Impact of pain and symptom burden on the health-related quality of life of hemodialysis patients

Context: Dialysis patients experience tremendous symptom burden and substantial impaired health-related quality of life (HRQL).

Objectives: We determined the association between symptom burden and HRQL in 591 hemodialysis patients.

Methods: Patients completed the modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment System and the Kidney Dialysis Quality of Life Short Form at baseline and after six months.

Results: There were no demographic, serological, or dialysis-related predictors for either HRQL or symptom burden. Pain, tiredness, lack of well-being, and depression were the only independent predictors of mental HRQL, accounting for 42.5% of the variation in the baseline mental health composite (MHC). Pain, fatigue, lack of well-being, and shortness of breath were the only independent predictors of physical HRQL, accounting for 38.5% of the variation in the baseline physical health composite (PHC). After follow-up, only changes in depression, anxiety, tiredness, and lack of appetite were independently associated with a change in MHC score, accounting for 48.7% of the variability. Only changes in pain, tiredness, and lack of appetite were independently associated with a change in PHC, accounting for 44.6% of the variability in the final multivariate regression model. No change in biochemical parameters predicted a change in either the MHC or the PHC.

Conclusion: Symptom burden in end-stage renal disease was substantial and had a tremendous negative impact on all aspects of hemodialysis patients' HRQL. These patients, therefore, would likely benefit from the institution of programs to reduce symptom burden.