Quality of life after renal transplantation in childhood

The goal of renal transplantation is to achieve the best possible quality of life in patients with terminal renal failure. To evaluate some aspects of quality of life in patients with renal grafts during childhood of our center, data on medical, educational and professional rehabilitation were collected retrospectively. Between 1972 and 1997 135 renal transplantations had been performed in 123 patients below the age of 18 years. 12-year graft survival of patients transplanted before 1983 figured at 21% and rose to 62% during the following years, after introduction of cyclosporine A into the immunosuppressive regimen. The proportion of patients in the respective age group attending a secondary school (16%) was lower and of those attending elementary school (71%) or a school for disabled and handicapped children (11%) was higher than usual in the German population. But, 83% of all patients reached a school degree. After school 78% proceeded with a vocational training or university. 89% of patients completing professional training were employed at last observation as compared to only 60% of those who never finished a professional training. Renal replacement therapy starting already during the early phase of education is difficult to coordinate with normal schooling. Considering these health- and time-related obstacles, the degree of educational and professional rehabilitation of the patients is good. But, there is a need for special support accompanying educational and professional training.