"Kidney diseases affect the quality of life of individuals, and some individuals in particular - such as women - are more vulnerable to having their quality of life negatively impacted by these diseases and their progression," said Dr. Mujais. The researchers noted that certain interventions may help lessen the impact of CKD on health-related quality of life. For example, the questionnaires revealed that CKD has a significant effect on sleep, and there are a number of treatment options that address sleep disturbances.

The authors report no financial disclosures. Study co-authors include Ken Story, PhD, Catherine Franek (Baxter Healthcare Corporation); John Brouillette, MD (Nephrology Associates); Tomoko Takano, MD (McGill University, Canada); Steven Soroka, MD (Dalhousie University, Canada); and David Mendelssohn, MD (Humber River Regional Hospital, Canada).

The article, entitled "Health-related Quality of Life in CKD Patients: Correlates and Evolution over Time," will appear online at cjasn.asnjournals/ on July 30, 2009, doi 10.2215/CJN.05541008.

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