[Quality of life in renal transplant patients: impact of a functioning graft]

Objective measures to evaluate quality of life are gaining importance as an adjuvant in assessing therapeutic interventions. The study purpose was to compare quality of life in renal transplant patients with functioning graft and those who restarted dialysis after graft loss. Quality of life was measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-Bref). One hundred and thirty two patients were interviewed, and divided into two groups: group I, 100 patients on regular follow-up in outpatient clinics and stable graft functioning; and group II, 32 patients who restarted dialysis after graft loss. The WHOQOL-Bref showed better quality of life in those renal transplant patients with a functioning graft, especially regarding the physical and psychological domains assessed in the general questions. There were no differences between the groups in the social relationship and environmental domains. WHOQOL-Bref is an efficient tool and can be useful for better approaching these patients, not only on a medical basis.