Symptom Science in Kidney Disease

Kendra E Wulczyn; Derek Forfang; Sahir Kalim

doi:10.1053/j.akdh.2023.09.002

Symptom Science in Kidney Disease

Adv Kidney Dis Health. 2024 Jan;31(1):13-20. doi: 10.1053/j.akdh.2023.09.002.

Authors

Kendra E Wulczyn¹, Derek Forfang², Sahir Kalim³

Affiliations

¹ Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
² National Forum of ESRD Networks Kidney Patient Advisory Council, Burlingame, CA; National Kidney Foundation Public Policy Committee, New York, NY.
³ Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Electronic address: skalim@mgh.harvard.edu.

PMID: 38403388
DOI: 10.1053/j.akdh.2023.09.002

Abstract

Physical and emotional symptoms are highly prevalent among patients with kidney disease and are directly linked to impaired health-related quality of life. Symptom science is a field of research aimed at advancing knowledge of the holistic mechanisms driving symptoms, how best to assess symptoms accurately, and developing novel and patient-centered approaches to symptom management. Patients with kidney disease have identified symptom science as a top research priority, and opportunities abound for ongoing patient engagement in symptom-related research efforts and clinical care. This review describes the burden of symptoms experienced by patients with kidney disease, explores the spectrum of patient engagement in symptom care and research, and discusses approaches for symptom assessment and management, taking into consideration the multitude of factors that may contribute to symptoms.

Keywords: Chronic kidney disease; Patient engagement; Quality of life; Symptom science; Unpleasant symptoms.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Emotions
Humans
Kidney Diseases* / diagnosis
Quality of Life* / psychology