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Jacob Z, Plumb L, Oni L, Mitra S, Reynolds B. A systematic review of symptoms experienced by children and young people with kidney failure. Pediatr Nephrol 2024:10.1007/s00467-024-06465-8. [PMID: 39095515 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-024-06465-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kidney failure at any age has a significant impact on quality of life (QoL) but the overall symptom burden for children and young people (CYP) is poorly described. Kidney failure has no cure and whilst transplantation is the preferred management option, it is not always possible, with patients requiring supportive care at the end of their lives. AIM To use the literature to understand the symptom burden for CYP with kidney failure who are approaching end-of-life. METHODS Using three databases, a systematic literature review was performed to identify eligible studies to extract data on symptoms experienced in CYP aged < 21 years with kidney failure. Data extraction was completed by two authors using a pre-designed proforma. Study quality assessment was undertaken using the BMJ AXIS tool. RESULTS A total of 20,003 titles were screened to yielding 35 eligible studies including 2,862 CYP with chronic kidney disease (CKD), of whom 1,624 (57%) had CKD stage 5. The studies included a median of 30 (range 7-241) patients. Symptoms were subcategorised into eight groups: sleep, mental health, gastrointestinal, dermatology, ear, nose and throat (ENT), neurology, multiple symptoms, and ophthalmology. The prevalences of the most commonly reported symptoms were: restless leg syndrome 16.7-45%, sleep disordered breathing 20-46%, hypersomnia 14.3-60%, depression 12.5-67%, anxiety 5.3-34%, overall gastrointestinal symptoms 43-82.6%, nausea and vomiting 15.8-68.4%, abdominal pain 10.5-67.4%, altered appetite or anorexia 19-90%, xerosis 53.5-100%, pruritis 18.6-69%, headache 24-76.2% and ophthalmological symptoms 26%. Within each subgroup, the symptom definitions used were heterogeneous, the methods of assessment were varied and some symptoms, such as pain and constipation, were poorly represented. CONCLUSIONS There is a marked lack of evidence relating to the symptom burden for CYP with CKD. This study highlights the high symptom prevalence, particularly in relation to sleep, mental health, headache, dermatological and gastrointestinal symptoms. There is a need for consensus recommendations on the evaluation and management of symptoms for CYP with CKD approaching end-of-life. PROSPERO ID CRD42022346120.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Jacob
- Dept. of Medical Paediatrics, Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK.
| | - Lucy Plumb
- Renal Dept., Bristol Children's Hospital, Bristol, UK
- University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | - Louise Oni
- Dept. of Women and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Dept. of Paediatric Nephrology, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Siona Mitra
- School of Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ben Reynolds
- Dept. of Paediatric Nephrology, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK
- University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Piette V, Deliens L, Debulpaep S, Cohen J, Beernaert K. Appropriateness of end-of-life care for children with genetic and congenital conditions: a cohort study using routinely collected linked data. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:3857-3869. [PMID: 37328636 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05030-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the appropriateness of end-of-life care for children with genetic and congenital conditions. This is a decedent cohort study. We used 6 linked, Belgian, routinely collected, population-level databases containing children (1-17) who died with genetic and congenital conditions in Belgium between 2010 and 2017. We measured 22 quality indicators, face-validated using a previously published RAND/UCLA methodology. Appropriateness of care was defined as the overall "expected health benefit" of given healthcare interventions within a healthcare system exceeding expected negative outcomes. In the 8-year study period, 200 children were identified to have died with genetic and congenital conditions. Concerning appropriateness of care, in the last month before death, 79% of children had contact with specialist physicians, 17% had contact with a family physician, and 5% received multidisciplinary care. Palliative care was used by 17% of the children. Concerning inappropriateness of care, 51% of the children received blood drawings in the last week before death, and 29% received diagnostics and monitoring (2 or more magnetic resonance imaging scans, computed tomography scans, or X-rays) in the last month. Conclusion: Findings suggest end-of-life care could be improved in terms of palliative care, contact with a family physician and paramedics, and diagnostics and monitoring in the form of imaging. What is Known: • Previous studies suggest that end-of life care for children with genetic and congenital conditions may be subject to issues with bereavement, psychological concerns for child and family, financial cost at the end of life, decision-making when using technological interventions, availability and coordination of services, and palliative care provision. Bereaved parents of children with genetic and congenital conditions have previously evaluated end-of-life care as poor or fair, and some have reported that their children suffered a lot to a great deal at the end of life. • However, no peer-reviewed population-level quality evaluation of end-of-life care for this population is currently present. What is New: • This study provides an evaluation of the appropriateness of end-of-life care for children who died in Belgium with genetic and congenital conditions between 2010 and 2017, using administrative healthcare data and validated quality indicators. The concept of appropriateness is denoted as relative and indicative within the study, not as a definitive judgement. • Our study suggests improvements in end-of-life care may be possible, for instance, in terms of the provision of palliative care, contact with care providers next to the specialist physician, and diagnostics and monitoring in terms of imaging (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scans). Further empirical research is necessary, for instance, into unforeseen and foreseen end-of-life trajectories, to make definitive conclusions about appropriateness of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle Piette
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sara Debulpaep
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joachim Cohen
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kim Beernaert
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Enabling flourishing: novel approaches in palliative medicine for children with advanced kidney disease. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2023; 32:41-48. [PMID: 36250456 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Paediatric kidney disease results in considerable burden on children and their families. Paediatric palliative care is a holistic, family-centred care approach intended to enable flourishing and address the many impediments to life participation which advanced kidney disease can impose. To date, palliative care resources have been underutilized in paediatric nephrology. This review will highlight recent literature targeting the engagement and life participation of children with advanced kidney disease through implementation of novel palliative care approaches and propose directions for future research. RECENT FINDINGS Children with advanced kidney disease and their families highly value incorporation of their perspectives, particularly on life participation, within care plan development; but what it means to participate in life can be variable, and clinicians need improved tools to ascertain and incorporate these perspectives. Novel palliative care interventions developed for application in comparable disease states offer potential opportunities for paediatric nephrologists to support this goal. SUMMARY Children with advanced kidney disease and their families will benefit from incorporation of their perspectives and values, facilitated by palliative interventions.
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House TR, Rosenberg AR, Zimmerman CT, Barton KS, Wightman A. Caregiver perspectives of dialysis initiation for children with kidney disease: a qualitative study. Pediatr Nephrol 2022; 37:2457-2469. [PMID: 35181825 PMCID: PMC10433404 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-022-05472-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To better support family-centered care surrounding dialysis initiation, greater understanding of caregiver experience is necessary. METHODS Using thematic analysis, we conducted a secondary analysis of semi-structured interview data from a qualitative study of caregivers of children receiving dialysis recruited from 3 pediatric centers. Prominent themes in caregiver experience of caring for a child initiating dialysis were identified. RESULTS Thirty-five caregivers participated. Three major themes emerged from qualitative analysis: (1) parenting disrupted - caregivers experienced an acute disruption in their parenting role due to the unexpected, emergent circumstances and vast information accompanying their child's diagnosis; (2) redefining parenting - caregivers sought to reestablish their innate parental role and foster their evolving medical provider role through reassurance that their child could survive, communication with the medical team, and engaging in care plan development; and (3) leveraging dual identities - to positively impact their child's experience and enable flourishing, caregivers leveraged their established caregiver role and newly realized medical provider role through voicing their perspectives, watching over their child's care, and preparing for future changes in their child's health. If caregivers' evolution was not nurtured and enabled, acute fluctuations in their child's care could contribute to future disruption and need to restore their parental role. However, if caregiver development was fostered, caregivers acquired increased ability to prepare for vacillations in their child's care. CONCLUSIONS Improving delivery of family-centered care and support of caregivers at dialysis initiation will require directed efforts by nephrology care teams to foster caregiver evolution and resilience and respond to the family's changing experience of kidney disease. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor R House
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, 4800 Sandpoint Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
| | - Abby R Rosenberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, 4800 Sandpoint Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Cortney T Zimmerman
- Department of Pediatric Psychology, Texas Children's Hospital, 6701 Fannin Street 16th Floor, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Krysta S Barton
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1920 Terry Ave, M/S CURE-4, PO Box 5371, Seattle, WA, 98145, USA
| | - Aaron Wightman
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, 4800 Sandpoint Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
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Palliative care for children and young people with stage 5 chronic kidney disease. Pediatr Nephrol 2022; 37:105-112. [PMID: 33988731 PMCID: PMC8674156 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-021-05056-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Death from stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD 5) in childhood or adolescence is rare, but something that all paediatric renal physicians and most paediatricians will encounter. In this paper, we present the literature on three key areas of palliative care practice essential to good clinical management: shared decision-making, advance care planning, and symptom management, with particular reference to CKD 5 where kidney transplant is not an option and where a decision has been made to withdraw or withhold dialysis. Some areas of care, particularly with regard to symptom management, have not been well-studied in children and young people (CYP) with CKD 5 and recommendations with regard to drug choice and dose modification are based on adult literature, known pharmacokinetics, and clinical experience.
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House TR, Wightman A. Adding Life to Their Years: The Current State of Pediatric Palliative Care in CKD. KIDNEY360 2021; 2:1063-1071. [PMID: 35373080 PMCID: PMC8791371 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0000282021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
AbstractDespite continued advances in medical treatment, pediatric CKD remains an unremitting, burdensome condition characterized by decreased quality of life and earlier death. These burdens underscore the need for integration of pediatric palliative care (PPC) into nephrology practice. PPC is an evolving field that strives to (1) relieve physical, psychologic, social, practical, and existential suffering; (2) improve quality of life; (3) facilitate decision making; and (4) assist with care coordination in children with life-threatening or life-shortening conditions. Integration of palliative care into routine care has already begun for adults with kidney disease and children with other chronic diseases; however, similar integration has not occurred in pediatric nephrology. This review serves to provide a comprehensive definition of PPC, highlight the unmet need in pediatric nephrology and current integration efforts, discuss the state of palliative care in adult nephrology and analogous chronic pediatric disease states, and introduce future opportunities for study.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Children with medical or surgical critical illness or injury require skillful attention to physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs, whereas their families need support and guidance in facing life-threatening or life-changing events and gut-wrenching decisions. This article reviews current evidence and best practices for integrating palliative care into the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), with a focus on surgical patients. RECENT FINDINGS Palliative care is best integrated in a tiered approach, with primary palliative care provided by the PICU and surgical providers for all patients and families, including basic symptom management, high-quality communication, and end-of-life care. Secondary and tertiary levels of care involve unit or team-based 'champions' with additional expertise, and subspecialty palliative care teams, respectively. PICU and surgical providers should be able to provide primary palliative care, to identify patients and families for whom a palliative care consult would be helpful, and should be comfortable introducing the concept of palliative care to families. SUMMARY This review provides a framework and tools to enable PICU and surgical providers to integrate palliative care best practices into patient and family care.
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Thumfart J, Bethe D, Wagner S, Pommer W, Rheinländer C, Müller D. A survey demonstrates limited palliative care structures in paediatric nephrology from the perspective of a multidisciplinary healthcare team. Acta Paediatr 2019; 108:1350-1356. [PMID: 30536480 DOI: 10.1111/apa.14688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIM Children and adolescents with end-stage renal disease face a high morbidity and mortality. Palliative care provides a multidisciplinary approach to reduce disease burden and improve quality of life. This study evaluated concepts and current structures of palliative care from the perspective of a multidisciplinary paediatric nephrology team including physicians, nurses and psychosocial health professionals. METHODS Evaluation was done by an online survey sent to the members of the German Society of Nephrology and to the nurse managers of German paediatric dialysis centres between April 9, 2018 and May 31, 2018. RESULTS Out of the 52 respondents, 54% were physicians, 21% nurses and 25% psychosocial health professionals. The quality of actual palliative care service was rated as moderate (3.3 on a scale from one to six). Specialised palliative care teams (54%) and the caring paediatric nephrologist (50%) were considered as primarily responsible for palliative care. Two thirds wished for training in palliative care. In only 15% of the respondents' centres, palliative care specialisation existed. CONCLUSION Palliative care structures in paediatric nephrology were not sufficient in the view of the multidisciplinary healthcare team. Therefore, efforts should be taken to integrate palliative care into the routine treatment of children and adolescents with chronic kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Thumfart
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Nephrology and Metabolic Diseases Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Dirk Bethe
- Division of Paediatric Nephrology Centre for Child and Adolescent Medicine Heidelberg University Hospital Heidelberg Germany
| | | | - Wolfgang Pommer
- Kuratorium für Dialyse und Nierentransplantation (KfH) Neu‐Isenburg Germany
| | | | - Dominik Müller
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Nephrology and Metabolic Diseases Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
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Thumfart J, Reindl T, Rheinlaender C, Müller D. Supportive palliative care should be integrated into routine care for paediatric patients with life-limiting kidney disease. Acta Paediatr 2018; 107:403-407. [PMID: 29220099 DOI: 10.1111/apa.14182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Paediatric palliative care is no longer restricted to patients with cancer and has been extended to patients with other chronic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or neuromuscular disorders. This review focused on the current state of palliative care for children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We assessed the literature on CKD published up to August 2017. All the papers, except one from 1996, were published this century. This review discusses the role that palliative care plays in the process of decision-making and explores the possibilities of implementing palliative care into the routine therapy of affected patients and providing support for their families. Offering early palliative care as an integral part of the kidney, supportive care provided by the nephrology care team is both necessary and feasible for patients with CKD. As a minimum, a specialised palliative care team should be involved in patients with multiple comorbidities, in conservative treatment scenarios and in acute life-threatening complications. Further studies and guidelines are required to improve the care of patients with CKD and their families. CONCLUSION Supportive palliative care should be implemented into the routine care of patients with life-limiting kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Thumfart
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - Tobias Reindl
- Department of Oncology and Hematology; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
- Palliative Care Team; Björn-Schulz-Stiftung; Berlin Germany
| | | | - Dominik Müller
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
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