EQ-5D-5L quality of life scores predict long-term outcomes in kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation is the optimal method of renal replacement therapy. The EQ-5D-5L is a widely used instrument for assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) across different populations. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess HRQoL in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) compared with the general population and to identify factors associated with impaired HRQoL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 156 KTRs (58 women and 98 men) participated in this prospective observational study. All participants completed the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Demographic and laboratory data were collected, and physical performance tests were performed. Statistical analyses were conducted using Statistica. RESULTS: Of the 156 participants, 54 (34.62%) had an EQ-5D-5L health state of 11111, whereas 102 (65.38%) reported impairment in HRQoL in at least 1 domain. No significant differences in sex, age, or Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were observed between the analyzed groups. Compared with Polish population reference values for the EQ-5D-5L, KTRs had similar HRQoL, with a median utility score of 0.970 [Q1-Q3: 0.916-1.000]. In the multivariable Cox regression model, the EQ-5D-5L utility score independently predicted mortality in KTRs (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.007; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.000-0.134; *p* = 0.001). The EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ VAS) score also independently predicted adverse outcomes (HR = 0.966; 95% CI: 0.935-0.997; p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of HRQoL should be an integral component of the holistic management of KTRs. HRQoL assessment is associated with long-term outcomes in KTRs. Self-rated HRQoL measured on a 0-100 VAS may help identify patients at increased risk of adverse outcomes.