title: Comparative pilot study of symptoms and quality of life in cancer patients and patients with end stage renal disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patients with advanced renal failure are increasingly opting for conservative treatment, yet little is known of their palliative care needs.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a cross-sectional study, examining symptom burden and quality of life in patients with advanced renal failure (estimated GFR < 17 mL/min; n = 11). A contemporary cohort with terminal malignancy acted as comparators (n = 11). Symptom burden was scored using an extended Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale Short Form questionnaire. Quality of life was assessed using the Euroqol-5Q questionnaire. Demographic and pathological data, performance status and co-morbidity were also recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Baseline characteristics were similar for the two groups. Symptom burden (renal 17; cancer 15; P =NS) and quality of life scores (renal 60; cancer 60; P =NS) were remarkably similar. Both groups reported high levels of psychological distress.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with advanced renal failure experience a symptom burden and impairment of quality of life similar to that of patients with terminal malignancy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Palliative Care, Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust, UK. treenasaini@doctprs.org.uk
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Saini
authors.forename: F E M
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Murtagh
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Dupont
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: McKinnon
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hatfield
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Saunders
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology; D019452:Terminally Ill / Q000523:psychology