Musculoskeletal (MSK) Pain and Relationship to Sleep Quality and Depression in Patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD)

Abstract

MSK pain, sleep disturbance, and depressed mood are prevalent in ESKD. A cross-sectional survey of 22 hemodialysis and 24 kidney transplant recipients was performed using the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) and SF-12 to look for relationships between the symptoms. Moderate to severe MSK pain was reported by 41% daily and 56% at night. 76% reported pain made sleep difficult, with 59% experiencing disruption nightly. Patients with daytime pain had more nighttime pain (r=0.81, p<0.001), poor sleep (r=0.59, p<0.001), physical impairment (r=0.68, p<0.001), reduced mobility (r=0.67, p<0.001), and feelings of depression (r=0.36, p=0.02). Nighttime pain interfered with work as well (r=-0.72, p<0.001). Pain did not correlate with type of kidney replacement therapy. Recognition of pain and comprehensive management strategies across the continuum of ESKD is important for improvement in overall quality of life.