The quality of life of dialysis patients treated with recombinant human erythropoietin

Abstract

In June 1986, eight haemodialysis patients, seven male, one female, entered a pilot trial of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) at the Churchill Hospital Renal Unit. Six patients completed the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) before starting EPO therapy, in order to assess quality of life, and were retested when haemoglobin level reached 120 g/l. A further test was given at one year. Statistically significant improvements were seen in the areas of Energy and Emotional Wellbeing. In the subsequent UK trial, involving previously transfusion dependent patients from nine centres, the pre and post treatment NHP scores of a further 18 patients have been assessed. Highly significant improvements were found in Energy, Physical Mobility (p less than 0.005) and in Emotional Wellbeing (p less than 0.002). Improvements which did not reach significance were found in the areas of Sleep, Social Isolation and Pain problems. An increase in appetite, and less sensitivity to cold were noted by over one third of patients. Problems with Employment, Looking after the Home, and Relationships were greatly reduced. We conclude that early findings show EPO treatment to improve not only the haemoglobin levels, but also the quality of life of haemodialysis patients with the anaemia of end stage renal failure.