Quality of life as a predictor of hospitalization in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis: a retrospective cohort study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: As medical advances are achieved in the care of chronically ill patients, there is increasing evidence that health-related quality of life (QoL) is associated with poor outcomes, including hospitalization and death. This study aimed to evaluate QoL as a predictor of hospitalization and death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 108 patients with CKD on hemodialysis with 24-month follow-up. QoL was assessed by the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short-Form (KDQOL-SF), including time to first hospitalization and death as outcomes. Results: The highest KDQOL-SF scores at baseline were observed in Sexual function, Dialysis staff encouragement, and Cognitive function, while the lowest scores were observed in Working status, Role physical, and Energy/fatigue. There was an association of Overall health and Role emotional domains with shorter time to first hospitalization. Data analyzed were insufficient to indicate an association of QoL with mortality in this population. Conclusion: QoL was associated with time to first hospitalization in patients with CKD on hemodialysis, but the results were not sufficient to indicate its association with mortality. (AU)