The management of fatigue should be multifactorial, with a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan to address all modifiable fatigue etiologies, according to a survey of 1,788 patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Researchers found:

• Fatigue was prevalent and severe.

• Higher BMI, current use of alcohol, and current use of tobacco were significantly associated with fatigue.

• Moderate/severe fatigue was more frequent in those who did not exercise vs those who exercised at least once per week.

• Medical comorbidities significantly associated with fatigue included restless leg syndrome, diabetes mellitus, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic kidney disease.

• Current use of antidepressants, antihistamines, antianxiety medications, and prescription pain medications were associated with worsened fatigue.

• Nearly 25% of respondents scored > 2 on the Patient Health Questionnaire, indicating high probability of depression.

• Higher Brief Fatigue Inventory score, Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Total Symptom score, and individual symptom scores were all associated with higher likelihood of depression.

Citation: Scherber RM, Kosiorek HE, Senyak Z, et al. Comprehensively understanding fatigue in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. [Published online ahead of print December 15, 2015]. Cancer. doi: 10.1002/cncr.29753.