George Charalambous

Estimation of quality of life in Cypriot patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

AIM To investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients suffering with idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS The Greek validated version of the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire was used for evaluating the quality of life of IBD patients. The questionnaire was distributed to 100 consecutive patients suffering from IBD and presenting for a clinic appointment at the endoscopy unit of Larnaca General Hospital during the period from October to November 2012. The criteria for participating in this study were constituted by the documented diagnosis of either ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohns disease (CD) after endoscopy and histologic examination at least 6 months before the study, adult patients (18 years old or older), the capability of verbal communication and the patients written consent for attending this study. The majority of the questionnaires were completed by a nurse practitioner who specializes in IBD patient care. RESULTS Regarding the physical dimension in patients with UC, males scored significantly higher than females (4.2 vs 3.4, P = 0.023). Higher scores were also observed in UC patients younger than 35 or older than 50 years (4.0 and 4.2 vs 3.2, respectively, P = 0.021). The psychological dimension revealed similar results in patients with UC, with males, and older ages scoring higher (5.0 vs 3.0, P = 0.01 and 4.7 vs 2.7, P < 0.5, respectively), whereas regarding CD higher scores were observed in married compared to unmarried (3.83 vs 2.33, P = 0.042). No statistical differences in any parameters in the social dimension were observed. Regarding the treatment of, patients with CD, overall higher scores were observed when treated with biological factors compared to standard therapy in all dimensions but with statistical significant difference in the social dimension (5.00 vs 3.25, P = 0.045). CONCLUSION The study reveals a negative impact of IBD on HRQoL. Increased risks are age and gender in patients with UC and family status in patients with CD.

Cypriot Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease andQuality Of Life

Investigating the factors that might affect the Quality of Life of IBD like any other chronic disease constitutes an extreme useful procedure as health systems of all developed countries have made a turn to higher standards of health care systems that corresponds to the needs and expectations of all health professionals [2]. Recognizing the parameters and characteristics of patients related to an unfavorable or better quality of life, creates the necessary conditions that can allow to design properly the provided health care system [3].

Quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study comparing patients on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and with kidney transplantation.

Aims: The methods of renal replacement therapy influence highly the quality of life (QOL) of patients with chronic kidney disease. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the QOL in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD) and kidney transplantation (KT). Methodology: The sample consisted of 186 patients attending Nicosia General Hospital in 2012, 118 HD patients, 23 PD patients and 45 KT patients. QOL was assessed by the Greek Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form (KDQOL-SF 36). Results: Patients on HD had worse scores in all components. All three patient groups showed Original Research Article Tomazou et al.; BJMMR, 8(6): 516-525, 2015; Article no.BJMMR.2015.474 517 highest scores in mental health (HD: 57.7; PD: 70.3; KT: 75.6), whereas the lowest scores were observed in the component role physical (HD 33.1; PD 54.4 and KT 56.7) and general health (HD 32.5; PD 44.1 and KT 60.4). KT patients achieved highest scores in the physical component summary and mental component summary, as well as in the component summary of renal disease, followed by peritoneal dialysis patients. Male gender was significantly associated with higher score. Conclusion: The study demonstrate that among the three groups the patients on hemodialysis had the worst scores, whereas the best scores are seen in KT patients. Lower scores are reported in the physical health component and here especially in the general health. Physicians as well as nursing personnel should be aware of the effects of dialysis and could improve both physical and mental health implementing empowerment programs in departments of HD and PD, to support patients in managing their health-related conditions.