Psychological distress at hospital admission is related to symptoms severity and health status in malignant pleural effusion patients

Abstract

Objective The incidence and associated healthcare costs of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) are expected to rise, but there is limited evidence about which factors affect patients' prognosis. So, the aim of this study was to determine whether psychological distress at hospital admission is associated with symptom severity and health status in patients with MPE. Methods A longitudinal observational prospective cohort study was carried out in the Pulmonology Service of the Granada University Hospital Complex in Granada, Spain. Patients diagnosed with MPE were included and evaluated at hospital admission, at discharge and at one month after discharge. Outcome measures included symptom severity (i.e. dyspnoea, pain and cough) and health status (functionality and self‐perceived health status). Results Significant differences were found in symptoms and the health status, with worse results in the group with psychological distress at discharge. One month after discharge, MPE patients with psychological distress exhibited greater symptoms, including more cough and dyspnoea (p < .05). Moreover, these patients showed worse functionality (p < .05) and self‐perceived health status (p < .05). Conclusion Psychological distress is an important factor to take into account in patients with MPE. The presence of psychological distress appears to increase the symptoms and is associated with worse health status after hospitalisation.

Psychological distress prior to surgery is related to symptom burden and health status in lung cancer survivors

“…Second, the lack of a structured psychiatric clinical interview to assess depression and anxiety is also one of the limitations. Nevertheless, previous studies have used the HADS to evaluate the presence of psychological distress [ 11 , 63 ].…”

“…LC patients present various symptoms, such as pain, coughing, fatigue and shortness of breath in the early stages after surgery or even a long time after surgery [8][9][10]. Moreover, patients with lung cancer experience a variety of distressing symptoms, many of which begin before diagnosis and continue throughout the course of the disease and its treatments, adversely affecting functional status and quality of life (QOL) [11][12][13].…”

Psychological Distress Prior to Surgery Is Related to Symptom Burden and Health Status in Lung Cancer Survivors.

“…Second, the lack of a structured psychiatric clinical interview to assess depression and anxiety. Nevertheless, previous studies have used the HADS to evaluate the presence of psychological distress [63,11].…”

“…LC patients present various symptoms, such as pain, coughing, fatigue and shortness of breath in the early stages after surgery or even a long time after surgery [8,9,10]. Moreover, patients with lung cancer experience a variety of distressing symptoms, many of which begin prior to diagnosis and continue throughout the course of the disease and its treatments, adversely affecting functional status and quality of life (QOL) [11,12,13].…”

Association between Post-Hospitalization Psychological Distress, Exercise Capacity, Physical Function and Health Status in COVID-19 Survivors

“…Handgrip strength has been recognized as a valuable indicator of overall muscular strength and is associated with a variety of health outcomes, including mortality, morbidity, and functional decline in diverse populations [ 35 ]. Several studies have demonstrated the significance of handgrip strength as a predictor of various health-related events, such as cardiovascular events, disability, and frailty [ 36 ]. Given its simplicity, portability, and ability to reflect broader aspects of health, handgrip dynamometry has become an integral component of clinical assessments and research investigations aimed at understanding and monitoring individuals’ health status.…”