Abstract
Context: The efficacy and safety of cannabinoids to treat symptoms in individuals with kidney disease is uncertain. Objectives: We sought to elicit Canadian nephrologists' views regarding the use and study of cannabinoids in patients with kidney disease in an Internet-based survey of Canadian of Society of Nephrology members treating adult patients with kidney disease including dialysis. Methods: The degree to which respondents supported the use or study of cannabinoids for symptoms common in kidney disease was assessed using a modified Likert scale ranging from 1 to 7 (anchored at 1—definitely would not and 7—being definitely would). Participants were asked their degree of support for cannabinoid use in clinical practice and for randomized controlled trials examining cannabinoids for anxiety, depression, restless legs syndrome, itchiness, fatigue, chronic pain, decreased appetite, nausea/vomiting, sleep disorder, and others. Multilevel multivariable linear regression was used to identify independent predictors of the degree of support. Results: There were 151 (43.4%) responses from 348 eligible participants. One hundred twenty-four (82%) previously cared for patients using prescribed cannabinoids by other providers, and 29 (19%) had previously prescribed cannabinoids themselves. One hundred thirty-seven (91%) had previously cared for patients using nonprescription cannabinoids, which were used most commonly recreationally (88.3%), for chronic pain (73.7%) or for anxiety (52.6%). Respondents supported the use of cannabinoids (mean score >5) for each symptom in the setting of refractory symptoms. Similarly, respondents supported enrolling patients for trials for all symptoms (mean scores >5). Conclusion: Nephrologists broadly support the use and study of cannabinoids for symptoms in patients with kidney disease.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 237-245.e2 |
| Journal | Journal of Pain and Symptom Management |
| Volume | 61 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Feb 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors thank all the clinicians who participated in this study. D. C. is supported by a Kidney Research Scientist Core Education and National Training Program (KRESCENT) Postdoctoral Fellowship award, Canada. M. W is supported by a New Investigator Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Role of the funding source: This project was supported by funding from the Michael G. DeGroote Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at McMaster University (https://cannabisresearch.mcmaster.ca). Data statement: Data are available on written request and approval from the authors. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Ethical approval: The approval was not obtained given waived consent for physician surveys at the institution.
Funding Information:
Role of the funding source: This project was supported by funding from the Michael G. DeGroote Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at McMaster University ( https://cannabisresearch.mcmaster.ca ).
Funding Information:
D. C. is supported by a Kidney Research Scientist Core Education and National Training Program (KRESCENT) Postdoctoral Fellowship award, Canada. M. W is supported by a New Investigator Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research .
Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- General Nursing
- Clinical Neurology
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
PubMed: MeSH publication types
- Journal Article
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't