Quality of life and social characteristics of young adults on chronic hemodialysis with pediatric onset of their kidney disease

Introduction. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its social consequences have not been evaluated in adults who started renal replacement therapy (RRT) in childhood/adolescence and are currently on hemodialysis. Population and methods. Twenty-six patients who started RRT at <18 years of age were compared with a group who started RRT at >= 18 years of age. Social variables and HRQoL were studied using the KDQOL-36 questionnaire. Scores >50 indicate good HRQoL. Results. The study was conducted in 2018. Scores were: physical health: 55 and 58.1, mental health: 61.2 and 66.7, disease burden 39.2 and 37.3, symptoms and problems: 75.6 and 78.5, effects: 65.9 and 51.6 ( p < 0.019) for those who started RRT in childhood or in adulthood respectively. Socioeconomic status and education were similar in both groups. 50% of patients with RRT since childhood and 38.5% of those who started RRT in adulthood were unemployed. 61.5% of those who started RRT in childhood lived with their parents vs. 19% of those who started RRT in adulthood. 11.5% of patients who started RRT in childhood had a partner vs. 42.3% of those who started RRT as adults. Conclusions. Adults who started RRT in the pediatric age group and are currently on hemodialysis have a good perception of HRQoL, higher than adults who recently started their RRT. They are well educated, but the lack of work, independent living, and a partner is related to the burden of the disease.