Self-assessed quality of life in peritoneal dialysis patients

Background/Aims: Studies comparing quality of life (QOL) between peritoneal and hemodialysis patients have yielded inconsistent results. Physical (PCS ) and mental component summary (MCS) scales of Short Form 36 (SF-36) health survey are highly validated measures of self-assessed QOL. We sought to ev aluate these indices in PD patients: (1) as measures of QOL, (2) predictors of QOL, (3) to study change in QOL over time, and (4) to compare QOL in PD vs. hemodialysis patients. Methods: SF-36 questionnaires were administered every 3 months to patients over a 2-year period and PCS and MCS were calcu lated. Mean follow-up was 15.3 +/-6.6 months for PD and 14.5 +/-5.7 months for HD. Results: Average PCS in PD (31.8 +/-7.8) was lower than HD (36.9 +/ -9.8) (p < 0.02), while MCS was similar in the groups (p = NS). The prevale nce of depression was 26.1% in PD and 25.4% in HD patients (p = NS). Serum albumin was the only significant predictor of PCS among PD patients and exp lained much of the decrease in PCS in them. The number of hospitalizations and in-hospital days were significantly lower for PD compared to HD patient s (p < 0.05). PCS as well as MCS remained stable in both groups throughout the observation period. Conclusion: Self-assessed physical function is dimi nished, while mental function is similar in PD compared to HD patients. Whe n corrected for serum albumin, this difference is eliminated. Over time, QO L in patients treated with PD remained stable. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.