Assessment of Fatigue in Pediatric Patients With Short Stature Utilizing the PedsQL (TM) Multidimensional Fatigue Scale Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • The standardized multidimensional assessment of fatigue has not been previously conducted in pediatric patients with short stature. Consequently, the objective of this exploratory study was to assess fatigue in a heterogeneous sample of pediatric patients with short stature utilizing the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. The 18-item PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (general fatigue, sleep/rest fatigue, and cognitive fatigue domains) and the 23-item PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales (physical, emotional, social, and school functioning) were completed by 29 pediatric patients with a physician diagnosis of short stature and 31 parents from a hospital-based pediatric endocrinology clinic. Pediatric patients with short stature experienced more fatigue and impaired generic health-related quality of life (HRQOL) than healthy children, demonstrating comparable fatigue to pediatric patients receiving cancer treatment. Cognitive fatigue and school functioning were reported by both pediatric patients and their parents as most impaired. The results demonstrate the relative severity of fatigue symptoms and impaired HRQOL in pediatric patients with short stature, indicating the potential clinical utility of the standardized multidimensional assessment of fatigue and HRQOL in these patients on a routine basis. 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

published proceedings

  • CHILDRENS HEALTH CARE

author list (cited authors)

  • Varni, J. W., Limbers, C. A., Bryant, W. P., & Wilson, D. P.

citation count

  • 13

complete list of authors

  • Varni, James W||Limbers, Christine A||Bryant, William P||Wilson, Don P

publication date

  • April 2012