Daria Piccolo

Dr. Daria Piccolo


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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9 September 2024 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Francesca K. MartinoFrancesca K. Martino
Francesca K. Martino
DCDaniela Campo
Daniela Campo
LSLucia Federica Stefanelli
Lucia Federica Stefanelli
AZAlessandra Zattarin
Alessandra Zattarin
DPDaria Piccolo
Daria Piccolo
LCLorenzo Calò
Lorenzo Calò
Background/Objectives: Comprehensive conservative management (CCM) is a viable treatment option for elderly patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, it involves a significant change in dietary habits, such as adopting a low-protein diet. Therefore, it is crucial to understand its impact on the patient’s quality of life (QoL), particularly when compared to hemodialysis (HD). The study aims to evaluate the differences in the QoL between patients undergoing CCM and HD. Methods: The study included 50 patients over 75 with ESKD, with 25 patients in the CCM group and 25 in the HD group. The CCM group followed a personalized low-protein diet, while the HD group did not have protein restrictions. Various parameters were assessed, including demographic data, urine output, blood tests, comorbidity index, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and hospitalization. The SF-12 questionnaire assessed the QoL, and the Physical Composite Score (PCS) and Mental Composite Score (MCS) were calculated. Results: The study revealed no age and comorbidity index differences between CCM and HD patients. In contrast, CCM patients reported significantly better physical and mental well-being than HD patients. In univariate analysis, CCM (B 0.24, p = 0.001), protein intake (B −0.004, p = 0.008), hospitalization (B −0.18, p = 0.024), urine output (B 0.25, p = 0.001), and VAS (B −0.26, p < 0.001) influenced the PCS. At the same time, only the type of treatment (B = 0.15, p = 0.048), urine output (B 0.18, p = 0.02), and VAS (B −0.14, p = 0.048) influence the MCS. In contrast, in multivariate analysis, only CCM contributed to an improved PCS (B 0.19, p = 0.003) and MCS (B 0.16, p = 0.03), while a higher VAS worsened the PCS (B −0.24, p < 0.001) and MCS (B −0.157, p = 0.0024). Conclusions: In elderly patients with similar basal conditions, health-related QoL perception is better in CCM than in HD patients.