title: Comparison of proposed diagnostic criteria with FACT-F and VAS for cancer-related fatigue: proposal for use as a screening tool.
abstract: The objective was to validate the use of the proposed International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (10th revision) (ICD-10) criteria for fatigue (P-ICD10) through comparison with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Fatigue (FACT-F) subscale and three visual analogue scale (VAS) qualities in cancer patients thought to be fatigued. Fatigue was assessed in 834 cancer patients at three clinical centres in Belgium, using P-ICD10, FACT-F, and VAS to assess: level of energy (VAS1), quality of life (VAS2), and ability to perform daily activities (VAS3). Of the 834 interviewed cancer patients, 54% were classified as fatigued by the P-ICD10 criteria. Internal consistency of P-ICD10 was very good (alpha coefficient 0.82). The principal component analysis corroborated good internal consistency with all variables included in the first component; a second component was used to identify psychological fatigue (concentration and short-term memory disabilities). An abridged set of screening tools based on the first three general symptoms of the P-ICD10 is proposed with 100% specificity and 86% specificity, respectively. There was a marked decrease in FACT-F and VAS1 scores in patients diagnosed as fatigued by the P-ICD10 (mean+/-SD, FACT-F 20+/-9 vs 39+/-8, VAS1 34+/-21 vs 61+/-21). A logistic regression model between P-ICD10 criteria diagnosis and FACT-F (VAS1) identified a score of 34 (61) on the FACT-F scale as a proposed cut-off point for the diagnosis of fatigue. The ICD-10 criteria can be recommended as a diagnostic tool, whereas the FACT-F scale and the level of energy 100-mm VAS assess the intensity of fatigue, and are more suitable for follow-up of cancer-related fatigue.
authors.affiliation: Medical Oncology, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Gent, Belgium. simon.vanbelle@ugent.be
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Van Belle
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Paridaens
authors.forename: Georges
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Evers
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kerger
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bron
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Foubert
authors.forename: Gerrit
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ponnet
authors.forename: Didier
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vander Steichel
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Heremans
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rosillon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001530:Belgium; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D010147:Pain Measurement