Changes in quality of life after renal transplantation

Quality of life is becoming an increasingly important concept in the evaluation of different therapeutic interventions. In this cross-sectional study, quality of life analyzed in 76 renal transplant patients was compared with 65 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) awaiting transplantation. Both groups were asked to estimate their subjective quality of life by responding to a multidimensional questionnaire that sought information in the following areas: (1) sociodemographic data, (2) a personality test (Giessen-Test), (3) information about employment, (4) assessment of anxiety and depression (GHQ-28), (5) the SF-36 as an important measurement for quality of life, and (6) the ESRD symptom checklist-transplantation module. The sociodemographic profiles of both groups were similar. The SF-36 revealed significantly higher values for transplant recipients in terms of physical functioning (P < or = .001), general health perceptions (P < or = .01), social functioning (P < or = .01), and physical summary value (P < or = .001). The other tests (Giessen-Test and GHQ-28) and employment data showed no significant differences between the two samples. Collectively, the data demonstrate a considerable improvement in quality of life in renal transplant patients. Despite good physical recovery and higher quality of life after transplantation, the rate of vocational rehabilitation remained low, partially explained by the currently high levels of unemployment.