Original Article Early referral and planned initiation of dialysis: what impact on quality of life?

Background. Early patient referral correlates with improved patient survival on dialysis. We examine whether early referral and a planned first dialysis affect quality of life (QoL). Methods. All patients commencing dialysis in nine centres in seven European countries between 1 July 1998 and 31 October 1999 were recruited. Definitions: early referralsfollowed by a nephrologist)1 month before first dialysis (-1 monthslate referral); plannedsearly referral and previous serum creatinine)300 mmolul and non-urgent first dialysis (early referral and no creatinine)300 mmolul or urgent first dialysissunplanned). QoL was measured at 8 weeks using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and Short Form 36 (SF-36)