Comparison of Outcomes Between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population
Comparison of Outcomes Between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) presents a heavy burden on a patient's psychological and
 social life, as well as overall quality of life (QoL). Health-related quality of life (HRQoL)
 in dialysis patients measures the physical, social or emotional well-being that is affected
 by ESRD and/or its treatment, and has been increasingly used as an outcome measure in
 interventional studies. Additionally, associations between social support and QoL have been
 observed, indicating that improved social support could improve HRQoL, morbidity and
 mortality in ESRD patients. However, it is not clear if hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal
 dialysis (PD) have different impacts on HRQoL. Furthermore, comparisons of HRQoL and social
 support between HD and PD patients in the multiethnic society of Singapore have not been
 evaluated. As such, the investigators propose to conduct this cross-sectional study in the
 investigators local multiethnic ESRD patient population to evaluate and compare
 patient-reported outcomes (HRQoL and social support), economic and clinical laboratory
 outcomes in HD and PD patients.

 All chronic HD and PD patients seen in NUH outpatient renal or PD clinic will be included in
 this cross-sectional, observational study. Information on patient demographics,
 medical/medication histories, dialysis vintage, clinical laboratory data and associated
 medical costs will be obtained from clinic notes, electronic medical records and hospital
 databases. Patient-reported outcomes will be determined from scores of the Kidney Disease
 Quality of Life-Short Form, EuroQol 5 Dimensions, Family Functioning Measure, Oslo-3 Social
 Support Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Kessler Psychological
 Distress Scale and Health Services Utilization questionnaires (for indirect costs), and
 compared between HD and PD patients.

 Results from this study will provide important HRQoL information to assist renal physicians
 and patients to make treatment decisions. Furthermore, intervention programs could be
 developed to improve social support based on patients' needs. These could in turn improve
 patients' HRQoL, morbidity and mortality outcomes with minimal risks involved.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  All chronic HD and PD patients who are on regular follow-up with nephrologists in the
 NUH outpatient renal or PD clinic, and who meet the following criteria will be
 included in the study: male or female 21 years of age or older, with stage 5 CKD (eGFR
 <15 ml/min/1.73m2) and have been receiving HD or PD for at least 3 months.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Transient dialysis patients, those have poor cognitive function or are not able to
 complete the questionnaires or give informed consent.