High Symptom Burden in Patients With Advanced Chronic or Prolonged Infectious Diseases: Not Only Pain

The growing evidence of increased life expectancy in the future reveals the high relevance of frailty in patients with chronic-degenerative diseases; identification and management of symptoms may improve significantly their quality of life. The objective of our study was to assess the symptom burden in patients with advanced chronic or prolonged infectious diseases.

A cross-sectional study was performed enrolling 88 patients, referred to palliative care consultation for chronic pain, and evaluated using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System to define Total Symptom Distress Score (TSDS) and high symptom burden (HSB) when more than six symptoms along with Numerical Rating Scale ≥4 were present.

All participants reported moderate to severe pain; in addition, 86 (97.7%) experienced a lack of well-being, 81 (92%) tiredness, 67 (76.1%) lack of appetite, 66 (75%) drowsiness, 66 (75%) depression, 56 (63.6%) anxiety, 49 (55.6%) nausea, and 39 (44.3%) shortness of breath. Forty-four patients (50%) had high TSDS, greater than 40.5, and presented lower Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) (median 40 vs. 70, p=0.0005), higher comorbidities (median 7 vs. 4, p=0.00001), and higher drug burden (median 9 vs. 6, p=0.0003) than those with low TSDS. Furthermore, considering symptom intensity, 40 patients (45.4%) had HSB and presented lower KPS (median 50 vs. 70, p=0.0005), higher comorbidities (median 7 vs. 4, p=0.00001), and higher drug burden (mean 9 vs. 6, p=0.01) compared to patients without HSB.

Our population had an HSB, in addition to pain, revealing high frailty. A correct assessment of symptoms is, therefore, required to manage patients with chronic infectious diseases. In this setting, attention should be given to identifying patients at high risk of HSB through a correct diagnosis and effective management, which should be based on a multi-professional approach.