Quality of life 1 year after lung transplantation

Prog Transplant. 2004 Dec;14(4):331-6. doi: 10.1177/152692480401400408.

Abstract

Lung transplantation is a viable therapeutic option for patients with end-stage lung disease. The focus of interest has shifted from advances in surgical techniques to improved quality of life for the transplant recipient. A prospective longitudinal repeated measures design was used to determine the impact of lung transplantation on quality of life and life satisfaction. Using 4 measurement points (before transplantation, after 8 weeks, and after 6 and 12 months), 61 patients were followed from before to 1 year after successful lung transplantation. Quality of life was measured using 2 generic (SF-36, Quality of Life Profile for Chronic Diseases) and 1 lung-specific (Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire) questionnaires. All dimensions of the health-related scores improved significantly after transplantation, except bodily pain. Patients reported the most significant improvements until 6 months after transplantation. Lung transplantation had no influence on social functioning or role emotional. The Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire ratings showed similar significantly better scores for transplant recipients at 6 months, and stagnations for most dimensions afterward.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Lung Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires