Study of Quality of Life in Kidney Transplant Patients

OBJECTIVES: To assess the quality of life in kidney transplant patients.

METHODS: The Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF™) was utilized to evaluate the quality of life in patients with kidney diseases.

RESULTS: The study included data from 31 patients who underwent kidney transplantation. The most common concerns among patients were fatigue (38.7%) and episodes of weakness or dizziness (38.7%), while skin itching (16.1%) and dry skin (16.1%) were less frequent complaints. Men were most often concerned about fatigue (35.3%) and nausea or stomach upset (35.3%), while shortness of breath (17.6%) and chest pain (17.6%) were the least common complaints. Women were most often concerned about episodes of weakness or dizziness (42.9%) and, similarly to men, fatigue (42.9%). Skin itching was a concern for only 7.1% of women. The most significant stress factor among all respondents was stress or worry related to kidney disease (41.9%), while restrictions on fluid intake (22.6%) were least significant. Among men, the most significant stress factor was the need to follow a diet (47.1%), while restrictions on fluid intake (29.4%) and the impact of the disease on sexual life (29.4%) were least significant. Among women, the most significant stress factor was stress or worry related to kidney disease (42.8%), while restrictions on fluid intake (14.3%) and the ability to perform household chores (14.3%) were least significant. A statistically significant difference was found between men and women regarding concerns about the impact of the disease on appearance. This factor was more concerning for the female gender (p=0.021)

CONCLUSIONS: The quality of life of kidney transplant patients is understudied. The use of specialized questionnaires allows physicians to timely address the physical and psychological state of patients and adjust patient management strategies.