Page 254 - EJMO-9-1

Eurasian Journal of
Medicine and Oncology Quality of life, somatosensory amplification, and stress in ADPKD

and the development of hepatic cysts. In addition, 1.1. HRQOL and PKD
3
cardiovascular abnormalities, gastrointestinal issues, PKD is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth
and other physiological and psychological burdens are of numerous cysts within the kidneys, which can lead
frequently observed in individuals affected by ADPKD. 4
to kidney failure and the need for dialysis or kidney
Studies on psychological risk factors such as anxiety, transplantation. ADPKD is the most common form, and
stress, quality of life, and depression, apart from traditional it is known to have a significant impact on the HRQOL
risk factors, have recently come to the fore. Psychiatric of affected individuals. HRQOL is a multidimensional
8
disorders such as anxiety and depression, which are seen at concept that reflects an individual’s physical, psychological,
a high rate in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), social, and functional well-being. In patients with PKD,
affect the quality of life, and these factors are associated HRQOL is significantly impaired compared to the general
with a lower life expectancy. CKD can lead to a reduced population. The physical symptoms associated with PKD,
quality of life and functional impairment, and depression such as pain, fatigue, and episodes of visible blood in urine,
is the most common psychological issue experienced by negatively impact patients’ quality of life. In addition,
9
these patients. Patients with CKD report a diminished the constant fear of disease progression and the need for
5
quality of life compared to healthy individuals, with the lifelong medical care contribute to the psychological and
deterioration of physical health perception surpassing that social burden experienced by these patients. 10
of mental health over time.
Previous studies have shown that depression and anxiety
Numerous factors have been found to contribute to are common in patients with PKD. Patients with CKD
11
the psychological distress experienced by CKD patients, often experience reduced quality of life, with depression
including female gender, living alone, loss of employment, and anxiety being the most common psychological
and reduced economic productivity. Patients may also problems. Successful kidney transplantation has been
12
experience hopelessness, anxiety, and concerns about shown to improve not only kidney function but also mental
finances, sexual function, family burden, and loss of functions, such as cognitive abilities, and overall quality of
independence. The prevalence of pain, sleep disturbance, life in these patients. For individuals with end-stage renal
13
and psychological issues among CKD patients may be disease, kidney transplantation remains the most effective
similar to those seen in other chronic medical conditions. 6 approach for restoring kidney function and enhancing the
Improving the psychological well-being of these quality of life. 14
patients is crucial, as depression has been associated with The management of PKD and its complications is
increased morbidity and mortality rates. While depression complex, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. The
is the most common psychological issue, it is important focus of treatment has shifted from managing end-stage
to recognize that a formal diagnosis of depression requires renal disease to preventing or slowing the progression
direct patient interviews, rather than relying solely on of the disease, as well as addressing the associated
screening questionnaires. Providing social support and comorbidities, such as hypertension and liver cysts.
15
helping patients develop effective coping strategies may While renal transplantation remains the definitive
help to reduce the psychological distress experienced by treatment for end-stage renal disease in PKD, there is an
those with CKD. 7 increasing emphasis on the importance of early lifestyle
While extensive research has examined health-related modifications, hypertension control, and the exploration of
quality of life (HRQOL) and stress in various diseases, disease-modifying treatments for the pediatric population,
particularly polycystic kidney disease (PKD), no prior provided they have an acceptable risk and side-effect
16
study has specifically addressed HRQOL, somatosensory profile. The clinical course of ADPKD often begins in
amplification, and perceived stress in PKD patients. childhood, with a broad range of both symptomatic and
These patients often experience high anxiety levels, asymptomatic features. Researchers have emphasized
intense health-related worries, and distress, leading to the the importance of early intervention, as the destruction
amplification of bodily sensations due to perceived stress. In of kidney parenchyma and cyst formation starts early in
this study, we examined the relationship between HRQOL, life, and early treatment may offer the best chances for
somatosensory amplification, and perceived stress in preserving renal function. 17
patients with ADPKD. To the best of our knowledge, 1.2. Somatosensory amplification and PKD
this is the first study conducted on this topic in Turkey.
Furthermore, the variables analyzed in our research have The somatosensory system, which encompasses the neural
not been previously investigated together in the existing pathways responsible for the perception and processing of
literature, highlighting the novelty of our contribution. sensory information from the body, is a crucial component

Volume 9 Issue 1 (2025) 246 doi: 10.36922/ejmo.7550