Kidney transplantation in children: Psychosocial follow-up study on child and family

In 35 children treated for end-stage kidney disease with hemodialysis and transplantation, the psychosocial attributes of child and family were studied for their impact on long-term rehabilitation. Data were processed by a computerized system. The children's personalities and family function, although severely stressed during acute treatment, usually had returned to preillness equilibrium within a year and were comparable to a control group of other chronically ill children. Fear of rejection of the kidney and damaged self-esteem were prominent. Personality tests confirmed clinical diagnoses concerning psychosocial pathology and occasionally preceded such diagnosis. Personality testing prior to treatment of end-stage kidney disease may aid in predicting rehabilitation potential.