Malignant Ascites: Validation of a Novel Ascites Symptom Mini-Scale for Use in Patients With Ovarian Cancer

The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the performance of a novel Ascites Symptom Mini-Scale (ASmS) and compare it with a previously available questionnaire. Methods Patients with ovarian cancer–related ascites presenting for paracentesis were asked to complete the newly devised ASmS before the procedure and 1 and 24 hours after. Patients also completed a pain assessment scale and a previously validated ascites questionnaire at the same time points. Results The cohort included 28 patients of median age 68 years (range, 51–86 years), 13 (46.4%) with primary ovarian cancer and 15 with recurrent disease. A median of 3300 mL of ascites was drained. The median score on the ASmS decreased significantly from 21.5 before paracentesis to 11.0 at 1 hour after paracentesis (P
Source: International Journal of Gynecological Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Quality of Life Source Type: research