BACKGROUND: The quality of life may determine the efficacy of renal replacement therapy (RRT). The purpose of the study was to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients depending on RRT method.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The studies were conducted on 120 patients divided into 3 groups depending on RRT method: 30 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, 40 hemodialysis (HD) patients, and 47 post-kidney transplantation (KTx) patients. The following research tools were used: (1) Medical Outcomes Study 36 – the Short Form (SF-36 v.1); (2) Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF™ v.1.3); and (3) disease history. The relevance level was p<0.05.

RESULTS: The evaluation of PCS by HD and PD patients is poorer compared to patients in the 3rd and 12th month after KTx (34.7±7.4 vs. 37.51±10.63 vs. 45.01±9.43 vs. 45.55±8.62; p<0.05; respectively). PCS statistically significantly correlated with the following: SBP (r=–0.54; p<0.05), DBP (r=–0.58; p<0.05), and creatinine concentration (r=0.46; p<0.05) in the 12th month after KTx.

CONCLUSIONS: HRQOL of ESRD patients differed depending on the RRT method: top values were shown by post-KTx patients, lower by PD patients, and the bottom ones by HD patients. Along with patient age, increased BP, and BMI, a drop in value of HRQOL in post-Tx or PD patients was observed. When choosing RTT method, patients may use the results of the evaluation of quality of life. A preferred lifestyle, and predominantly the work status and quality of social interaction, should decide the choice of treatment.

Keywords: Hypertension, Kidney Transplantation, Peritoneal Dialysis, Quality of Life, Renal Dialysis, Renal Replacement Therapy