Health-related quality of life and symptom frequency before and after lung transplantation.
Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and symptom frequency and severity were assessed in 17 lung transplant recipients both prior to and following the procedure. Using standardized assessment techniques we found that the following components of QOL significantly improved post-transplantation: physical functioning, general health, vitality and social functioning. Both prior to and following transplantation, lung transplant recipients had significantly lower scores on all health-related quality of life indices when compared with a normative sample. Perhaps as a consequence of immunosuppression medication, recipients reported increased frequency of symptomatology following the procedure; however, considered together the symptoms were not reported as significantly more problematic following transplantation. These findings document improved HRQOL for lung transplant recipients and provide useful information for patients considering this potentially life-saving treatment option.
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida Health Science Center, Gainesville 32610-0165, USA.
K L
KL
MacNaughton
J R
JR
Rodrigue
M
M
Cicale
E M
EM
Staples
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000502:physiology; D006262:Health; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000523:psychology; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012917:Social Adjustment
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents