Does individualization of dialysis dose positively influence the quality of life of peritoneal dialysis patients while preserving adequate dialysis?

Abstract

Our objective is to evaluate the impact of individualization of the dialysis dose on the quality of dialysis and the quality of life of our peritoneal dialysis patients. Quality of life was assessed at least 3 months after individualization of the dialysis dose, by self-questionnaires using the SF-36 (short form) version of the KDQOL (Kidney Disease Quality Of Life) scale. The results of the KDQOL-SF36 are used as quantitative variables related to the achievement of a Kt/V>1.7. Dialysis dose was calculated from dialysate and 24-hour urine, blood samples from patients encoded in the French Language Peritoneal Dialysis Registry (RDPLF). https://www.rdplf-db.org. Pearson's significance test is used to look for a correlation between the SF-36 subscores of the KDQOL scale and Kt/V. Fifteen patients (eight men, seven women) with a mean age of 65.93 years were eligible for the study. Our results did not show a direct relationship between Kt/V and quality of life. There was an existing but weak correlation between the sub-scores "physical functioning" and Kt/V as well as between "role limitation due to physical problems" and Kt/V. These correlations do not appear to be significant according to Pearson's significance test. The individualization of the treatment does not seem to have a negative impact on the Kt/V and certain dimensions of the KDQOL SF36 score seem to be less altered (social interactions, social support, life in relation with others). Further studies taking into account the limitations of our study are necessary to generalize such a therapeutic approach.