Meeske et al identfied risk factors for fatigue in patients who are long-term survivors of childhood leukemia. These can help identify a group of patients who may benefit from interventions to improve their quality of life. The authors are from the University of Southern California and Childrens Hospital in Los Angeles.
Patients who complain of fatigue are at risk for depression and poorer quality of life.
Risk factors for fatigue that are associated with depression:
(1) problems sleeping
(2) pain
(3) obesity
(4) neuro-cognitive impairment
The authors recommended screening all survivors with an 11-point Likert scale for fatigue (ranging from 0 to 10), with further investigation of any patient responding >= 4.
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