The Symptom Experience Associated with Immunosuppressive Therapy in Organ Transplant Recipients.
- Author:
Keum Soon KIM
1
;
Jiyeon KANG
;
Hea Seon HA
;
Myung Hee RHO
;
Keum Wha PARK
;
Jeong Ja HONG
Author Information
1. Seoul National University College of Nursing, Korea. kimks@plaza.snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Comparative Study ; Original Article
- Keywords:
Transplantation;
Immunosuppresive therapy;
Symptom frequency;
Symptom discomfort
- MeSH:
Adrenal Cortex Hormones;
Appetite;
Cyclosporine;
Education;
Fatigue;
Female;
Hair;
Headache;
Heart;
Humans;
Immunosuppressive Agents;
Kidney;
Liver;
Male;
Muscle Weakness;
Quality of Life;
Surveys and Questionnaires;
Transplantation;
Transplants*
- From:The Journal of the Korean Society for Transplantation
2002;16(1):110-118
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate symptom frequency and symptom discomfort in liver, kidney and heart transplant recipients. METHODS: This descriptive, comparative study included 191 subjects (86 liver, 81 kidney, 24 heart: 135 male, 56 female). The symptom frequency and distress questionnaires were used to examine the symptom experience of the subjects. RESULTS: The most frequent and distressing symptom was fatigue. Increased hair, increased appetite, poor concentration and poor vision were frequently reported and poor vision, poor concentration, muscle weakness, and headache were causing high distress. Women reported a significantly higher level of symptom frequency and discomfort than men. Heart recipients reported a significantly higher level of symptom frequency and discomfort than renal or liver recipients. Significant (P<0.05) differences were found in symptom frequency and discomfort depending on transplant organs, numbers of immunosuppressants genders, age and types of drug and time after transplantation. Most of symptoms were related to the side effects of cyclosporine or corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: The results provide a basis for patient and family education and for symptom management. Further investigation of the symptom experience of the transplant patients is needed, especially in relation to quality of life.
