Objectives: To determine the average health-related quality of life (HRQOL) score levels and their determinants in patients with predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted for relevant observational studies published between April 2007 and April 2017 in MEDLINE, EBSCOhost, and CINAHL databases.
Results: Thirteen observational studies with a total sample of 8635 subjects comprising 53.3% male with an aggregate mean age of 59.5 (SD 14.9) years were included in this review. Of the 8 generic HRQOL domains of the Short-Form Health Surveys, Social Functioning had the highest mean score whereas General Health had the lowest mean score in patients with predialysis CKD. Physical component summary (PCS) was more impaired than mental component summary (MCS). The determinants of poor HRQOL in predialysis CKD patients included both modifiable risk factors such as comorbidities (namely anxiety and depression), low serum hemoglobin level, sedentary lifestyle, unemployment and non-modifiable risk factors such as poor glomerular filtration rate, female gender, and older age. The risk factors impeded PCS more than MCS.
Conclusion: Several risk factors influence HRQOL impairment in patients with predialysis CKD, with PCS being more impacted than MCS. The risk factors for poor HRQOL are important for future research and for improving renal care in patients with predialysis CKD.