Quality of Life in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients and Hemodialysis Patients
Abstract:The aim of this cross-sectional study is to assess quality of life (QOL) in 119 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and 89 hemodialysis (HD) patients using the SF-36 instrument (PF = physical function, RP = role limitations physical, BP = bodily pain, GH = general health perceptions, VT = vitality, SF = social function, RE = role limitations emotional, MH = mental health, MCS = mental summary, and PCS = physical summary). The mean (range) s-creatinine in the CKD group was 325 μmol/L (133–809 μmol/L). There were no differences in SF-36 scores between CKD and HD patients (Figure). CKD/HD status did not predict MCS or PCS in multivariate analyses controlling for age (p < 0.01 for PCS), sex, depression (p = 0.01 for PCS), Charlson comorbidity score (p < 0.01 for PCS), s-albumin (p = 0.05 for PCS), hemoglobin, presence of partner, and level of education.
We conclude that QOL is related to comorbid illness and decreases even before dialysis is started. Longitudinal studies of QOL in CKD patients are needed to evaluate the influence of dialysis initiation on QOL.
Document Type: Research Article
Affiliations: Queen's University and Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Publication date: January 1, 2004