Quality of Life in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis

Abstract

End-stage renal disease and hemodialysis therapy cause a number of changes, not only somatic but also psychosocial, including the patient's perception and assessment of their quality of life. The literature describes predispositions to pathologies in the oral mucosa, craniofacial bones, teeth, and surrounding tissues in hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to determine the quality of life of hemodialysis patients in comparison with healthy subjects. The study group consisted of 200 subjects: the HD group (hemodialysis patients, n = 100) and the K group (control group, n = 100). General health and oral status were assessed using the following indices: plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, and clinical adhesion level. The WHOQOL-BREF survey was performed to determine both groups' overall quality of life. The results showed lower values of assessed quality-of-life parameters in hemodialysis patients compared to the control group, especially in the somatic sphere. General diseases such as oral mycosis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and coronary-artery disease negatively impact the perceived quality of life. There are numerous indications for comprehensive psychological care of hemodialysis patients due to their poor psychosocial status.

Keywords: chronic renal disease; end-stage renal disease; hemodialysis; oral health; oral-health-related quality of life; quality of life.