BACKGROUND: Patients with advanced renal failure are increasingly opting for conservative treatment, yet little is known of their palliative care needs. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study, examining symptom burden and quality of life in patients with advanced renal failure (estimated GFR < 17 mL/min; n = 11). A contemporary cohort with terminal malignancy acted as comparators (n = 11). Symptom burden was scored using an extended Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale Short Form questionnaire. Quality of life was assessed using the Euroqol-5Q questionnaire. Demographic and pathological data, performance status and co-morbidity were also recorded. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar for the two groups. Symptom burden (renal 17; cancer 15; P =NS) and quality of life scores (renal 60; cancer 60; P =NS) were remarkably similar. Both groups reported high levels of psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with advanced renal failure experience a symptom burden and impairment of quality of life similar to that of patients with terminal malignancy.
BACKGROUND:Patients with advanced renal failure are increasingly opting for conservative treatment, yet little is known of their palliative care needs. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study, examining symptom burden and quality of life in patients with advanced renal failure (estimated GFR < 17 mL/min; n = 11). A contemporary cohort with terminal malignancy acted as comparators (n = 11). Symptom burden was scored using an extended Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale Short Form questionnaire. Quality of life was assessed using the Euroqol-5Q questionnaire. Demographic and pathological data, performance status and co-morbidity were also recorded. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar for the two groups. Symptom burden (renal 17; cancer 15; P =NS) and quality of life scores (renal 60; cancer 60; P =NS) were remarkably similar. Both groups reported high levels of psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS:Patients with advanced renal failure experience a symptom burden and impairment of quality of life similar to that of patients with terminal malignancy.
Authors: Melissa W Wachterman; Stuart R Lipsitz; Karl A Lorenz; Edward R Marcantonio; Zhonghe Li; Nancy L Keating Journal: J Pain Symptom Manage Date: 2017-08-24 Impact factor: 3.612
Authors: Ann M O'Hare; Catherine R Butler; Janelle S Taylor; Susan P Y Wong; Elizabeth K Vig; Ryan S Laundry; Melissa W Wachterman; Paul L Hebert; Chuan-Fen Liu; Nilka Rios-Burrows; Claire A Richards Journal: J Am Soc Nephrol Date: 2020-08-06 Impact factor: 10.121