Assessing Fatigue in Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review of Measurement Tools and Outcomes

Assessing Fatigue in Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review of Measurement Tools and Outcomes

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that affects hemoglobin production, leading to abnormal red blood cells that can cause a range of health complications. One of the most common symptoms of SCD is fatigue, which can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life. However, assessing fatigue in SCD patients can be challenging due to the complex nature of the disease. In this systematic review, we aim to evaluate the measurement tools and outcomes used to assess fatigue in SCD patients.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of studies published between January 1st, 2010, and March 31st, 2023, that assessed fatigue in SCD patients. The participants included children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with SCD. We searched multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using keywords related to SCD, fatigue, and quality of life.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

• Inclusion criteria:
  • Studies published in English
  • Studies that assessed fatigue in SCD patients
  • Studies that used standardized measurement tools to assess fatigue
• Exclusion criteria:
  • Studies that did not assess fatigue specifically in SCD patients
  • Studies that used non-standardized measurement tools
  • Studies that were published outside the specified date range

Measurement Tools

Several measurement tools were used to assess fatigue in SCD patients, including:

• The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue (FACT-F): a 13-item questionnaire that assesses fatigue in patients with cancer.
• The European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D): a 5-item questionnaire that assesses quality of life, including fatigue.
• The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36): a 36-item questionnaire that assesses quality of life, including fatigue.
• The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI): a 19-item questionnaire that assesses sleep quality, including fatigue.

Outcomes

The outcomes of the studies varied, but most studies reported significant levels of fatigue in SCD patients. The studies also reported associations between fatigue and other symptoms, such as pain, sleep disturbances, and decreased quality of life.

Discussion

The findings of this systematic review highlight the importance of assessing fatigue in SCD patients. Fatigue is a significant symptom that can impact a patient’s quality of life, and it is essential to use standardized measurement tools to assess fatigue accurately. The studies included in this review used a range of measurement tools, but the FACT-F and SF-36 were the most commonly used.

The review also highlights the need for more research on the relationship between fatigue and other symptoms in SCD patients. The studies included in this review reported associations between fatigue and pain, sleep disturbances, and decreased quality of life, but more research is needed to understand the complex relationships between these symptoms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this systematic review highlights the importance of assessing fatigue in SCD patients using standardized measurement tools. The findings of this review suggest that fatigue is a significant symptom that can impact a patient’s quality of life, and more research is needed to understand the complex relationships between fatigue and other symptoms in SCD patients. For more information, please refer to the study published in Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases.