to improve patients outcomes.

Patient-reported outcome measures: selection of a valid questionnaire for routine symptom assessment in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease \u2013 a four-phase mixed methods study

BackgroundPatient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are becoming increasingly important in healthcare. In nephrology, there is no agreement on which chronic kidney disease (CKD) symptom questionnaire to use. Therefore, the aim of this study is to select a valid symptom questionnaire for routine assessment in patients with advanced CKD.MethodsA four-phase mixed methods approach, using qualitative and quantitative research methods, was applied. First, a systematic literature search was conducted to retrieve existing symptom questionnaires. Second, a symptom list was created including all symptoms in existing questionnaires and symptoms mentioned in interviews with patients with CKD, from which symptom clusters were identified. Next, questionnaires were selected based on predefined criteria regarding content validity. Last, two online feedback panels of patients with CKD (n = 151) and experts (n = 6) reviewed the most promising questionnaires.ResultsThe literature search identified 121 questionnaires, of which 28 were potentially suitable for symptom assessment in patients with advanced CKD. 101 unique symptoms and 10 symptom clusters were distinguished. Based on predefined criteria, the Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI) and Palliative Care Outcome Scale-Renal Version (IPOS-Renal) were selected and reviewed by feedback panels. Patients needed 5.4 and 7.5 min to complete the DSI and IPOS-Renal, respectively (p < 0.001). Patients experienced the DSI as more specific, complete and straightforward compared to the IPOS-Renal.ConclusionsThe DSI was found to be valid and reliable, the most relevant, complete, and comprehensible symptom questionnaire available for routine assessment in patients with advanced CKD. Routine PROMs collection could be of great value to healthcare, both at individual patient and national level. Feedback on scores and involvement of healthcare providers may promote adaptation and implementation in healthcare.

Stability and Impact of Symptom Clusters in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Dialysis

ContextPatients with end-stage renal disease undergoing dialysis experience multiple concurrent symptoms. These symptoms cluster together and have negative impacts on patient outcomes. However, information on changes in symptom clusters over time is limited. ObjectivesThis longitudinal study examined the stability of symptom clusters and their impacts on health-related quality of life and functional status over a period of one year. MethodsEligibility criteria were patients diagnosed with end-stage renal disease; had received dialysis consecutively for at least three months; and had given written informed consent. Dialysis Symptom Index, Kidney Disease Quality of Life 36, and Karnofsky Performance Status Scale were used to evaluate the impacts of symptom clusters and outcomes. Exploratory factor analyses and multiple regression analyses were used to determine symptom clusters and their associations with patient outcomes. ResultsAmong the 354 recruited patients, 271 completed the 12-month assessment. Four symptom clusters were identified across the three assessments, namely, uremic, gastrointestinal, skin, and emotional. Within each cluster, the specific symptoms were varied. The uremic symptom cluster accounted for the largest amount of variability. Across the three assessments, a higher uremic cluster factor score was associated with poorer physical well-being, whereas a higher emotional cluster factor score was consistently associated with poorer mental well-being. ConclusionSymptoms in patients on dialysis clustered in relatively stable patterns. The four symptom clusters identified had consistent negative effects on various aspects of patients' well-being. Our findings suggest the need for ongoing symptom assessment and early recognition of symptoms that may contribute to adverse patient outcomes.

Effects Of Intra-dialytic Exercises On Physical Fitness And Health Related Quality Of Life (HRQOL).

PURPOSE: Patients undergoing dialysis have low levels of physical activity compared to their age matched healthy sedentary adults (Kidney International, Vol. 57 (2000), 2564-2570). It is observed that there is continuous decline in physical function and associated increased mortality and morbidity, in these patients. In 2016, the American College of Sports Medicine stated that intradialytic exercise is medicine for haemodialysis patients. Exercise during haemodialysis has been shown to benefit muscle strength and bone demineralization, reducing cardiovascular risk dialysis related symptoms and improving physical fitness and HRQOL. Exercise during haemodialysis has higher adherence compared to out-patient exercise in a rehab center. Therefore, this study was conducted to see the effects of intra-dialytic exercises on fitness and quality of life. METHODS: Before enrolling the patients (N=50), a general history was taken. Physical fitness was assessed by 6-minute walk test with telemetry ECG monitoring and health-related quality of life assessment was done using DSI Scale (Dialysis symptom index). Patients were given breathing exercises, active movements of extremities, strengthening and specific therapies for other issues during each dialysis session (2-3 days/week). After completion of the dialysis, patients performed aerobic exercise on a stationary bicycle. At the end of 12 sessions, the 6-minute walk test (N=17) and DSI questionnaire (N=25) were repeated. RESULTS: There was an average 40 meters (13.88%) improvement in 6-minute walk test distance after 12 sessions of rehabilitation (p<0.0001, t=5.935). The number of symptoms patients suffered related to dialysis went down by 2.44 points (21.40%) after rehabilitation (p=0.0015, t=3.584). The Dialysis symptom Index score improved by 10 points (27.80%) (p<0.0001, t=4.798). CONCLUSIONS: An intradialytic aerobic and strengthening exercise program showed significant health benefits by reducing dialysis related symptoms, improved physical fitness and improved health related quality of life.

Validity and Reliability of the Korean Version of the Dialysis Symptom Index for Hemodialysis Patients.

Hemodialysis patients experience physical and psychosocial symptoms caused by comorbid illnesses, treatment-related side effects, lifestyle alteration, and the psychosocial impacts of living with end-stage renal disease. The Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI) is the most frequently used instrument to assess symptoms of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease in patients. The aims of this study were to develop the Korean version of the DSI, to verify the reliability and validity of the developed tool, and to use the tool to evaluate the symptoms of hemodialysis patients in Korea. A methodological study was performed on 230 hemodialysis patients from three hospitals who agreed to participate in the study from October 1 to 30, 2015. The Symptom Checklist-90-Revised was used to verify the convergent validity, whereas the total score of Kidney Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire-Short Form, Version 1.3, was used to verify the divergent validity. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, Cronbach's alpha, confirmatory factor analysis, and Pearson's correlation analysis. The internal consistency reliability of the Korean DSI assessed by Cronbach's alpha was .90. The Korean DSI showed a high positive correlation coefficient of .80 with symptom severity using the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, which confirmed the convergent validity. Finally, the correlation coefficient with the quality of life of the participants using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire-Short Form, Version 1.3, was -.68, which confirmed the divergent validity. This study developed the Korean version of the DSI and verified its validity and reliability. The Korean version of the DSI showed good properties and may be used to assess the symptoms of hemodialysis patients. Nurses may use this self-report tool to better understand and help relieve the prevalence and severity of symptoms in hemodialysis patients in Korea.

Higher Physical Activity Is Associated With Less Fatigue and Insomnia Among Patients on Hemodialysis

IntroductionPatients on hemodialysis experience a heavy burden of symptoms that may be related to the low levels of physical activity reported in this population. We hypothesized that physical activity would be inversely related to symptom severity and that depression might mediate this association.MethodsWe designed a cross-sectional study of 48 patients receiving hemodialysis at 3 San Francisco dialysis clinics. Physical activity was measured using pedometers and recorded within 1 week of symptom assessment. Symptoms were assessed using total symptom burden and severity on the Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI; burden 0–29, severity 0–145), individual symptoms on the DSI (0–5), Kidney Disease Quality of Life Vitality scores, (0–100), and the Center for Epidemiologic Study-Depression (0–60).ResultsMedian daily step count was 2631 (25th, 75th percentile 1125, 5278). Seventy-three percent of patients reported fatigue. After adjustment for age, sex, diabetes, and serum albumin, physical activity was associated with 0.2 points lower fatigue severity per 1000 steps per day (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.3 to 0.0), P = 0.04. Physical activity was also associated with higher Vitality score (2.36 points per 1000 steps; 95% CI 0.07–4.65) and lower insomnia scores (−0.1 points per 1000 steps; 95% CI −0.3 to 0.0], P < 0.05) in our adjusted models. Physical activity was not associated with other symptoms.ConclusionBecause the study was cross-sectional, we cannot determine whether physical activity lowers fatigue and insomnia or whether less insomnia and fatigue increase physical activity. However, interventions to increase physical activity should be considered alongside current strategies as a possible approach to managing fatigue and insomnia.

The impact of symptoms on health-related quality of life in elderly pre-dialysis patients: effect and importance in the EQUAL study.

Quality of life (QoL) is an important outcome in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients feel that symptoms are an important determinant of QoL. However, this relation is unknown. The aims of this study were to investigate the impact of the number and severity of symptoms on QoL in elderly pre-dialysis patients, assessed by both the effect of symptoms and their importance relative to kidney function, and other clinical variables on QoL. The European Quality study (EQUAL study) is an ongoing European prospective follow-up study in late Stage 4/5 CKD patients aged ≥65 years. We used patients included between March 2012 and December 2015. Patients scored their symptoms with the Dialysis Symptom Index, and QoL with the research and development-36 (RAND-36) item Health Survey (RAND-36). The RAND-36 results in a physical component summary (PCS) and a mental component summary (MCS). We used linear regression to estimate the relation between symptoms and QoL at baseline and after 6 months, and to calculate the variance in QoL explained by symptoms. The baseline questionnaire was filled in by 1079 (73%) patients (median age 75 years, 66% male, 98% Caucasian), and the follow up questionnaire by 627 (42%) patients. At baseline, every additional symptom changed MCS with -0.81 [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.91 to -0.71] and PCS with -0.50 (95% CI: -0.62 to -0.39). In univariable analyses, number of symptoms explained 22% of MCS variance and 11% of PCS variance, whereas estimated glomerular filtration rate only explained 1%. In elderly CKD Stage 4/5 patients, symptoms have a substantial impact on QoL. This indicates symptoms should have a more prominent role in clinical decision-making.

Uraemic symptom burden and clinical condition in women and men of ≥65 years of age with advanced chronic kidney disease: results from the EQUAL study

The epidemiology and prognosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) differ by sex. We aimed to compare symptom prevalence and the clinical state in women and men of ≥65 years of age with advanced CKD receiving routine nephrology care. The European QUALity study on treatment in advanced chronic kidney disease (EQUAL) study follows patients from six European countries of ≥65 years of age years whose estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) dropped to ≤20 mL/min/1.73 m2 for the first time during the last 6 months. The Dialysis Symptom Index was used to assess the prevalence and severity of 33 uraemic symptoms. Data on the clinical state at baseline were collected from medical records. Prevalence was standardized using the age distribution of women as the reference. The results in women (n = 512) and men (n = 967) did not differ with age (77.0 versus 75.7 years) or eGFR (19.0 versus 18.5). The median number of symptoms was 14 [interquartile range (IQR) 9-19] in women, and 11 (IQR 7-16) in men. Women most frequently reported fatigue {39% [95% confidence interval (CI) 34-45]} and bone/joint pain [37% (95% CI 32-42)] as severe symptoms, whereas more men reported difficulty in becoming sexually aroused [32% (95% CI 28-35)] and a decreased interest in sex [31% (95% CI 28-35)]. Anaemia [73% (95% CI 69-77) versus 85% (95% CI 82-87)] was less common in women than in men, as were smoking history and cardiovascular comorbidity. However, a diagnosis of liver disease other than cirrhosis, psychiatric disease and mild malnutrition were more common among women. Women in secondary care with an incident eGFR ≤20 mL/min/1.73 m2 reported a higher symptom burden, while their clinical state was considered similar or even more favourable as compared with men.

Fatigue is associated with high prevalence and severity of physical and emotional symptoms in patients on chronic hemodialysis

The symptom burden of fatigued hemodialysis patients is poorly known. We aimed to investigate possible differences in the prevalence and severity of symptoms between fatigued and not fatigued patients on chronic hemodialysis. All prevalent patients on chronic hemodialysis referring to the Hemodialysis Service between January 2016 and June 2017 were considered eligible. The Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI) questionnaire was performed during the dialysis treatment. Patients underwent assessment of fatigue using the Italian version of the vitality scale of the SF-36 (SF-36VS). We studied 137 patients: 107 (78.1%) were fatigued and 30 (31.9%) were non-fatigued. The median [95% CI] number of symptoms was 15 [14-16] for patients who reported fatigue and 9 [8-19] for the non-fatigued (P < 0.0001). In fatigued patients, with respect to non-fatigued ones, the prevalence of dry skin, itching, muscle soreness, bone or joint pain, restless legs, shortness of breath, feeling sad, feeling anxious, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty becoming sex aroused was significantly higher. Restless legs, feeling sad, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty becoming sex aroused were symptoms independently associated with fatigue. The severity of dry skin, trouble staying asleep, and bone/joint pain was higher in fatigued patients. Fatigued hemodialysis patients report suffering from physical and emotional symptoms more frequently than non-fatigued patients. This finding suggests the need to accurately and routinely define the symptom burden of chronic hemodialysis patients and may help to investigate eventually common underlying pathogenic mechanisms of symptoms in these patients.

Symptoms and quality of life from patients undergoing hemodialysis in Switzerland

Background: Dialysis patients experience multiple symptoms impairing their quality of life. A relationship seems to exist between the cultural context and the burden of symptoms. In this study, the prevalence and severity of 30 symptoms and their relationship with quality of life among hemodialysis patients in Switzerland is explored.Methods: A cross-sectional correlation design was used with a convenience sample of 119 patients from five dialysis units. Presence and severity of symptoms were assessed with the Dialysis Symptom Index and quality of life with the WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire. Multivariate linear regressions were used to examine the relationship between the prevalence and severity of symptoms, respectively, and quality of life. T-tests and Fisher’s tests were used for the international comparisons.Results: On average, patients reported 10 symptoms and often rated these as “somewhat bothersome”. The most frequent were: lack of energy, dry skin, trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, and muscle cramps. Average symptoms prevalence and severity levels were both observed to decrease patients’ quality of life, items related to physical health and psychological state having the greatest impact. Prevalence and severity of psychological symptoms and prevalence of sex-related symptoms seem to be influenced by patients’ cultural context.Conclusions: These results demonstrate that patients on chronic hemodialysis present several symptoms that affect their quality of life. Healthcare professionals should develop strategies to identify more properly these symptoms, especially sex-related and psychological symptoms.

Factors influencing the quality of life of haemodialysis patients according to symptom cluster.

To identify the characteristics in each symptom cluster and factors influencing the quality of life of haemodialysis patients in Korea according to cluster. Despite developments in renal replacement therapy, haemodialysis still restricts the activities of daily living due to pain and impairs physical functioning induced by the disease and its complications. Descriptive survey. Two hundred and thirty dialysis patients aged >18years. They completed self-administered questionnaires of Dialysis Symptom Index and Kidney Disease Quality of Life instrument-Short Form 1.3. To determine the optimal number of clusters, the collected data were analysed using polytomous variable latent class analysis in R software (poLCA) to estimate the latent class models and the latent class regression models for polytomous outcome variables. Differences in characteristics, symptoms and QOL according to the symptom cluster of haemodialysis patients were analysed using the independent t test and chi-square test. The factors influencing the QOL according to symptom cluster were identified using hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Physical and emotional symptoms were significantly more severe, and the QOL was significantly worse in Cluster 1 than in Cluster 2. The factors influencing the QOL were spouse, job, insurance type and physical and emotional symptoms in Cluster 1, with these variables having an explanatory power of 60.9%. Physical and emotional symptoms were the only influencing factors in Cluster 2, and they had an explanatory power of 37.4%. Mitigating the symptoms experienced by haemodialysis patients and improving their QOL require educational and therapeutic symptom management interventions that are tailored according to the characteristics and symptoms in each cluster. The findings of this study are expected to lead to practical guidelines for addressing the symptoms experienced by haemodialysis patients, and they provide basic information for developing nursing interventions to manage these symptoms and improve the QOL of these patients.

Poor sleep and reduced quality of life were associated with symptom distress in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis.

BackgroundThe quality of life in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis is compromised despite of the substantial achievements in treatments. Quality of life in hemodialysis patients have been shown to be associated with decreased survival and increased hospitalization. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate the managements of symptoms and patient self-perceived well-being as measurements of effective treatments for these patients.MethodsA survey of symptom distress, quality of sleep and quality of life was performed in 301 maintenance hemodialysis patients using Dialysis Symptom Index, Short Form-36, and Pittsburgh Quality of Sleep Index table. Patients were recruited from five hospitals in Guangdong area of China by convenience sampling.ResultsThe prevalence of various symptoms in maintenance hemodialysis patients was between 23.3 and 80.4 %. These patients had compromised sleep and poor quality of life. Moreover, poor quality of sleep and impaired quality of life were associated with high symptom burden of these patients.ConclusionThe patients receiving chronic hemodialysis generally have heavy symptom distress, which could contribute to the disturbed sleep and impaired quality of life of these patients. Measurements of clinical outcomes for hemodialysis patients should include the management of symptoms and morbidity. The ultimate goal of treatments is to improve patient self-perceived quality of life.

Do Symptoms Related to Hemodialysis Affect Marital Adjustment?

All the symptoms experienced by patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) impair their social lives including family relationships and marital adjustment. The purpose of this descriptive study is to determine the effect of HD symptoms on marital adjustment. The study included 282 voluntary patients who were aged 18 or over and were receiving HD treatment for at least 6 months. The data were collected by using a Patient Information Form, Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI), and Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS) through face-to-face interviews. The results obtained in this study indicated that the most common symptoms experienced by patients were feeling tired or lack of energy. DSI scores of the patients were found to be negatively correlated with their RDAS scores at significant level (ρ = −0.300, p < 0.05). The symptoms experienced by patients undergoing HD were also observed to have a negative effect on their marital adjustment.

혈액투석환자의 증상지수, 자기효능감과 가족지지와의 관계

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence, severity or impact of symptoms in hemodialysispatients and its relationship with self efficacy and family support to identify factors influencing their symptoms. Across-sectional design was used and the subjects were 243 patients undergoing hemodialysis at local units. The patients were Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI), a questionnaire about the presence and severity of symptoms. The datawere analyzed by descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Pearson coefficient correlation and multiple regression. There were significant differences in the total score of symptoms according to age and duration of hemodialysis. Symptoms score had significant negative correlations with family support (r=-.35, p<.001) and self-efficacy (r=-.16,p=.006). Family support explained 16.0% of the variance in symptoms score. Hemodialysis patients experience manydistressing symptoms, which have negative effects on quality of their life. Promoting family support can help to reduce and control distressing symptoms in hemodialysis patients.

Prevalencia y evaluación de síntomas en enfermedad renal crónica avanzada

El paciente con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada (ERCA) presenta una elevada carga de síntomas que contribuyen a un aumento del sufrimiento y disminuyen su calidad de vida. El uso de instrumentos de evaluación es esencial para el control de síntomas. El objetivo de esta revisión es obtener una visión contrastada de los instrumentos más usados para evaluar síntomas en ERCA, realizando una descripción de la prevalencia de síntomas en esta población. Método: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura publicada sobre estudios en los que se utilizara algún instrumento para medir la intensidad de varios síntomas en pacientes con ERCA. La búsqueda se realizó en Pubmed, Cochrane, SciELO, TESEO, PROQOLID y BiblioPRO. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: estudios realizados con pacientes en ERCA, que evaluaran la sintomatología con algún instrumento de medición de síntomas, y que además, indicaran la prevalencia de varios síntomas. Resultados: Los instrumentos identificados fueron el Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale Short Form(MSAS-SF), el Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI), el Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) y el Palliative care Outcome Scale-Symptoms Renal (POS-S RENAL). En pacientes adultos con ERCA sometidos a tratamiento renal sustitutivo con hemodiálisis y diálisis peritoneal, los síntomas más prevalentes fueron el cansancio, prurito, estreñimiento, anorexia, dolor, alteraciones del sueño, ansiedad, disnea, nauseas, piernas inquietas, y depresión. Éstos síntomas fueron similares en pacientes con manejo renal conservador, y presentaron un patrón común con la sintomatología de otras enfermedades avanzadas. Concluimos que existe necesidad de investigar sobre prevalencia y evaluación de síntomas en esta población, y que el uso sistemático de los instrumentos específicos de evaluación de síntomas como medida de resultados es fundamental.

Translation and psychometric properties of the persian version of the dialysis symptom index in hemodialysis patients.

Background:Hemodialysis patients have a high physical and psychosocial symptom burden. There is no valid and reliable tool for assessing symptoms of hemodialysis patients in Iran.Objectives:The aim of this study was to determine psychometric properties of the Persian version of the dialysis symptom index (DSI).Patients and Methods:The forward-backward procedure was applied to translate the DSI from English into Persian (Iranian language). The scale (Persian Version) was tested with a convenience sample of 95 patients with end-stage renal disease referred to main hemodialysis centers from December 2012 to June 2013. Validity was assessed using content, face and convergent validity. To test reliability, the kappa values were calculated for test-retest stability and the Cronbach alpha coefficients were also calculated for internal consistency.Results:The mean age of patients was 50.4 (SD = 15.72) years and % 61.1 of patients were male. The most commonly reported symptoms were fatigue, being irritable and nervous. Divergent validity was mostly supported by the pattern of association between DSI and SF-36 (r = -0.18– -0.48, P< 0.05). Cronbach’s alpha of the DSI was 0.90 and the weighted kappa ranged from 0.21 to 0.93, and it was greater than 0.4 for 25 of the 30 items.Conclusions:The Iranian version of the DSI had good psychometric properties and can be used to assess symptoms of hemodialysis patients.