Assessment of acute complications and quality of life in hemodialysis patients with chronic kidney disease

End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is the last stage of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), where kidneys solely functions at 10 to 15 percent of their normal capacity. Efficacious treatment for ESRD is renal replacement therapies like dialysis and renal transplantation. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) is a neglected aspect of CKD care.

To assess the acute complications and quality of life in hemodialysis patients.

This prospective observational study was conducted for 6 months, 90 patients undergoing hemodialysis were enrolled in the study. Acute complications were assessed during and post dialysis and Health Related Quality of Life were analysed using KDQoL-36^TM questionnaire.

Among patients assessed; majority of the patients belonged to the age group 30 to 60 years. Acute complications were evaluated and oedema was found in maximum patients followed by muscle cramps, loss of appetite, itching etc. Based on KDQoL-36^TM questionnaire, physical functions was mainly affected due to the disease. Oedema and muscle cramps had an impact on the patients physical and mental functioning whereas educational status and addictions showed significance in all domains of KDQOL-36^TM.

CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis has an intense effect on HRQoL. A better understanding on QOL issues will enable providers to deliver better patient centred care and enhance the overall well-being of the patients.