Prevalence and predictors of fatigue in haemo-oncological patients

Abstract

Background: Fatigue is a common symptom in patients with advanced malignancy, and has been associated with both physiological and psychological factors in patients with solid tumours. Aim: This study sought to explore the predictors of fatigue in a population with haematological malignancy. Methods: Consecutive outpatients and inpatients attending a haematology centre completed the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, and clinical, treatment and demographic information were noted. Results: Of 180 patients, fatigue was present in 69%, and causing considerable distress in 26%. Univariate analysis revealed fatigue was associated with poor performance status, low haemoglobin, feeling sad, worried,..