Abstract

Background: In patients who have a chronic kidney disease (CKD) for which cure is not a realistic goal. Maximizing functioning, well-being and improving quality of life (QOL) should be primary objectives of care. Objectives: Aim of this study was to assess the influence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on patient’s QOL and to compare the QOL in ESRD patients who were dialyzed and correction of anemia was done.
Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in tertiary care center, KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, over 1 year. All newly diagnosed CKD patients >18 years of age who were first time initiated on dialysis were recruited for the study. Pregnant patients, patients on dialysis or known ischemic heart disease were excluded from the study. Patient’s QOL was evaluated using short form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires at initiation of hemodialysis and at the end of 1 year after standard line of care. Statistical analysis was performed with descriptive statistics with paired t-test.
Results: SF-36 score at baseline and at 1 year was 50.01 ± 11.36 and 53.18 ± 12.51 with P < 0.0001. Hemoglobin (Hb) baseline and average Hb at 1 year 7.65 ± 1.52 and 8.61 ± 1.06 P < 0.0001. Conclusion: QOL declines as the CKD progresses, least at stage 5. Diabetic CKD patients tend to have poorer QOL as compared to other etiologies of CKD. Correction of anemia tremendously improves QOL.