Cognitive Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure on Hemodialysis / 대한신장학회잡지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nowadays it is considered that increment of hematocrit in chronic renal failure patients improves quality of life and cognitive function. But previous studies cannot exclude the practice effect and suggestion because they were accessed in the same ways before and after the erythropoietin treatment. This study was designed into two groups by hematocrit levels to know if patients with higher hematocrit levels have better quality of life and neurocognitive function. METHODS: Fifty-two chronic renal failure patients during hemodialysis received neurocognitive function test by physician before checking several self rating scales about quality of life. RESULTS: Patients with higher hematocrit levels had better scores in neurocognitive function tests and there was a relationship between the age and cognitive function. But patients with higher hematocrit levels didn't have better quality of life than those with lower ones. Instead there was strong correlation between the Beck Depression Inventory score and quality of life. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that higher hematocrit levels improve cognitive function in chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis, but increased hematocrit level does not always mean the better quality of life. Other psychological managements for depressive moods are recommended for better quality of life.