Evaluation of quality of life by young adult survivors of severe chronic kidney disease in infancy.
Pediatr Nephrol 2014;
29:1387-93. [PMID:
24609826 DOI:
10.1007/s00467-014-2785-8]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The health related quality of life (HRQoL) of young adults treated for chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4/5 from infancy is unknown.
METHODS
A HRQoL questionnaire was sent to all 41 patients aged >16 years from a previously characterised cohort of infants with CKD stage 4/5 born between 1986 and 1997. Patient scores were compared with a previously reported cohort of patients who needed renal replacement therapy (RRT) in mid childhood and in the normal population.
RESULTS
All patients (11 women) completed the questionnaire at a median (range) age of 19.2 (16.3-23.4) years. At the time of the survey, 5 (12.5 %) were on dialysis, 35 (85.5 %) had a functioning kidney transplant, one (2 %) was still conservatively treated and 22 (54 %) had comorbidities; 68 % were either studying or in paid employment, with 17 % actively seeking employment. Although patients described a lower HRQoL than a healthy, age-matched UK group, in some aspects, scores were comparable with patients needing RRT in later childhood. Lower scores were associated with comorbidities, dialysis at last follow-up, more than one treatment modality change and short stature.
CONCLUSIONS
Our survey demonstrates very encouraging results for long-term HRQoL of infants with severe CKD and highlights the negative impact of comorbidities. These data will help clinicians to counsel and inform families.
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