The impact of dialysis modality on quality of life: a systematic review.
BACKGROUND
This systematic review aims to generate evidence on which dialysis modality (in-centre haemodialysis HD, or peritoneal dialysis, PD) improves the quality of life (QOL) of end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.


METHODS
MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE were searched from their inception to July 2010 for studies that compared QOL in both HD and PD patients.


RESULTS
Only 26 of the 574 studies identified were included in this review. These were crosssectional, longitudinal or retrospective in design. QOL tools used include SF-36, Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL) and CHOICE Health Experience Questionnaire (CHEQ). PD patients mostly rate their QOL higher than HD patients. Yet HD patients may enjoy a relatively better QOL in the physical dimensions over time. Mental health components are comparable between both dialysis populations.


CONCLUSIONS
There is no simple 'yes' or 'no' answer to the question of which dialysis modality improves QOL. However a good understanding of the evidence base will facilitate individual decision-making.
School of Nursing, Midwifery & Physiotherapy, University of Nottingham, UK. guardian2405@yahoo.com
Edward Appiah
EA
Boateng
Linda
L
East
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006437:Hemodialysis, Home / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology