A prospective study of quality of life in end‐stage renal disease: Effects of cadaveric renal transplantation

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Abstract
We prospectively examined quality of life in a sample (n = 35) of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients before and after undergoing renal transplantation. Patients were initially assessed at the time of their pretransplant clinic evaluation. Follow‐up assessment was made an average of 9 months later. Subjects were classified into either a Successful Transplant or Waiting List group based on their treatment status at the follow‐up assessment period. Results indicated that patients receiving a renal graft demonstrated significant posttransplant improvement in terms of physical mobility (e.g., travel outside the home). Patients showed a nonsignificant trend toward improved physical functioning after transplantation on measures of ambulation and body care and movement. The present study did not find significant differences in vocational rehabilitation as a function of transplant status. In terms of psychological indices of quality of life the present results suggest a substantial advantage for renal transplantation. Transplanted patients exhibited a significant decrease in depression relative to the pretransplant period. In addition, patient reports of subjective well‐being (IWB) were significantly more positive after transplantation. Successful transplantation did not appear to reduce patient anxiety.