Federica Picariello

The role of psychological factors in fatigue among end-stage kidney disease patients: a critical review.

Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom, affecting 42–89% of end-stage kidney disease patients, persisting even in pre–dialysis care and stable kidney transplantation, with huge repercussions on functioning, quality of life and patient outcomes. This paper presents a critical review of current evidence for the role of psychological factors in renal fatigue. To date, research has concentrated primarily on the contribution of depression, anxiety and subjective sleep quality to the experience of fatigue. These factors display consistent and strong associations with fatigue, above and beyond the role of demographic and clinical factors. Considerably less research is available on other psychological factors, such as social support, stress, self-efficacy, illness and fatigue-specific beliefs and behaviours, and among transplant recipients and patients in pre-dialysis care. Promising evidence is available on the contribution of illness beliefs and behaviours to the experience of fatigue and there is some indication that these factors may vary according to treatment modality, reflecting the differential burdens and coping necessities associated with each treatment modality. However, the use of generic fatigue scales casts doubt on what specifically is being measured among dialysis patients, illness-related fatigue or post-dialysis-specific fatigue. Therefore, it is important to corroborate the available evidence and further explore, qualitatively and quantitatively, the differences in fatigues and fatigue-specific beliefs and behaviours according to renal replacement therapy, to ensure that any model and subsequent intervention is relevant and grounded in the experiences of patients.

Measuring fatigue in haemodialysis patients: The factor structure of the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ).

INTRODUCTION Fatigue is common in haemodialysis (HD) patients, leading to poorer quality of life and patient outcomes. Given the complex and subjective nature of fatigue, and its overlap with sleep disturbances and depression, its measurement represents a challenge. Our aim was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the 11-item Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ) in HD patients, including an assessment of the validity of the factor structure, internal reliability and discriminant validity with respect to functional impairment due to fatigue, psychological distress and comorbidity. METHODS Data were evaluated for psychometric analysis from a published study investigating clinical and psychosocial correlates of fatigue among 174 HD patients. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to determine the factor structure using Weighted Least-Squares with Mean and Variance (WLSMV) adjustment estimation. Mplus 7.3 was used for the analysis. RESULTS Mental and physical fatigue factors correlated highly (r=.70, p<.01). A bi-factor model with one general fatigue factor, which incorporated three smaller group factors (mental, physical and weakness) had good model fit. The CFQ general factor explained over 85% of the common variance, had high internal consistency, and showed a moderate correlation with distress and a small association with comorbidity and functional impairment. CONCLUSIONS The CFQ can be summed up to a total fatigue severity score, representing a composite factor of physical and mental symptoms. Taking into consideration the good psychometric properties of the CFQ and its brief length, it should be used in future studies interested in measuring fatigue severity in HD patients.

Examining the efficacy of social-psychological interventions for the management of fatigue in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD): a systematic review with meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Fatigue affects between 42% and 89% of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients, with significant repercussions on quality of life and clinical outcomes. Fatigue management revolves around pharmacotherapy or exercise, which have only modest and short-term improvements. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate whether social-psychological interventions are effective at reducing fatigue in ESKD. Databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that determined the effect of social-psychological interventions on fatigue (primary or secondary outcome), in the renal patient population. A meta-analysis was conducted. Sixteen RCTs (N = 1536) were included, predominantly among dialysis patients. Fatigue was a primary outcome in only two studies. The meta-analytic findings showed a significant improvement in fatigue following social-psychological interventions (standardised mean difference, SMD = 0.37, p = .001; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.59, I² = 69.1%, p < .001). There was evidence for greater effectiveness of interventions including stress-management/relaxation techniques, evaluated among fatigued samples meeting diagnostic thresholds, against passive/non-active comparison groups. The studies were generally of poor quality, with high heterogeneity, particularly with the number of sessions ranging from 2 to 96. Development and evaluation of a fatigue-specific social-psychological intervention is warranted in this setting.

‘It feels sometimes like my house has burnt down, but I can see the sky’: A qualitative study exploring patients’ views of cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome

OBJECTIVES Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is currently a first-line treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Even though the results from trials are promising, there is variability in patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of patients with CFS who undertook CBT at a specialist service for CFS. DESIGN This was a qualitative study. METHODS Thirteen patients with CFS, approaching the end of CBT, participated in semi-structured interviews. In addition, participants were asked to rate their satisfaction with CBT and perceived level of improvement. The data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS The majority of participants were satisfied with treatment and reported marked improvements. This was evident from the ratings and corroborated by the qualitative data, yet recovery was in general incomplete. Participants often disclosed mixed feelings towards CBT prior to its start. Behavioural aspects of treatment were found useful, while participants were more ambivalent towards the cognitive aspects of treatment. The tailored nature of CBT and therapist contact were important components of treatment, which provided participants with support and validation. Engagement and motivation were crucial for participants to benefit from CBT, as well as the acceptance of a bio-psychosocial model of CFS. Illness beliefs around CFS were also discussed throughout the interviews, possibly impeding engagement with therapy. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that various factors may moderate the effectiveness of CBT, and a greater understanding of these factors may help to maximize benefits gained from CBT. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? CBT is effective in reducing CFS symptoms, but not all patients report marked improvements following treatment. Predictors of outcome have been explored in the literature. Few studies have looked at the experience of adult patients with CFS who have had CBT. What does this study add? Findings provide insights as to why variability in CBT-related improvements exists. Beliefs about CFS and CBT may shape engagement and consequently contribute to post-treatment outcomes. Flexibility and sensitivity are necessary from therapists throughout treatment to ensure full engagement.

'It's when you're not doing too much you feel tired': A qualitative exploration of fatigue in end-stage kidney disease

Background Fatigue is commonly experienced in end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. In order to develop patient‐centred psychosocial interventions to help patients manage fatigue symptoms, a more in‐depth understanding regarding the experience of fatigue is needed. Objective The objective of this study was to explore renal patients’ experiences of fatigue, across renal replacement therapy (RRT) modalities. Methods Twenty‐five in‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted. Interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Main themes included the strong role of the illness and treatment in the aetiology of fatigue. Two contrasting streams of illness–fatigue interpretations emerged: catastrophizing versus normalizing. Participants emphasized the importance of having a sense of purpose in facilitating active management of fatigue. Many participants described the consequences of fatigue on their functioning. Low mood, frustration, and anger were common emotional consequences of fatigue. Three dominant fatigue management strategies emerged: one related to accommodation of activities around fatigue, another on increasing activities to counteract fatigue, and the third one revolved around self‐compassion. Social support emerged as an important aspect of the fatigue experience, serving as a source of motivation, yet participants were wary of becoming a burden to others. Conclusion Findings identify casual attributions, behavioural and emotional reactions, management strategies, and facilitators of active management of fatigue in ESKD. Untying fatigue from the illness and treatment may help patients to develop alternative less catastrophic perceptions of fatigue, increase their perception of control over fatigue, and facilitate active fatigue management. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Fatigue is persistent and debilitating in end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD), with no consistent treatment model. Promising evidence is available for psychological fatigue interventions in other chronic conditions. There is a gap in studies looking at the fatigue experiences of patients with ESKD across renal replacement therapies. What does this study add? Fatigue is not inherently negative, but shaped by patients’ beliefs and behaviours. Findings provide novel insights, for example, on the important role social support seems to play in fatigue. An in‐depth understanding of fatigue may help to inform a future patient‐centred intervention in ESKD.

Tailored online cognitive behavioural therapy with or without therapist support calls to target psychological distress in adults receiving haemodialysis: a feasibility randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND Psychological distress is prevalent in haemodialysis (HD) patients yet access to psychotherapy remains limited. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of online cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) tailored for HD patients, with or without therapist support, for managing psychological distress. METHODS This feasibility randomised controlled trial recruited patients from a UK HD centre. Following psychological distress screens, patients with mild-moderate psychological distress (Patient Health Questionnaire PHQ-9; score: 5-19 and/or Generalised Anxiety Disorder; GAD-7 score: 5-14) who met remaining inclusion criteria were approached for consent. Consenters were individually randomised (1:1) to online-CBT or online-CBT plus three therapist support calls. Outcomes included recruitment, retention, and adherence rates. Exploratory change analyses were performed for: psychological distress, quality of life (QoL), illness perceptions, and costs. The statistician was blinded to allocation. RESULTS 182 (44%) out of 410 patients approached completed psychological distress screens. 26% found screening unacceptable; a further 30% found it unfeasible. Psychological distress was detected in 101 (55%) patients, 60 of these met remaining inclusion criteria. The primary reason for ineligibility was poor computer literacy (N=17, 53%). Twenty-five patients were randomised to the supported (N=18) or unsupported arm (N=7); 92% were retained at follow-up. No differences in psychological distress or cost-effectiveness were observed. No trial adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION Online CBT appears feasible but only for computer literate patients who identify with the label psychological distress. A definitive trial using the current methods for psychological distress screening and online care delivery is unfeasible. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02352870.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for renal fatigue (BReF) : a feasibility randomised-controlled trial of CBT for the management of fatigue in haemodialysis (HD) patients

Introduction Fatigue is one of the most common and disabling symptoms in end-stage kidney disease, particularly among in-centre haemodialysis patients. This two-arm parallel group feasibility randomised controlled trial will determine whether a fully powered efficacy trial is achievable by examining the feasibility of recruitment, acceptability and potential benefits of a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)-based intervention for fatigue among in-centre haemodialysis patients. Methods We aim to recruit 40 adult patients undergoing in-centre haemodialysis at secondary care outpatient dialysis units, who meet clinical levels of fatigue. Patients will be randomised individually (using a 1:1 ratio) to either a 4–6 weeks’ CBT-based intervention (intervention arm) or to a waiting-list control (control arm). The primary feasibility outcomes include descriptive data on numbers within each recruiting centre meeting eligibility criteria, rates of recruitment, numbers retained postrandomisation and treatment adherence. To assess the potential benefits of the cognitive-behavioural therapy for renal fatigue intervention, secondary self-report outcomes include measures of fatigue severity (Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire), fatigue-related functional impairment (Work and Social Adjustment Scale), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7). Changes in fatigue perceptions (Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire), cognitive and behavioural responses to fatigue (Cognitive and Behavioural Responses to Symptoms Questionnaire), sleep hygiene behaviours (Sleep Hygiene Index) and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire–short form) will also be explored. These self-report measures will be collected at baseline and 3 months postrandomisation. Nested qualitative interviews will be conducted postintervention to explore the acceptability of the intervention and identify any areas in need of improvement. The statistician and assessor will be blinded to treatment allocation. Ethics and dissemination A National Health Service (NHS) Research Ethics Committee approved the study. Any amendments to the protocol will be submitted to the NHS Committee and study sponsor. Trial registration number ISRCTN91238019;Pre-results.

Fatigue in prevalent haemodialysis patients predicts all-cause mortality and kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND Fatigue affects between 49% and 92% of dialysis patients with considerable repercussions on their functioning and quality of life. PURPOSE To evaluate whether fatigue severity and its impact on functioning predict survival (all-cause mortality) and time to transplantation among in-centre haemodialysis patients. METHODS As part of a prospective study of fatigue among in-centre haemodialysis patients, survival data were collected between April 2014 and August 2017. Fatigue severity was measured using the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ) and fatigue-related functional impairment using the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). Sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological data were collected. The association between fatigue and outcomes was assessed using proportional hazard survival models, allowing for competing risks, and discrete-time survival models. All models were adjusted for relevant risk factors. RESULTS The sample consisted of 174 haemodialysis patients. There were 37 deaths and 31 transplantations over 3 years. At 1,095 days (36 months), cumulative survival was 70.5% and the cumulative transplantation rate was 22.2%. In unadjusted models, fatigue was significantly associated with an increased risk of death (CFQ-continuous SHR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.11; CFQ-dichotomous SHR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.11 to 4.31; WSAS SHR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.05) and decreased likelihood of transplantation (CFQ-continuous SHR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87 to 0.98; CFQ-dichotomous SHR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.75; WSAS SHR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93 to 0.99). However, these associations ceased to be significant after controlling for covariates. CONCLUSIONS Fatigue was predictive of an increased risk of death and decreased likelihood of transplantation among patients, possibly through distress, impaired functioning, and its consequences, rather than clinical and inflammatory markers.