Analysis of the relationship between the disease duration and level of functioning in dialysis patients

Chronic renal failure is a pathophysiological process which is presenting with the decrease of the numbers and the functions of nephrons and frequently results in end-stage renal failure. In this process, disorders are seen in the functions of nervous, circulatory, respiratory, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal systems of the patients. In cases which diagnosis of chronic renal failure is established, it is suggested to start one of the renal replacement therapies in the end-stages of the disease. Hemodialysis is one of the methods of treatment of renal replacement. Increase in the hemodialysis period along with the increase in the patient?s age and dealing with the appearing medical problems for a long time may affect the life quality of the patient and the level of functionality negatively. The main purpose of this study is to put forward the relation between the period of hemodialysis treatment with life quality and level of functionality in patients who receive hemodialysis treatment with diagnosis of chronic renal failure in Turkish society. Other purposes of the study are determining the effects of personal characteristics and properties related to the disease over the levels of functionality and life quality of the person. 100 hemodialysis patients in total are included in our study. The patients are classified under 4 groups according to the period they?ve received hemodialysis treatment (0-4, 5-8, 9-12 and 13-16 years). To evaluate life quality and functional situation of the patients, Katz Daily Living Activities, Lawton-Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and Kidney Disease Quality of Life 36 Life Quality Surveys are used. Grip strength is measured to gain an impression on general muscular power. In general, no difference is seen between the groups in terms of life quality, functionality level and hand strength. However, life quality and functionality levels of the cases are found lower than normal levels in all groups. Findings obtained at the end of the study may be used in procedures on increasing general life quality of the patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. Due to the abundance of the factors determining life quality, studies where more homogeneous groups are used may provide developing knowledge in this field. Key words: Physiotherapy, Hemodialysis, Grip strength, Functionality, Life quality, Assessment.