Factors associated with residual symptom burden in patients with peritoneal dialysis: a cohort study

Patients on peritoneal dialysis have residual symptoms that reduce their quality of life.

To determine the associated factors of residual symptom burden in patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

An observational, longitudinal, prospective and analytical study was carried out in patients with chronic kidney disease, who were candidates for peritoneal dialysis. The Palliative Care Outcome Scale-Symptoms Renal (POS-S Renal) questionnaire was applied in predialysis and 3 months after CAPD. The residual symptom burden was determined three months after CAPD with a value ≥ 8 points of the POS-S Renal questionnaire. The clinical and biochemical variables coded in a dichotomous manner were compared with the residual symptom burden. Relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals and logistic regression models were calculated.

Seventy patients were included. The mean of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 4.7 ± 2 ml/min/1.73 m². The median of the POS-S Renal score in predialysis was 30 points, and 3 months after CAPD was 8 points. The slight symptom burden predialysis presented a RR of 0.18.

The slight symptom burden predialysis is a protective factor independent for residual symptom burden three months after CAPD.