title: Health-related quality of life after combined liver and kidney transplantation in children.
abstract: While reduced HRQOL following isolated organ transplantation has been previously reported, there are no data in the context of children following CLKT. Twenty-three children who underwent CLKT at our institution were included in the study. The indication for CLKT was PH1 in 13 patients and ARPKD in 10 patients. Quantification of HRQOL was facilitated through the use of the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scale. The results of the study were compared to healthy children and published data of children who had undergone LTx or KTx. The CLKT samples' child self-report showed good HRQOL. No statistically significant difference was found between the patients with PH1 and patients with ARPKD (P=.4). Compared to healthy children, a significant difference in the total scale score, the physical health score, and the school functioning was reported. HRQOL did not differ significantly when compared to patients following isolated LTx or KTx. To improve HRQOL after CLKT, a focus on patients' physical health, educational performances, and overall quality of life is crucial. Thus, coordinated medical care across disciplines and psychological and social support is essential to achieve this goal.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Kaja
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schmaeschke
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lezius
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Enke
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Grabhorn
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Markus J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kemper
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Florian
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3221-1825
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Brinkert
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D006960:Hyperoxaluria, Primary / Q000601:surgery*; D007223:Infant; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D017044:Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Recessive / Q000601:surgery*; D011788:Quality of Life; D057566:Self Report; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: children; combined liver-kidney transplantation; health-related quality of life; kidney transplantation; liver transplantation