Symptom clustering in patients with childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus

Aims To: (a) explore the prevalence of the symptoms perceived by patients with childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus; (b) identify the symptom clusters occurring in patients with childhood‐onset Systemic lupus erythematosus; and (c) examine the association of the burden of each symptom cluster with sleep quality and depression. Background Systemic lupus erythematosus is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that may result in patients' perception of various symptoms, with possible negative effects on their quality of life. Understanding the prevalence of symptoms perceived by childhood‐onset Systemic lupus erythematosus patients and the disease's symptom clusters may be helpful in managing such burdensome symptoms. Design A correlational study design was used for this study in 2016. Methods Self‐reported data from the Systemic lupus erythematosus symptom checklist were used to assess the symptoms perceived by patients. Symptom clusters were analysed using cluster analysis. Results Seventy‐five patients were included in this study. The most prevalent and burdensome symptom perceived by patients was fatigue. Five clusters were derived, including symptoms related to pain and itching; bruises and stomach complaints; weight gain; body image and circulatory problems; and fatigue. A poor sleeper may perceive a greater symptom burden in all five of the symptom clusters, except for cluster #3, which refers to symptoms related to weight gain. Conclusion Five symptom clusters were identified. It is hoped that this study will give useful knowledge for understanding the symptom clusters for patients with Systemic lupus erythematosus and for improving nursing care quality. 目的 (a)探讨儿童期系统性红斑狼疮患者出现的症状的患病率;(b)确定儿童期系统性红斑狼疮患者中出现的症状群;以及(c)研究每个症状群的负担与睡眠质量和抑郁的关系。 背景 系统性红斑狼疮是一种炎症性自身免疫性疾病,可导致患者出现各种症状,可能对其生活质量产生负面影响。了解儿童期系统性红斑狼疮患者出现的症状的患病率以及该疾病的症状群可能有助于处理此类症状。 设计 2016年采用相关研究设计。 方法 采用系统性红斑狼疮症状清单中的自述报告数据,对患者感知到的症状进行评估。症状群分析采用聚类分析。 结果 本研究共纳入75例患者。患者最常见和最沉重的症状是疲劳。得出五组症状,包括疼痛和瘙痒、瘀伤和胃不适、体重增加、身体形象和血液循环问题以及疲劳。除了3号症状群(与体重增加有关的症状)外,睡眠质量差的患者可能在其他四个症状群中感知到更重的症状负担。 结论 共确定5个症状群。希望本研究能有效帮助系统性红斑狼疮患者了解症状群,提高护理质量。