[Relation between clinical condition and quality of life in patients on hemodialysis, a clinimetric study]

To gain more insight into the quality of life of chronic haemodialysis patients, a clinimetric study was performed in 60 patients treated in a centre for active haemodialysis: Diatel, Amsterdam. The value of a number of objective and subjective test methods was also analysed. The mean age was 52 years, 57% were males and the mean time on dialysis treatment was 68 months. The objective tests were the Karnofsky index, the Active Clinical Problems Score and the Chemistry Abnormality Score. The data were obtained from the physician in charge and the medical record of the patient. The subjective information was gained during an interview based on the following tests: the Complaints score, Affect Balance Scale, Index of Well-being and Nottingham Health Profile. The physical condition of the patients depended on both age and comorbidity and was generally good; 6% of the patients had a Karnofsky score of less than or equal to 60. For the Index of Well-being patients scored lower than healthy people (p less than 0.01). The level of this index depended on age, employment and civil status. The subjective tests were significantly interrelated, the objective tests also but to a lesser extent. No correlations were found between the objective status of the patient and his emotional well-being. In conclusion, active haemodialysis patients appeared to have a fairly good quality of life. Of all tests the Affect Balance Scale, the Index of Well-being and the Complaints score were found to be the most useful, probably also for future longitudinal research.