Role of Frailty Components on Quality of Life in Dialysis Patients. A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Sclauzero P., Galli G., Barbati G., Carraro M., Panzetta G.O. (2013). Role of components of frailty on quality of life in dialysis patients: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Renal Care 39(2), 96-102. S U M M A R YBackground: Many people on dialysis suffer a variety of conditions that can affect frailty (the condition or quality of being frail), such as comorbidities, disabilities, dependence, malnutrition, cognitive impairment and poor social conditions. Frailty is suspected to affect quality of life (QoL).Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of the different components of frailty on the QoL of people on dialysis. Methods: We enrolled 203 out of 233 prevalent patients on dialysis in the Trieste area of Italy. We applied the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, Activities of Daily Living, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Subjective Global Assessment scales and Karnofsky Index. In addition we analysed their social conditions. Results: Dependence, malnutrition and disability had a negative role on QoL. Living with family and good social-economic conditions were significantly related to a better QoL. Conclusions: Dependence, malnutrition, disability, poor social and economic conditions have a significant effect on life quality. The role of comorbidities appears to be less important. Screening of patients, nutritional and functional rehabilitation and prevention of social isolation appear to be indispensable in guaranteeing a satisfactory life quality.

Patient‐reported cognitive functioning and daily functioning in chronic dialysis patients

“…Participants who needed assistance in any of the 7 ADL and 7 IADL activities (scores ≥ 1) were determined as ADL or IADL impaired, a categorization used in other studies. 12,[42][43][44] Potential confounders and covariates Participants completed a socio-demographic profile that asked age, gender, race and ethnicity, marital status, and education. The presence and severity of pain and other symptoms were assessed using the modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) that has been validated for dialysis patients.…”

Impact of the Karnofsky Performance Status on Survival and its Dynamics during the Terminal Year of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

“…The average KPS above 70% observed in this population suggests that, in general, patients were capable of performing daily activities without the need for special care. Hemodialysis (7,8). The KPS difference between the baseline (75.8%) and the last evaluation before death (57.9%) in the study population shows a transition from a lower to a higher degree of dependency during the observation period, but with most of the observation time, the KPS was not at a level considered bedridden.…”

“…The average KPS above 70% observed in this population suggests that, in general, patients were capable of performing daily activities without the need for special care. Hemodialysis patients have been previously observed to have a lower average KPS than patients on PD (7,8).…”