Health related quality of life among Egyptian patients on hemodialysis

ABSTRACT

The present research was carried out to evaluate the physical [PCS] and mental [MCS] component summary scales in hemodialysis patients as compared to healthy subjects at a baseline and two years later. 130 patients on hemodialysis [mean age 40.6 +/- 8.1 years] were enrolled in the study between February 2003 to February 2005. The short-form with 36 [SF-36] questionnaire was given every 6 months to hemodialysis patients. Results were compared to the general population and changes in QoL over time were determined. Mean PCS was 34 +/- 15.46 and mean MCS was 38.80 +/- 15.17 compared to the general population there were significant decline in PCS and MCS at baseline and two years later. There was no significant correlation between causes of End-Stage Renal Disease [ESRD] and Quality of Life [QoL], except for diabetes mellitus as regard MCS. High levels of serum albumin and hemoglobin was associated with highly significant quality of life. Serum albumin was a good predictor for quality of life in this study. Adequacy of dialysis treatment in hemodialysis patients was determined by serum albumin, hematocrit, KT/V and Urea Reduction Ratio [URR]. Present results showed the negative impact that ESRD and hemodialysis treatment have on self-assessed physical and mental health and it is important to treat all factors that induce hypoalbuminemia as well as anaemia