Background: There is a lack of knowledge regarding elderly patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and health related quality of life (HRQOL) after KTX. Many elderly patients experience good/reasonable good quality of life in modern dialysis and immunosuppressive drugs are known to have side effects with negative impact on HRQOL.

Aim:The aim of this study was to measure HRQOL longitudinally in enlisted patients >65 years of age, from time of enlisting for KTX and until 6 months post transplant.

Methods: Single centre prospective study including patients >65 years enlisted for transplantation. Participants were asked to complete the SF36 questionnaire at enlisting and thereafter every 6 months until KTx. Post transplant, the patients received a new SF36 form after 10 weeks and 6 months.

Results: A total of 217 patients have been included from Jan 2013. Mean age at enlisting was 70.7 years (65.0-82.3) and 68% were male. By the end of November 2015, 122 patients were transplanted and 74 had completed both pre- and 6 months post-transplant questionnaires.

When comparing the scores for the last SF36 pre-tx with 6 months post-tx, there was a statistical significant increase of the mean scores for GH (51-70), PF (66-73), BP (63-75), VT (42-61) and MH (79-84). There was also a tendency towards improved scores for RP (28-39) and RE (62-66), while the SF (64-67) score was unchanged. Creatinine was measured after 10 weeks. Mean value was 134 mmol/l (72-231)

Conclusions: Our preliminary findings indicate that older patients report a significant improved HRQOL measured by SF36 already 10 weeks after KTx and the status remains stable after 6 months. Longer follow-up will be presented.

CITATION INFORMATION: Lønning K, Heldal K, Bernklev T, Andersen M, Hartmann A, Von der Lippe N, Reisæter A, Midtvedt K. Improved Health Related Quality of Life Also in Older Recipients Following Kidney Transplantation. Am J Transplant. 2016;16 (suppl 3).

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