Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the postoperative quality of life (QOL) in patients with initial dialysis and analyze the predictors of QOL seven months after operation in this population. Subjects were 28 patients who underwent access operation for chronic renal failure. The patients were asked to participate in the prospective longitudinal study in which detailed information was collected through standardized measures of the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and clinical evaluation. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of QOL at seven months after initial dialysis. A significant improvement in patients' scores for general health was noted two and three months after initial dialysis compared to those measured preoperatively. Scores of mental health significantly improved four months after initial dialysis. Preoperative performance status (PS) ≥ 1 was significantly associated with poor scores of six subscales in SF-36, which were measured seven months after initial dialysis. A significant postoperative improvement in mental health and general health were found in chronic renal failure patients. Those with poor preoperative PS reported poor QOL at seven months and there was a need for physical, psychologic and social support after initial dialysis.
