Renal-transplant recipients and sun protection.
BACKGROUND
The incidence of skin carcinomas in organ-transplant recipients is high. The main factors implicated in carcinogenesis are immune suppression and ultraviolet radiation. Only the second is avoidable. We have evaluated knowledge of and compliance with sun protection measures among renal-transplant recipients (RTR).


METHODS
A survey by means of a questionnaire including questions about clinical data, knowledge of, and compliance with sun protection was given. The questionnaire was given to 520 consecutive RTR followed up in a single center, and 445 (86%) answered.


RESULTS
Of the responders, 91% have been informed of the need for sun protection, in 80% of cases by dermatologists. Sixty-eight percent used more protective measures abroad than at home, 63% avoided going outside during the hottest midday hours, 63% used sunscreen regularly, but 46% used one or less tube of sunscreen a year. A hat was always worn in the sun by 35% and long sleeves by 36%. Women and fair-skinned individuals complied better with protective measures. A minority of patients knew that ultraviolet radiation carries a risk of skin cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
This survey shows that most RTR are aware of the need for sun protection, but only a minority take adequate protection measures. The better results observed in this study than in previous published investigations may be caused by the great involvement of dermatologists in the care of RTR in our institution. The results of this survey underline the need to inform RTR better about sun-protection measures and the importance of cooperation between transplant physicians and dermatologists.
Mahé
Emmanuel
E
Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France. emmanuel.mahe@nck.ap-hop-paris.fr
Morelon
Emmanuel
E
Fermanian
Jacques
J
Lechaton
Sophie
S
Pruvost
Christelle
C
Ducasse
Marie-Françoise
MF
Mamzer-Bruneel
Marie-France
MF
Kreis
Henri
H
Bodemer
Christine
C
de Prost
Yves
Y
D003020:Clothing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D012086:Reoperation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D013473:Sunscreening Agents