Quality of Life in Long-Term Renal Transplant Patients: A Controversial Subject

Kidney transplant (KT) is the best technique for renal replacement treatment in terms of survival, costs, and quality of life. Several factors have been related to health-related quality of life (HRQOL) at different times after KT. The objectives of the study were to quantify the HRQOL in a prevalent cohort of KT patients and to describe the variables that influenced HRQOL.

In this cross-sectional study of a cohort of 64 KT patients, we measured HRQOL using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey. Variables measured included the following: physical functioning, role physical (RP), bodily pain (BP), general perception of health, vitality, social functioning (SF), role emotional (RE), and mental health. Demographic and analytical variables were collected. We describe the variables that influenced HRQOL.

A large dispersion was observed in the RP, BP, SF, and RE categories. There were no differences in values between men and women who underwent KT. Diabetes, previous dialysis, deceased donor, age, kidney function, anemia, and malnutrition were associated with worse scores.

This study suggests that HRQOL in KT patients is very heterogeneous and highly polarized. The factors that influence HRQOL are multiple and need to be addressed globally. Further studies are needed to understand the factors that influence HRQOL in the long term.