Explaining day to day variation in rheumatic fatigue
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the day to day variation in rheumatic fatigue using a multi-modal approach
IRAS ID
135994
Contact name
Neil Basu
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Research summary
Fatigue is a major burden among patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Up to 90% of patients report clinically important fatigue and the symptom has been identified as a principal determinant of impaired quality of life and work disability. Despite this, clinicians feel helpless to help due to the absence of available therapies. Understanding the symptom’s underlying cause is essential, if effective future treatments are to be developed. Previous epidemiological studies have suggested a multi-factorial origin for fatigue in rheumatic diseases, however these studies are limited by infrequent snapshots in time (for example, measures are typically undertaken only 6 months apart). Since patients often report substantial variation in fatigue on a day to day basis, more sophisticated methods are required to capture symptom course and to better understand the interplay between multiple causes.
We wish to build upon our existing experience to be the first to apply an ambulatory electronic diary study design in the investigation of fatigue among patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. In order to delineate the frequent daily variation of fatigue and its underlying causes, we propose a comprehensive method of data collection which will include regular within-day recording of self report information, via an electronic device, as well as objective measures of a stress hormone (cortisol) and physical activity. Such an approach is needed to better understand this complex problem.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
13/NS/0138
Date of REC Opinion
13 Nov 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion