Predictors for quality of life in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients

Peritoneal dialysis patients have diminished quality of life scores compared with healthy subjects. Measures of quality of life have been reported to have a significant predictive value for patient survival and hospitalization in peritoneal dialysis patients. The purpose of this study is to determine the clinical, biochemical and psychological predictors for the quality of life in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients.

This cross-sectional study included 60 CAPD patients (male/female 33/27; age 45.5 +/- 15.7 years, CAPD duration 43.4 +/- 32.7 months). Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index was used for assessing sleep quality. We evaluated each patient's depressive symptoms with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Quality of life parameters were assessed by the self-administered SF-36 generic health survey questionnaire. In all patients, demographic variables, personality traits and habits, Charlson Comorbidity Index, clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded and analysed.

A Pearson bivariate correlation analysis revealed that total quality of life score was negatively correlated with Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (-0.533, P < 0.0001), BDI (-0.642, P < 0.0001) scores, C-reactive protein (-0.588, P = 0.001), and positively correlated with blood urea nitrogen (0.336, P = 0.02) and albumin (0.351, P = 0.01). BDI scores (beta = -0.505, P = 0.001) and the serum albumin levels (beta = 0.324, P = 0.009) were the significant independent predictors of quality of life.

Poor sleep quality, presence of depression, higher C-reactive protein and lower albumin levels are associated with poorer quality of life. In order to improve life quality in CAPD patients, quality of sleep, depression and nutritional status should be serially evaluated and given appropriate treatment when required.