Abstract: SA-PO422
Nephrologist-Reported Symptoms and Their Impacts on Patients with Anemia Associated with CKD
Session Information
- CKD: Estimating Equations, Incidence, Prevalence, Special Populations
November 04, 2017 | Location: Hall H, Morial Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Category: Chronic Kidney Disease (Non-Dialysis)
- 302 CKD: Estimating Equations, Incidence, Prevalence, Special Populations
Authors
- Okoro, Tony, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, United States
- Johansen, Kirsten L., University of California, San Franicsco, San Francisco, California, United States
- Mathias, Susan, Health Outcomes Solutions, Winter Park, Florida, United States
- Colwell, Hilary H, Health Outcomes Solutions, Winter Park, Florida, United States
- Blum, Steven I., GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, United States
- Sikirica, Vanja, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, United States
Background
To explore the relevant symptoms and their impacts on patients with anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (aCKD) as reported by nephrologists.
Methods
Double-blind (sponsor and nephrologist) qualitative telephone interviews using a semi-structured interview guide were conducted with a random sample of practicing nephrologists in the United States. Nephrologists were asked about symptoms and their impacts reported by their patients, as well as which symptoms they ask their patients about during clinic visits. Symptoms and impacts reported both spontaneously and with probing were included. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using MAXQDA software. Verbal consent was obtained.
Results
Nephrologists (n=29) had been in practice for ~19 years; most were in freestanding (66%), for-profit (69%), and nonacademic (69%) institutions. Nephrologists reported (spontaneously or after being probed) a range of symptoms that their patients with aCKD experience (Table).
Nephrologists reported that 48% of their patients are negatively affected by aCKD symptoms in the area of physical functioning, 50% in their ability to carry out daily activities, and 37% in emotional functioning. Symptoms that bother patients the most are fatigue (93%), dyspnea (41%), and difficulty sleeping (22%). The symptoms that clinicians most commonly ask their patients about are fatigue (83%), dyspnea (57%), and loss of appetite (43%).
Conclusion
In general, clinicians reported that their patients with aCKD experience a variety of symptoms and related impacts. Fatigue and dyspnea are frequently and spontaneously reported by clinicians and routinely assessed. Nephrologists may not commonly ask about other symptoms such as difficulty remembering things or concentrating, which may be relevant to their patients.
| Symptom | Any Mention, n (%) (n=29) | Spontaneous, n | Probed, n |
| Fatigue | 29 (100) | 29 | None |
| Dyspnea | 28 (97) | 24 | 4 |
| Gastrointestinal symptoms | 26 (90) | 2 | 24 |
| Difficulty sleeping | 26 (90) | 9 | 17 |
| Difficulty remembering | 22 (76) | 5 | 17 |
| Difficulty concentrating | 23 (79) | 5 | 18 |
Funding
- Commercial Support – GlaxoSmithKline