Health-related quality-of-life among survivors of acute kidney injury in the intensive care unit: a systematic review

To summarize evidence on long-term health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) among survivors of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the intensive care unit (ICU).

We performed a comprehensive search of the literature for studies reporting original data describing HRQL utilizing validated instruments. Search, study selection and data abstraction were performed in duplicate. Study quality was appraised. Due to study heterogeneity, data are primarily summarized qualitatively.

Our search yielded 2193 articles of which 18 were selected for detailed analysis. The quality of these 18 studies was generally good. Numerous HRQL instruments were utilized, and assessment occurred at variable follow-up duration (range 2 months to 14.5 years). HRQL among AKI survivors was reduced when compared to age/sex-matched populations. HRQL among survivors with and without AKI was generally described as similar beyond 6 months. Physical component domains were consistently more impaired than mental component domains. Survivors had considerable limitations in activities of daily living, implying newly acquired disability, with few returning to work. Despite diminished HRQL, patients’ HRQL was generally perceived as satisfactory, and the majority would receive similar treatment again, including renal replacement therapy in the ICU, if necessary.

Among survivors of critical illness complicated by AKI, HRQL was impaired when referenced to population norms, but it was not significantly different from that of survivors without AKI. Physical limitations and disabilities were more commonly exhibited by AKI patients. Importantly, the impaired HRQL was generally perceived as acceptable to patients, most of whom expressed willingness to undergo similar treatment in the future.