Characterisation and comparison of health-related quality of life for patients with renal failure

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the health related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with kidney failure who had received renal transplants compared to those receiving haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or were waiting to start dialysis.Research design and methods: The study was conducted at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. HRQOL was measured using the EQ‐5D, SF‐36 and the Kidney Disease Quality of life questionnaire (KDQOL). Patients with kidney failure were identified from the renal unit departmental database and were surveyed by postal questionnaire or during their treatment.Results: Of 1251 people surveyed, 416 valid returns were received, a response rate of 33%. For renal transplant patients the mean EQ‐5Dindex was 0.712 (SD 0.272), significantly higher than those in the other treatment groups (haemodialysis mean = 0.443 (SD 317), p < 0.001; peritoneal dialysis mean = 0.569 (SD 329), p < 0.001). This difference remained after controlling for age and co-morbidi...