Abstract

Background: The aim of simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK) performed in patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and chronic renal failure (CRF) is to increase their health status, survival and the quality of life (QOL). However, SPK is related to an increased risk of postoperative complications compared to kidney transplantation alone (KTA). The aim of the study was to compare QOL of patients with IDDM and CRF subjected to SPK or KTA.
Material/Methods: Twenty patients after successful SPK with good function of both grafts as well as 16 patients after KTA and those who lost pancreatic graft shortly after SPK were analyzed. Minimal observation time was 6 months. QOL was evaluated using Polish version of Kidney Disease and Quality of Lifeâ„¢ Short Form (KDQOL-SFâ„¢).
Results: Observation time in SPK group was shorter than in KTA group (25 vs. 45 months). Analyzed groups did not differ in regard to patients' age during transplantation, duration of diabetes and dialysis treatment before transplantation. Patients after SPK reported higher QOL in regard to the effects of kidney disease and pain (87 vs. 78% and 100 vs. 62% respectively). Moreover, tendencies towards statistical significance were observed in differences between the groups in regard to cognitive function, physical function and general health (93 vs. 80%, 90 vs. 80% i 60 vs. 47% respectively).
Conclusions: QOL of patients with IDDM and CRF subjected to successful SPK is higher in regard to selected parameters evaluated in KDQOL-SFâ„¢ compared to patients subjected to KTA.

Keywords: Kidney Transplantation