Quality of Life and Psychological Well-Being in Children and Adolescents After Renal Transplantation.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation is the predominant treatment option in patients with end-stage renal disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the presence of a psychiatric disorder on the quality of life in children and adolescents after kidney transplantation. METHODS: A total of 43 patients aged 6 to 18 years were included in the study. All participants and their parents were asked to complete the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), and families only, the Strengths and Challenges Questionnaire. Psychiatric symptoms and disorders of the patients were evaluated according to the Schedule for Mood Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children/Now and Lifetime Turkish Version. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to psychiatric symptoms and disorders. RESULTS: The most common psychiatric disorder was attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (26%). The questionnaires filled out by the patients revealed a lower Total PedsQL Score (P = .003), PedsQL Physical Functionality Score (P = .019), and PedsQL Social Functioning Score (P = .016) in patients with psychiatric disorders. When the parents filled out the questionnaires, the Total PedsQL Score was similar in both groups. The PedsQL Emotional Functionality Score (P = .001) and PedsQL School Functionality Score (P = .004) were significantly lower in patients with psychiatric disorders. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire revealed significantly higher total (P = .014) and hyperactivity/inattention subscale scores (P = .001) in those with a psychiatric disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric disorders in kidney transplant patients adversely affect the quality of life.