Early quality of life benefits of icodextrin in peritoneal dialysis

Early quality of life benefits of icodextrin in peritoneal dialysis.

The impact of new therapies on patient quality of life (QOL) is emerging as an important indicator of the value of these therapies. In patients on dialysis, previous QOL evaluations have focused mainly on comparative approaches between modalities, or on longitudinal trends within a modality, but few have evaluated technical innovations or introduction of new therapies. The aim of the present study was to assess the early effects of a new dialysis solution (icodextrin) on the QOL of peritoneal dialysis patients. The QOL is compared with that of patients on dextrose, and the impact of demographic, and clinical characteristics on patients' QOL is examined.

The kidney disease quality of life questionnaire (KDQOL) was administered to patients who participated in a phase III double-blind, parallel group, active-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a peritoneal dialysis (PD) solution containing icodextrin in comparison with dextrose PD solution. A total of 93 patients (58 icodextrin, and 35 dextrose) completed the questionnaire at both baseline and after 13 weeks. In addition to patients QOL, patients' demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded at both baseline and 13 weeks.

Mean change scores from baseline to 13 weeks of icodextrin patients were substantially higher (> or =5) than dextrose, particularly with respect to general health perception, physical functioning, role-physical, and many KDQOL symptom items such as lack of strength, washed out or drained, lack of appetite, faintness or dizziness, dry skin, cramps after an exchange or treatment, cramps during an exchange or treatment, and muscle spasms or twitching. At 13 weeks, icodextrin patients had significantly improved symptoms, and rated their health in general higher than those patients in the dextrose group. Upon multivariate analysis, icodextrin contributed significantly to the improvement of patients' mental health, general health, and symptoms such as muscle spasms or twitching, cramps during an exchange or treatment, cramps after an exchange or treatment, itchy skin, and faintness or dizziness.

Peritoneal dialysis patients treated with icodextrin experienced substantial quality of life improvement at 13 weeks after the start of treatment when compared to dextrose patients. Further research is necessary to determine patients' quality of life over time in a longitudinal study setting.