Quality of Life in Children with End-Stage Renal Disease: Does Treatment Modality Matter?

In children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a useful and important clinical measure for monitoring the child's well-being and functional status. One of the commonly used generic HRQOL instruments in children is the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, because an ESRD-specific instrument for children is still lacking. In the limited studies of HRQOL in children with ESRD, a significant effect of ESRD is seen, with significantly lower HRQOL scores than are seen in healthy children. In future, a pediatric ESRD-specific instrument is needed to address differences in HRQOL between children on hemodialysis, on peritoneal dialysis, and with a kidney graft.