Cross-sectional validity of a modified Edmonton symptom assessment system in dialysis patients: A simple assessment of symptom burden

Subjective symptom assessment should be a fundamental component of health-related quality of life (HRQL) assessment in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Unfortunately, no symptom checklist has established reliability or validity in ESRD. We report the validation of a modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) in 507 dialysis patients who concurrently completed the Kidney Dialysis Quality of Life-Short Form (KDQOL-SF) questionnaire. The ESAS demonstrated a mean of 7.5±2.5 symptoms. The symptoms reported as most severe were tiredness, well-being, appetite, and pain. The overall symptom distress score was strongly correlated with the KDQOL-SF subscales symptom/problem list (r=-0.69, P