Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Higginson IJ

Murtagh FE, Addington-Hall J, Higginson IJ. · Department of Palliative Care and Policy, Kings College London, London, UK. · Adv Chronic Kidney Dis. · Pubmed #17200048 No free full text.

Abstract: Symptoms in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are underrecognized. Prevalence studies have focused on single symptoms rather than on the whole range of symptoms experienced. This systematic review aimed to describe prevalence of all symptoms, to better understand total symptom burden. Extensive database, "gray literature," and hand searches were undertaken, by predefined protocol, for studies reporting symptom prevalence in ESRD populations on dialysis, discontinuing dialysis, or without dialysis. Prevalence data were extracted, study quality assessed by use of established criteria, and studies contrasted/combined to show weighted mean prevalence and range. Fifty-nine studies in dialysis patients, one in patients discontinuing dialysis, and none in patients without dialysis met the inclusion criteria. For the following symptoms, weighted mean prevalence (and range) were fatigue/tiredness 71% (12% to 97%), pruritus 55% (10% to 77%), constipation 53% (8% to 57%), anorexia 49% (25% to 61%), pain 47% (8% to 82%), sleep disturbance 44% (20% to 83%), anxiety 38% (12% to 52%), dyspnea 35% (11% to 55%), nausea 33% (15% to 48%), restless legs 30% (8%to 52%), and depression 27% (5%to 58%). Prevalence variations related to differences in symptom definition, period of prevalence, and level of severity reported. ESRD patients on dialysis experience multiple symptoms, with pain, fatigue, pruritus, and constipation in more than 1 in 2 patients. In patients discontinuing dialysis, evidence is more limited, but it suggests they too have significant symptom burden. No evidence is available on symptom prevalence in ESRD patients managed conservatively (without dialysis). The need for greater recognition of and research into symptom prevalence and causes, and interventions to alleviate them, is urgent.

Murtagh FE, Addington-Hall JM, Donohoe P, Higginson IJ. · Dept of Palliative Care & Policy, Kings College London, UK. · EDTNA ERCA J. · Pubmed #16898102 No free full text.

Abstract: Increasing numbers of patients with chronic kidney disease Stage 5 (GFR <15ml/minute) are being managed without dialysis, either through their own preference or because dialysis is unlikely to benefit them. This growing group of patients has extensive health care needs. Their overall symptom burden is high, and symptom prevalence matches or exceeds that in other end of life populations, both with cancer and other non-cancer diagnoses. These symptoms may often go unrecognised and under-treated. Regular symptom assessment is necessary, together with pro-active management of identified symptoms. Pain can be managed using the principles of the World Health Organisation analgesic ladder. Not all opioid medications are recommended for these patients. Paracetamol, tramadol, and fentanyl are the most appropriate medications for steps 1, 2 and 3 respectively. There is limited evidence on the use of buprenorphine, oxycodone and hydromorphone. Methadone is safe but should only be prescribed by a clinician experienced in its use. Morphine and diamorphine are not recommended because of metabolite accumulation. Pruritus is also challenging to manage. The evidence for pharmacological interventions to alleviate pruritus is summarized, and a pragmatic approach to management suggested. Emollients, capsaisin cream, antihistamines, thalidomide and ondansetron may be helpful, according to the extent and pattern of pruritus. Symptoms may frequently be due to co-morbid conditions, not renal disease itself, and managing them is difficult because of the constraints on the use of medication which kidney failure imposes. Collaboration between renal and palliative specialists can help identify ways to achieve best care for these patients.

Solano JP, Gomes B, Higginson IJ. · Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. · J Pain Symptom Manage. · Pubmed #16442483 No free full text.

Abstract: Little attention has been paid to the symptom management needs of patients with life-threatening diseases other than cancer. In this study, we aimed to determine to what extent patients with progressive chronic diseases have similar symptom profiles. A systematic search of medical databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO) and textbooks identified 64 original studies reporting the prevalence of 11 common symptoms among end-stage patients with cancer, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or renal disease. Analyzing the data in a comparative table (a grid), we found that the prevalence of the 11 symptoms was often widely but homogeneously spread across the five diseases. Three symptoms-pain, breathlessness, and fatigue-were found among more than 50% of patients, for all five diseases. There appears to be a common pathway toward death for malignant and nonmalignant diseases. The designs of symptom prevalence studies need to be improved because of methodological disparities in symptom assessment and designs.