OBJECTIVETo probe the effect of moxihustion on the quality of life in the end-stage renal failure patients in hemodialysis.

METHODSSeventy-one hemodialysis patients were randomly divided into 2 groups, and the quality of life of all the patients was evaluated with the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF). The Control group were treated with routine comprehensive therapy (including hemodialysis and medication), and the observation group with the routine comprehensive therapy and moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36), Guanyuan (CV 4), Sanyinjiao (SP 6). Changes of the quality of life in the patients before and after hemodialysis were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTSAfter treatment there were significant differences between the two groups in DSF, RE and GH (P<0.05), and 7 fields including RE, BP, QSI and others significantly improved in the both groups (P<0.05). Additionally, the 4 fields including RP, EB, VT and WS significantly improved in the observation group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONMoxibustion can improve physical strength and mood in the quality of life of the hemodialysis patients; to evaluate the quality of life of hemodialysis patients should consider effects of society, climate and geographical condition and other factors.