Quality of life for long-term survivors of end-stage renal disease

Eighteen children and adolescents who survived two years or longer in an attempt to manage their end-stage renal failure by transplantation were studied. The psychological adaptation of the young person to this form of management of renal disease was assessed by a semistructured interview of the patient and his parents. Fifty percent of the patients functioned at school or on the job and did not have depression. The remaining half did less well. In our institution a satisfactory quality of life required a successful transplant.