Alterations in symptoms and health-related quality of life as kidney function deteriorates: A cross-sectional study

To compare symptoms and health-related quality of life and to examine the relationship between these as kidney function deteriorates.

Chronic kidney disease is a global health problem, and while knowledge of symptom burden and health-related quality of life is understood in kidney failure (previously end-stage kidney disease), there is limited understanding about symptoms and health-related quality of life across the chronic kidney disease trajectory.

Cross-sectional design reported using the STROBE guidelines.

Eight hundred eighty-six adults with varying levels of kidney function (chronic kidney disease grades 3b-5 including those receiving dialysis) completed the renal version of the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale and the Quality of Life Short Form-36 version 2. Socio-demographic and renal characteristics were also collected. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Participants had a mean age of 57 years and were mostly male. Regardless of chronic kidney disease grade, pain, poor mobility, weakness, anxiety and depression were the most prevalent and severe symptoms reported. Health-related quality of life was significantly associated with physical and psychological symptom scores. As kidney function deteriorated, both physical and mental health-related quality of life decreased, and prevalence and severity of symptoms increased.

There is substantial symptom burden irrespective of chronic kidney disease grade, which overwhelmingly affects health-related quality of life. Early identification by nurses would enable proactive management plans to be implemented.

Nurses, whether in specialist renal services or in primary healthcare, are ideally placed to regularly assess symptoms and health-related quality of life in those with chronic kidney disease. Timely assessment could assist in the targeting of earlier interventions designed to reduce symptom burden and to increase health-related quality of life.