A comparison of quality of life in haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients

Abstract

Decreased quality of life of end-stage renal disease is further compromised by renal function replacement treatments such as haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). Poor quality of life negatively affects treatment outcome. This study compared quality of life between HD and PD patients. Quality of life in 15 HD and 15 PD patients at a South African renal unit was compared using the SF-36 short form. There was no significant difference between HD and PD patients for total SF-36 score, but HD subjects reported more pain. Quality of life is similar in HD and PD patients, with the exception of higher pain levels in HD patients.