Quality of Life of Elderly Patients Undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) on the lifestyle of elderly patients.Patients and Methods Aspects of health-related quality of life (QL) were studied in 48 patients (16 men, 32 women) in end-stage chronic renal failure (ESRF) undergoing CAPD at the Clinic of Nephrology, Clinical Centre of Serbia. The first group comprised 20 adult patients (8 men, 12 women; age range: 35 – 59 years). The second group consisted of 28 older adult patients (8 men, 20 women; age range: 65 – 75 years). Mean length of CAPD treatment was 5.2 years in the first group and 3.67 years in the second group. Fifteen QL variables were investigated: marital status, family relationships, working ability, sleep, tiredness, appetite, wound healing, hobby, sports, friendships, sexual activity, mood, travel, self management, and happiness.Results The results showed that, in the examined groups, marital status and relationships with family members weren't influenced at all by dialysis. In both groups, CAPD had a negative influence on ability to bear cold and to travel, but other life functions were not significantly affected. Elderly patients had a significantly worse appetite ( p = 0.03, Fisher test) and mood ( p = 0.045, Fisher test) than did younger adults. In other examined variables, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups.Conclusions Lack of large, statistically significant differences between the groups suggests that CAPD has an equal influence on quality of life in younger and older adult patients.