Transplanted patients generally experience lower health related quality of life
(HRQoL) compared to general population. The vast majority of studies evaluating
quality of life of patients before and after renal transplantation are in favour of
transplanted patients. Immunosuppressive treatment side effects seem to have a negative
impact on patients’ HRQoL. Nevertheless, HRQoL is generally significantly improved
in children, adolescents and adults alike. Further more, living kidney transplant donors
seem to present better HRQoL and improved depression status after a successful kidney
transplantation. Even when older living donors are carefully selected, there is no need to
be excluded from transplantation screening programs. Kidney transplantation represents
the only known definite treatment of end - stage kidney disease (ESKD). When
carefully planned and performed it will lead to both improved survival and health
related quality of life of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease.
Keywords: Health related quality of life, HRQoL, quality of life, QoL,
transplantation, kidney transplantation, children, adolescents, adults.
