Quality of life after kidney transplantation in children

We assessed the long-term rehabilitation and quality of life after kidney transplantation in 17 recipients of transplants during their childhood who had reached 10 years or more after grafting. We found that all recipients considered themselves to be in good to excellent health, and 59% were completely satisfied with their life. Ninety-four percent of the recipients did not report any interference of their health with their family life. Only one recipient was unemployed, and five recipients have to miss work (n=2) and school (n=3) a few days a year due to their health status. Health seldom or never interfered with social life in 11 recipients, and in 6 of 9 sexually active recipients, their health status was not an obstacle in their sexual relationships. Two recipients expressed concerns about their short stature, and three were concerned with their body appearance. In conclusion, we describe a group of young adult recipients who presented a highly satisfactory rehabilitation and quality of life after their successful transplantation.