Baseline quality of life and anxiety in solid organ transplant recipients: a pilot study

Solid organ transplant recipients on high doses of immunosuppression are at increased risk for the development of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC).

The objective was to assess the possible factors impacting quality of life (QOL) in solid organ transplant recipients.

Patients were seen in a dermatology clinic integrated within the transplant center at a university-based hospital. One anxiety questionnaire and three QOL questionnaires were administered to each patient. A regression model was used to determine possible predictors of anxiety and lower QOL.

The baseline scores on the QOL instruments and anxiety questionnaire indicate poor organ-specific and general QOL as well as high levels of anxiety. Time since transplant was predictive of lower QOL as measured by Skindex-16 (p<.01). While not significant, number of NMSCs correlated with higher anxiety as measured by the STAI (p=.055).

While transplant patients enjoy longer survival, the quality of the extended life has room for improvement. Future studies will determine how QOL changes over time as these patients develop more numerous and aggressive skin cancers. Intervention with regular screening may not only lessen morbidity associated with skin cancer but may improve overall QOL in the posttransplant period.