QUALITY OF LIFE, SELF-PERCEIVED HEALTH, AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN ADULTS OVER 50 AT RISK OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN A PRIVATE INSTITUTION IN ARGENTINA

Introduction:

Understanding the quality of life and habits of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is essential for comprehensive management that goes beyond traditional clinical parameters and focuses on the overall needs of the patient.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study in 130 people over 50 years of age attended at Renálida between July and August 2024. Before participating in the Joint Clinical Encounters (JCE), the EuroQuol questionnaire was administered to assess quality of life, recording mobility, self-care, daily activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression and self-perceived health level (SHL). We also inquired about voiding symptoms, fluid intake and NSAIDs. History of acute kidney injury (AKI) and joint integrated risk (JRI) for CKD according to KDIGO guidelines were included.

Results:

Sixty-two percent of the participants were female, with an average age of 72.1 years (SD 7.9); and 68% were male, with an average age of 73.3 years (SD 9.2). The distribution of RIC was: R0 (11.5%), R1 (24.6%), R2 (23.1%), R3 (33.8%) and R4 (6.9%). The mean age of the R4 group was significantly lower (65.3 years, SD 9.4) compared to the rest (p<0.05). 77.7% had a history of AKI, with no association with age or sex. 26.2% consumed NSAIDs in the last month, being more frequent in women (p=0.06). 56.9% consumed at least 2 liters of water per day. The most common urinary symptoms were nocturia (52.2% in men) and urgency/incontinence (40.3% in women). Mobility problems were reported by 34.6%, 35.4% reported pain/discomfort and 23.8% anxiety or depression. 44.6% had low NSA, associated with all quality of life dimensions assessed (p<0.05). Low NSA was not related to age or history of ARF, but was more frequent in women with R0, R2 and R4 (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

The younger age observed in patients with R4 is striking, as well as the high proportion of history of ARF. The association between NSAID consumption and women, already reported in previous studies both by our team and other authors, was again identified. Low self-perceived health status (SHL) was mainly related to difficulties in autonomy, pain, discomfort, and symptoms of anxiety or depression, without being associated with age or showing a clear relationship with gender or CKD risk. A comprehensive diagnosis that includes not only clinical but also psychosocial aspects is essential for the adequate follow-up of these patients. A holistic approach will make it possible to personalize treatments, optimizing the quality of life of people at risk of kidney disease.

I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.

I did not use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.