Resumo

BORROTO DIAZ, Gerardo et al. Perception of the quality of life of patients undergoing haemodialysis or kidney transplant: A comparative study. Rev cubana med [online]. 2007, vol.46, n.3, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-302X.

It is known that those patients suffering from end-stage chronic renal disease that undergo haemodialysis (HD) or renal transplant (RT) experience a significant deterioration of their quality of life; however,  the implant of a new kidney that works normally leads to a better perception  of the quality of life and, therefore, to a better adjustment to the treatment. A study was conducted to compare the perception of   the quality of life in 2 groups of patients: one under haemodialysis treatment (G1 = 20 patients), and the other with renal transplant (G2 = 32 patients) that fulfilled the criteria of inclusion established to corroborate the above affirmation. A survey with general, clinical and psychological parameters was done. Their medical team made a quantitative evaluation of it, and it was found that the patients with RT had a good perception of their QL that was higher on comparing it with that of the patients treated with HD. The females, the young patients and those with middle educational level were the groups showing a better acceptance of their disease and of the treatment applied; whereas the prolonged time of treatment, the low levels of albumin, haemoglobin, and the high rate of hospitalization were negatively correlated with their perception of the quality of life. The greatest concerns of these patients focussed on the family support and relations, followed by the sexual sphere and their reincorporation to work.

Palavras-chave : Quality of life; chronic renal disease; renal transplant; haemodialysis; psychic; physical and social   wellbeing.