Long-term social outcome of children after kidney transplantation.
BACKGROUND
There are few data concerning the social outcome at adult age of children who received a kidney transplant. The aim of this study was to collect information on this outcome in a cohort of 366 children who underwent transplantation between 1973 and 1985.


METHODS
Information was obtained through a simple questionnaire in 244 patients. The mean age of the patients was 31.7 years, and they had undergone grafting at a mean age of 11.9 years.


RESULTS
As of December 2000 or at last visit, 77% had a functioning graft. The mean height was 156.6 cm for male patients and 147.4 cm for female patients. The distribution of educational level was lower than national averages: 27.4% were at the lowest level versus 3% of the general population, 41.4% were at the middle level, 31.2% had reached the baccalaureate level, and 11% had followed a university cursus. Activity was similar to the general population: 73% had paid employment versus 72%, 6.5% were unemployed versus 10.5%, and 18.7% received a disablement pension. Among the 149 male patients, 39 (27%) had a marital life and 12 (8.3%) had children, whereas among the 95 female patients, 48 (50%) had a marital life and 26 (27%) had at least one child. Lodging was the parent's home in 46% and independent in 54%. Multivariate analysis showed a significant correlation between educational level, paid activity, marital life, and independent housing with final height.


CONCLUSIONS
The long-term social outcome of patients who underwent grafting in childhood more than 15 years previously is encouraging. The importance of reaching a normal height is stressed.
Broyer
Michel
M
Department of Pediatric Nephrology, and Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades and University Paris V René Descartes, Paris, France. michel.broyer@nck.ap-hop-paris.fr.
Le Bihan
Christine
C
Charbit
Marina
M
Guest
Genevieve
G
Tete
Marie-Josephe
MJ
Gagnadoux
Marie France
MF
Niaudet
Patrick
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage; D008875:Middle Aged